Magnolia Garden Club plans 2015 events

The Magnolia Garden Club held its monthly meeting on Monday, January 12, at the home of Lynn Landreneau, with president Mable Foreman presiding. Eleven members were in attendance.
The club was very pleased with the number of participants in the Christmas Lighting Contest and thanks all of those who chose to “light up.”
On Saturday, January 17, members of the Magnolia Garden Club attended the memorial mass for Gwen Johnson at Our Lady Queen of All Saints.
The club’s Arbor Day celebration will be held at the new ball park at a later date. The club was invited to a flower show in Lake Charles on March 26-27.
Club members Elaine LaTour and Cindy Hayes met with Mayor Jennifer Vidrine and landscaper Randal Glaser to plan changes to the east entrance into Ville Platte. They discussed the placement of water, lighting for the entrance sign, a larger concrete area, flags and planting roses to enhance the sign.
Landreneau gave a program on poisonous plants commonly found in the home landscape. Japanese ewe plants are tolerant of shade, but the red berries are toxic. Castor beans have beautiful foliage but contain the deadly poison ricin. Sago palms are poisonous to cats and dogs, and the seeds are the most toxic part. Oleander plants are extremely toxic if ingested, if inhaled when burned or if skin contact is made with the milky sap. Lantana plants are toxic if eaten and can cause a skin rash. Other poisonous plants include wisteria, foxglove, hydrangea, lily of the valley, chrysanthemum and ficus. Everyone knows poisonous ivy and sumac will cause a skin rash. Remember this adage, “If you see three leaves, let it be.” This is the way to identify poison ivy.