(L-R, back row): Dargan Long, Karen Tabb, Laura Hays, JoAnn Calhoun, Ann Stewart, Lynn Rizzo, Ada Geer, Eloise George; (second row) Dan Minix, Joanne Minix, Iva Tabb, Lola Godfrey, Jan Grimsley, Hilda Grow; (front row) Stella Phillips, Dorothy Milliner, Rita Smith, Linda Atterson, Tina Grimsley. Not shown was guest Charla Palmer. Back of The Moon was the setting for the Colquitt Garden Club’s meeting finale before summer vacation. Members met on the afternoon of May 11 at Dan and Joanne Minix’s Bloomsbury Library and Nature Preserve.

Dan told the group how he accumulated his extensive collection of books, artwork and memorabilia. He is acquainted with some of the authors of the books, and many of the books are stories of our area. Iva Tabb presented Dan Minix with a copy of The History of Miller County, Georgia 1856 - 1980, to add to his collection.

Dan then introduced his friend and local artist, Dargan Long. Mr. Long, who has a studio in Bainbridge, spoke to us about his progression from being a local farmer to establishing his career as an extremely accomplished professional artist. He specializes in landscapes, wildlife and portraits.

Garden club members took a guided tour to the “Stump Garden” and cottage residence of Dan and Joanne Minix, the neighboring garden of Walter and Laura Hays and then to the nature trail. The trail was interspersed with statuary, benches and an arched bridge.

This retreat, so generously offered to us by Dan and Joanne Minix, was enjoyed by 15 members and three guests. The garden club meetings will reconvene in Sep tember.