Members of the Franklin County Garden Club recently enjoyed a meeting on composting presented by Interlocal Solid Waste Authority Regional Administrator Carol Fulmer.

The Interlocal Solid Waste Authority is part of the energy, utilities and waste industry. Fulmer has been working with the ISWA for 29 years.

Garden Club President Lola Eslick and club member G.G. Preble presided over the meeting and introduced Fulmer who provided valuable information on composting basics.

She explained that composting is the natural decomposition of organic materials that results in a rich humus which is a wonderful nutritional supplement for the soil that may be used to grow vegetables and other plants.

Fulmer passed out flyers on the subject that listed the benefits of composting as well as directions on how to begin. Acceptable materials to include in a compost pile might include fruits and vegetables, crushed egg shells, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, nut shells, shredded newspaper, cardboard and paper, yard trimmings, houseplants, hay and straw, hair and fur and fireplace ashes.

In addition to enriching the soil, other benefits include helping to retain moisture, suppressing plant diseases and pests and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

To learn more about composting, visit www.iswarecycle.net or call 931-703-2435.

Garden Club member Marian Sharber then explained floral design and horticulture.

The Franklin County Garden Club is a local chapter of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. Members meet once a month to network and share the love of gardening, plants, pollinators, floral design and community involvement. 

New members are always welcome.

For more information, visit facebook.com/nationalgardenclubs, email FranklinCountyTNGardenClub@gmail.com or contact G.G. Preble at 931-636-1951.