From left, Lucy Hurley, Barb Joy, Karen Ryder, Sue Lamb, Sue Alonge, Janet Centner, Judy Wilcox and Marie Zambotti, held a Bud ‘n Bloom Garden Club meeting and floral-arranging session at the Zambotti home.

BROCTON — In August, the ladies of the Bud ‘n Bloom Garden Club enjoyed a perfectly lovely summer afternoon at the Brocton home and gardening paradise of Marie and David Zambotti.

Approaching the home, a large bed of summer perennials in full bloom greeted the guests. Outstanding were the huge, crimson blooms of the Hibiscus and the golden hues of the Rudbeckia. A few Day Lilies were seen nestled among the taller plants and the purple butterfly bush.

Along the concrete driveway were tall urns containing tropical Canna Lilies and burgundy red Mandevilla plants.

Bordering the large patio, behind the home, were 13 large flower pots and urns filled with a wide assortment of multi-colored flowering annuals and coleus plants, some planted by the hostess at Barnes Greenhouse earlier in the spring, with the club.

Two covered work tables were set up on the patio, ready for some serious flower arranging.

Beyond the patio, a brief lawn was interrupted by a row of tall evergreen trees with a beautiful hosta and low-growing plants garden in front. A row of 8 fuschia-colored New Guinea Impatiens plants hung dramatically from garden hooks in the forefront. The garden was accented by decorative rocks, bird houses and ornamental keepsakes. “Marie’s Garden” sculpture was one of many garden accents that added interest and appeal.

Marie Zambotti shared that intensive “deer spraying” at regular intervals keeps deer damage to a minimum.

The covered patio held a relaxing area and a white linen-covered refreshment table. A bucket of cool water bottles and pitchers of lemonade and iced tea were offered. Golden paper plate- sized Sunflowers graced the table.

Co-president Judy Wilcox compiled and circulated copies of “Basic Floral Arranging Tips” that she collected from years of arranging expertise.

Members brought a huge assortment of flowers, fillers, containers, vases and oasis. Zambotti supplied buckets of water and needed space and extra materials.

The containers were placed on a table and numbered by Sue Lamb. Then each member drew a number and was assigned the container that matched its number.

After a brief period, 11 beautiful, creative floral arrangements appeared along with lots of sharing, conversation and laughter.

The group then retreated to the shade of the covered patio area. The tangerine and tan outdoor wicker furniture set offered plenty of room for relaxing.

Zambotti served a delightful, cool, lemon lush dessert. The overhead fan provided a refreshing breeze. Marie had decorated the coffee table in the center of the area with a wooden box with the inscription “A Garden of Love Grows in a Grandmother’s Heart.” Pink Hydrangea and golden Rudbeckia filled the box in tiny vases. Tea napkins matched the decor. On the nearby wall, a collection of metal butterflies and daisies added charm.

Being the perfect hostess, Marie agreed to give a walking tour of the evergreen-garden area, the family treehouse with a large metal slide attached and the 3-year-old landscaping gardens that surrounded the 2-story home. Boxwood, white Hydrangea trees, various Hostas and assorted Evergreen plantings, accented by decorative rocks, filled the flower beds gracefully.

Members then collected their containers — delighted with their new “professional-like” masterpieces and an afternoon of bliss.

The meeting for this month is to be announced. Members are reminded to check their text messages.