Pam Breaux, Bayou Vista Garden Club horticulture chairman, presented the program for the November BVGC meeting.

The make-and-take program featured information and a handout on the cultivation, propagation and maintenance of bromeliads and tillandsia. These epiphytes (air plants) take their nourishment from dust, decayed matter, and water as they grow on another surface.

She also demonstrated the steps in mounting the plants on driftwood. Each member was provided with driftwood, a bromeliad, and a tillandsia to create individual designs.

Breaux also provided members with a handout outlining the plant profile of the “Rose of Sharon” (Hibiscus syriacus) or “althea” shrub. A display of images of many of the plant varieties was also shown. The heat-tolerant shrub blooms profusely in mid to late summer, which makes it a favorite in south Louisiana.

Sandra Blanco, wildlife conservation chairman, reported on the history and status of the Black Bear in Louisiana, specifically in St. Mary Parish.

She noted that the black bear is listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as “threatened” under the guidelines of the Endangered Species Act. With the federal listing and the support of landowners, civic leaders, corporate partners, state and federal agencies, and concerned individuals, the bear population has rebounded and is approaching a healthy status.

Hostesses for the meeting were Jean Chauvin and Nancy Marcel.

Chauvin constructed the creative mass floral design “Fall Fantasy” using a pumpkin container, chrysanthemums, fern, goldenrod and statice.

The door prize winner was Verdie Laws.