Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Newtown Historic Association decided to cancel the Holiday Open House Tour for 2020. But the Countryside Gardeners continued to add their decorating talents to the Half Moon Inn to help keep up the spirits of the season. Thank you to all members who participated!

There's no better time than fall to create floral arrangements. Look no further than your own backyard... using gorgeous autumn flowers, lush foliage and greenery, seasonal branches, pods, acorns, and pinecones. The following links offer dozens of inspiring arrangements, centerpieces and table designs to get your creative juices flowing.

https://www.sunset.com/garden/flowers-plants/fall-centerpieces#fall-flower-foliage-centerpiece

https://www.marthastewart.com/869084/fall-flower-arrangements?slide=3393245

https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g2009/fall-centerpieces/

https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/g10350425/fall-flower-arrangements/

https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/design-101/easy-fall-flower-arrangements-pictures

https://www.housebeautiful.com/entertaining/flower-arrangements/g3723/fall-flower-arrangements-centerpieces/

The Stockton Market and Farm to Jars offer summer canning and food preservation classes by Marian Bolum of Farm to Jars, a certified master food preserver.

Classes include a step-by-step canning demonstration, freezing and dehydrating tips, safety and storage information, plus a tasting and a jar to take home. Choose one class or choose all!

Classes are held at the Stockton Market in Stockton, New Jersey and are from 6 to 8 p.m. on the following evenings:

May 27 - Jardinière-collection of garden pickled vegetables

June 24 - Blueberry lavender honey jam

July 22 - Tomato bruschetta

Aug. 4 - Cowboy Candy (sweet and spicy pickled jalapenos)

Aug. 19 - Yellow tomato basil jam

To register for class, or for information and fees, contact Bolum at [email protected] or call 609-306-3489.

HOUZZ.COM is a great website for all kinds of indoor and outdoor living design ideas. Here's a link to some fantastic ideas for succulent arrangements... there are HUNDREDS of them! http://www.houzz.com/succulent-arrangement

At our May meeting, Cynthia Wright of Meadowbrook Farm demonstrated  how to make a wreath out of hardy succulents for use outdoors. She gave us tips on what types of succulents to use for outdoors and also had kits for sale that included the sphagnum moss wreath and hardy sempervivum plugs and plants. If any members complete their living wreath, please email a photo to Rosemary Tottoroto.

Visit Meadowbrook Farm... a beautiful estate that feature a retail nursery and gift shop. Go to http://meadowbrookfarm.org for more information.