May 18, 2007 By Frances Borsodi Zajac 4 min read

After a delicious but full lunch at the Green Gardeners 10th Spring Bazaar and Luncheon on Friday at the Uniontown Country Club, guest speaker Susan Brimo-Cox suggested the attendees get a little exercise by standing and placing their arms at their sides. Then, she said, begin flapping.

“Keep this up 18 to 20 hours straight and you’ve just become red-throated hummingbirds,’ Brimo-Cox said with a smile, prompting the audience to burst into laughter.

But she garnered an appreciation for this amazing animal as Brimo-Cox noted the species is flying 18 to 20 hours across the Gulf of Mexico as it migrates from the South each year. That’s no small feat.

Brimo-Cox, Herald-Standard gardening columnist from Ohiopyle, spoke about hummingbirds at the biannual luncheon that supports the efforts of the Green Gardeners, a volunteer organization responsible for planting more than 400 trees and maintaining the gardens of downtown Uniontown.

Jane Watts, who was co-chairwoman of the event with Suzanne McMonagle, previously explained the bazaar and luncheon is held every other year; the first held in 1988 when the group raised $892. The last time, the luncheon raised $8,651.68 after expenses.

At Friday’s luncheon, Watt reported, “We have 195 guests – one of the biggest responses we’ve had. And it’s a beautiful day – it was supposed to be raining – and so we’re happy for that.’

McMonagle said, “It looks very successful. We’ve had some very nice comments.’

And she explained, “This is how we buy the flowers we plant downtown. One hundred percent of what we earn goes back into community planting.’

The event began with a Chinese auction of gifts donated by the members such as gift baskets, artwork, a unique jacket and purse. There also was a bazaar that included soups, candles, cookies, fudge, honey, note cards, herbs and flowers.

Those attending included charter member Bernardine Hagan, who was present when the club formed 54 years ago. One of the oldest civic gardening clubs in the county, the Green Gardeners plant and maintain city flowerbeds that include George C. Marshall Memorial Plaza, the parking garage garden at Church and South streets, Spurgeon Memorial at the Uniontown Public Library and a shade garden on Morgantown Street near Peter Street. They also plant and maintain the small park at the Fayette County Courthouse as well as 58 flowerpots in the business district. They financially support the maintenance of the Heritage Garden in downtown Uniontown.

The Green Gardeners also educate residents as well as professional trimmers in proper tree planting, care and maintenance through members serving on the Tree Commission.

And they work with community volunteers through the Fayette Progress Council to coordinate, instruct and demonstrate planting techniques – quite a job for an organization with just 33 members.

President Donna George welcomed everyone as the lunch was being served and said, “Your presence today enables us to continue our endeavor for downtown beautification.’

She spoke about the Green Gardeners’ work and explained, “The rewards are immeasurable because you create a sense of pride in your hometown.’

Besides having fun and raising money, the luncheon also serves to educate as evidenced by Brimo-Cox’s talk on the hummingbird.

She explained there are about 400 species of hummingbirds that are known to inhabit only the Western Hemisphere although they can be found at the seashore and in the mountains.

“They use a lot of energy,’ said Brimo-Cox, saying the bird has been clocked at more than 60 mph.

Residents of this area can find both red-throated and rufous hummingbirds.

Brimo-Cox explained hummingbirds arrive in the spring.

“Most arrive in this area in mid-May. I usually seek them Mother’s Day weekend,’ she said. “They follow the blooming of flowers and insect activity.’

Hummingbird eggs are the size of beans and usually hatch in 14 to 16 days. Baby hummingbirds are the size of a honeybee and they are ready to fly in three weeks.

The males begin to leave the area at the end of July; the females in August while the young stay as late as mid-October.

Brimo-Cox explained which flowers attract hummingbirds and offered a recipe for a nectar to place in a hummingbird feeder. But beware, hummingbirds are territorial about their feeders, launching what are known as “Hummer Wars.’

Yet, it is a delightful and fascinating creature, she said.

Brimo-Cox said, “I hope you enjoy the hummingbirds this season and they are here.’

The Green Gardeners will have their planting day in Uniontown on Monday.