Irish Coffee Irish coffee is a timeless cocktail that combines hot brewed coffee with Irish whiskey and a touch of sugar, finished with a layer of lightly whipped fresh cream gently floated on top. Served warm, it’s meant to be sipped through the cream, allowing the rich coffee and whiskey to blend smoothly with the cool, velvety topping, which is typically unsweetened or only lightly sweetened. INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream 5oz freshly brewed black coffee 1. 7 oz

Guinness Chocolate Puddings The story of Guinness chocolate pudding is inspired by the rich traditions of Irish cooking, where the bold, roasted notes of stout are often used to deepen and enhance sweet dishes. Although Guinness has been brewed in Dublin since 1759, pairing it with chocolate in a decadent pudding is a more contemporary creation—one that has become especially popular around St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. INGREDIENTS 1 1/4 sticks Unsalted Butter plus extra for

"What's the Buzz" BEE HIVE EDUCATIONAL NEWS from the Hive Laura Guilmette   A year-long educational series.   1) Beekeeping is the second oldest profession. People have been gathering honey from bees in the wild for at least 8,000-10,000 years. Based on Egyptian art, beekeeping has likely been happening for at least 4,500 years. Archeologists have found inscriptions in Egyptian tombs that depict pouring honey in jars and removing honey. Evidence of pottery used as hives found

"What's the Buzz" BEE HIVE EDUCATIONAL NEWS from the Hive Laura Guilmette   A year-long educational series.   Bee news for winter 2026 in Georgia focuses on the impact of unpredictable weather on hive management and the behavioral responses of local bee populations. Beekeepers are advised to monitor hive conditions closely due to the potential for late-winter starvation and variable temperatures.  Bee Behavior in Georgia's Winter Honey Bees: Honey bees do not hibernate. Inste

"What's the Buzz" BEE HIVE EDUCATIONAL NEWS from the Hive Laura Guilmette   A year long educational series.   Honey bee winter survival in North Georgia Do honeybees die in the winter? Yes, unfortunately, some colonies inevitably die in the winter. This can happen if the population is not large enough, the food stores are insufficient, or the colony enters the winter with a disease or virus.   Clustering:  As temperatures fall, bees form a tight cluster around the queen and t

"What's the Buzz" BEE HIVE EDUCATIONAL NEWS from the Hive Laura Guilmette  A year long educational series.   What to know about bees in North Georgia in the fall Increased activity: Honeybee and bumblebee populations reach their peak in the fall, leading to more frequent sightings. Behavioral changes: Both honey and wasps can become more aggressive as their food sources diminish and winter approaches. Foraging on fall flowers: Look for bees on late-season blooms like dahlias

"What's the Buzz" BEE HIVE EDUCATIONAL NEWS from the Hive Laura Guilmette   This will be a year long educational series. Diverse Landscapes: From the North Georgia mountains to the coast, Georgia's varied ecosystems provide the necessary flowers and foliage for strong bee populations and honey production.  Commercial Importance: Georgia is a leading state in the production and sale of honey bees and queen bees.  Research and Education: The University of Georgia (UGA) Bee Prog

Hummingbirds Migration For many of them, Southern gardens and backyards provide the first welcome stop along the way. As winter begins to loosen its hold across the South, one of spring’s smallest travelers starts to return. Hummingbirds, migrating from their winter homes in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, are already moving northward. Gulf Coast Arrivals Lead the Way Throughout the eastern Southern states, the familiar herald of spring is the Ruby-throated Hummin

"What's the Buzz" BEE HIVE EDUCATIONAL NEWS from the Hive Laura Guilmette   A year-long educational series.   For the first time ever, Beekeeper Guilmette has placed swarm 'boxes' in various spots around Cobb County.   These are hand-built boxes containing spent comb and pheromone (Swarm Commander) in hopes of attracting a 'scout' bee which would direct bees to this new home. If you see a wild swarm in a tree or elsewhere, let me know. We can come to your property and swoon t

Irish Stew Irish stew is a time-honored traditional dish dating back to the 17th or 18th century, created as a simple, nourishing meal for rural families. Originally, it featured just mutton, onions, and potatoes simmered together—a practical method developed to tenderize tough, older sheep meat during harsh winter months. INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp Olive oil 1 cup Smoked Bacon, preferably in one piece & cut into chunks 2 pounds Stewing Lamb, cut into large chunks 5 Medium Onions, sl

Garden Week in Georgia & National Garden Week April 19 - April 25, 2026 June 7-13, 2026 Garden Club of Ga. & Laurel District would like our MEMBERSHIP Participation  ATTEN: Project Chairs As you plan your spring changeovers and upcoming programs, please keep our red, white, and blue patriotic theme in mind as we prepare for the 250th Anniversary   celebration of the United States of America . We encourage you to consider incorporating this patriotic theme in

"2028" Century Club Membership JOIN ASAP to become a Century Club Member The 100th Anniversary Committee will need funds to pay for the following: Traveling Exhibits - Statewide Exhibits within each of the Districts - at libraries and other public places Century Club Member Lapel Pin (individual members only) showing our logo and a Century Club banner  Therefore, in order to raise funds to help defray the cost of some of the events planned for our 100th Anniversary Celebratio

4 Interesting Facts of St. Patrick & St Patrick Day Traditions From hardship to faith, from blue to green, and from legend to celebration, St. Patrick’s story continues to inspire a day filled with heritage, hope, and a little Irish luck. St Patrick was not Irish At just sixteen years old, St. Patrick  was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland, where he was enslaved for six years. During his captivity, he turned deeply to prayer and faith. After eventually escaping

Irish Soda Bread with Smoked Salmon Irish soda bread first appeared in the 1830s–1840s as a simple, affordable, and essential bread for Irish households. Made with just four basic ingredients—flour, baking soda, salt, and sour milk or buttermilk—it became a crucial staple during the Great Famine, particularly because many families lacked ovens and relied on low-gluten, soft wheat. INGREDIENTS 1 Large Cucumber Small pack Dill, chopped 7 oz Smoked Salmon Small Jar Capers, in br

Colcannon Colcannon is a classic Irish comfort dish made from creamy mashed potatoes blended with tender cabbage or kale. Enriched with butter and milk or cream, it’s often flavored with sautéed onions, leeks, or scallions for added depth. Hearty and rustic, colcannon is traditionally served as a side dish alongside ham or corned beef and remains a beloved favorite, especially in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. INGREDIENTS 16 oz kale 1 pound potatoes 2 leeks 1 cup milk sal

Hydrangea macrophylla  (Bigleaf Hydrangea) are popular deciduous shrubs known for massive, summer-blooming flower clusters in blue, pink, or white , thriving in partial sun and moist, well-drained soil. Key Care and Growing Conditions Light: Part sun is best, ideally with morning sun and afternoon shade. Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Soil: Rich, porous, well-drained soil is essential. Color Control: To get blue flowers, lower the soil pH by adding a

Why Is The Okefenokee Swamp Important to Georgia? Key Challenges & Concerns (2026): Persistent Mining Threats: Although a $60 million deal in June 2025 aimed to stop the Twin Pines project, environmental groups warn that without permanent, comprehensive legislative safeguards, other mining interests could target the area again. Hydrological Damage: Scientists remain concerned that mining on Trail Ridge—which acts as a natural dam for the swamp—could lower water levels, potent

MAYBE THIS IS THE YEAR… FOR THAT ORGANIC VEGETABLE GARDEN from Paula Flippin Six of our Daisies ventured out in February for a simple dinner followed by the complementary “Heart Healthy” program offered at the First Presbyterian Church, Marietta. Each of us came away better informed, and definitely invigorated, to be more conscious of her own heart health! Featured speaker was Wellstar cardiologist Dr. Nydia Bladuell who spoke, woman to woman, about our personal obligation to

A Month Focused on the Heart  Heart-Healthy Reminders Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol regularly Prioritize 7–9 hours of quality sleep Discuss personal, family, and pregnancy history with a healthcare provider Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, yet many remain unaware of their personal risk. Prevention starts with educati

Camellias Who Says Winter Has to Be Gray? When winter settles in and the days grow short and frosty, the garden doesn’t have to fade into dull shades of brown and gray. One plant, in particular, brings vibrant color and elegance right when we need it most: the camellia. Blooming from fall through early spring, camellias brighten the winter landscape with lush flowers in shades of pink, red, and creamy white. Even when not in bloom, their glossy, evergreen leaves provide struc