Cultura Garden Club members celebrated their annual Christmas dinner at the home of Brenda and Troy Oliver. Decorated throughout with beautiful Christmas decorations, it was open for members to tour. Club members prepared a delicious dinner, enjoying it in the formal dining room.

Susan Pearson presented the program “Houseplants Help Fight Winter Blues,” encouraging beautifying your indoor spaces with plants to connect you to nature. Pearson said this can benefit your mood by providing anticipation for what life will be like when spring arrives.

Another benefit she shared is that plants can improve the quality of the air in your home. This was confirmed by a NASA study that concluded plants help to improve the air quality by releasing oxygen and absorbing air toxins.

Being surrounded by plants creates a calm, welcoming environment as it relieves stress and symptoms of anxiety. Research has proven plants are known to help people feel more relaxed, comfortable and soothed.

Brenda Oliver presented “What to do if Houseplants Have Yellow Leaves.”  Oliver said this is a sign of overwatering. You can correct this problem by letting the soil dry out or repotting the plant in dry soil. When your whole plant turns yellow, it could be waterlogged, meaning roots can’t get enough oxygen. If the soil feels soggy, don’t water again until the top inch of soil dries out.

Barbara Sage read “The Night Before Jesus Came” as the Institute.

Six Cultura Garden Club members attended the Alabama State Every Light a Prayer for Peace, held at the State Capitol, and the Garden Clubs of Alabama Reception at the Governor’s Mansion. This is the 77th year, and the theme of the ceremony, “Every Light a Prayer for Peace,” was started by the Garden Clubs of Alabama.

Attendees shared the Christmas tree was forty-five feet tall, an Eastern Red Cedar adorned with 50,000 lights. The State of Alabama reported it was the tallest tree it had ever displayed. Governor Ivey counted down from 10 before she flipped the switch. Club members attended the Garden Clubs of Alabama reception and enjoyed taking in the beautiful Christmas decorations at the Governor’s Mansion.

The highlight of the evening was a Dirty Santa gift exchange.