As of January 2013, The Garden Club of San Miguel de Allende, GTO Mexico became officially affiliated with Federación Mexicana de Jardineria y Arreglo, A.C.

The Mexican Federation of Gardening was founded in 1974 by the presidents at the time of a dozen gardening clubs within the D.F. The goal was to encourage gardening groups, all with common interests, to join efforts and this way acquire better knowledge which would enable them to spread the word and share the understanding of gardening, the care of the environment and the love of nature.
The Federation frequently meets with the majority of the existing clubs in the D.F. and in the Mexican Republic and in this way they manage to consolidate their educational and ecological intentions as well as social work throughout the region.
A wide variety of gardening workshops, floral exhibitions and educational trips are held throughout the year. Please visit the website for more information: http://www.fmjaf.com.mx/

This lovely booklet contains fourteen fabulous picture postcards you can save as a memory of your visit to San Miguel. Or you can send them individually to your friends and family.

If you say “tomato,” and I say “tomahto,” don’t call the whole thing off. Instead, get a copy of the San Miguel Garden Club’s new bilingual cookbook, The Flavors of San Miguel. With side-by-side translations in Spanish and English, you’ll always be on the same page with your kitchen mate!

Just in time for those holiday guests, this 240-page cookbook—five years in the making, featuring over 200 recipes—promises to spice up your vocabulary, and your dinner offerings, as well.

If your last dinner guest asked “Was that a soufflé or a pancake?” this is the guide you need. With nine sections, this cookbook’s Introduction addresses features like high altitude cooking, to boost your status as the Julia Child—or Diana Kennedy—of your Mah Jongg group (you do serve your ladies lunch, yes?). The Introduction also contains conversion charts, a bilingual list of ingredients, and a list of useful kitchen vocabulary in Spanish & English.

But we’re sure when your guests say “Delicioso!” after these recipes, you won’t need a translation.

Other sections in the cookbook cover Appetizers, Drinks, Brunch Dishes, Hot & Cold Soups, and Salads. The Main Dish section, with recipes for salsas, beef, pork, chicken, and fish dishes, also includes lists that match U.S. cuts of meat with their Mexican equivalent, which you will find invaluable! The final two sections of the cookbook cover Side Dishes and Desserts.

The cookbook is published by The San Miguel Garden Club, which wanted to share the magic of our very special town with those who live here and visit here – a kind of magic that so easily translates into good times and great parties! Proceeds from sales of this cookbook go towards beautifying the city of San Miguel.

The book is available for a $250 Peso Donation And here’s where you can find these wonderful cookbooks: La Cava, Casa Katalina, La Conexión (Aldama, Longhorn & Plaza Real del Conde branches), Cafe Monet, Xochi Flores, San Miguel Management Company, and Solutions (Recreo & Mesones branches). They are also available at the El Charco del Ingenio bookstore at the Botanical Gardens, and at Libreria La Deriva, the Fabrica Aurora bookstore.

Once again we return to the uniquely beautiful home of Carol and Harold Weicker. Exact directions to the Rancho Encantado will be provided in the meeting reminder. There will not be a formal business meeting but the calendar photographers will be introduced. To make this the most successful luncheon ever and reduce stress on committee chair Joy Price and her assistants handling preparations, please follow the instructions:

The luncheon will begin at noon beginning with wine and refreshments. Food will be served thereafter so please be on time to allow for setup. Carol advises that she has some food heating facilities but a good alternative is the Costco cold bag which will also keep food warm if it is first wrapped in foil and a towel. All contributors will be given a mini-sign card to fill out and place in their dish. Please have a title for your dish ready, such as Mint Aspic, and the name of an herb or spice that is a key ingredient.

Every member who attends is required to bring a dish sufficient for 10-12 people. Members must let Joy know well in advance what they will be bringing. If a group decides to provide a dish, the quantity should be expanded by the number in the group. i.e. a group of three should prepare a dish for 30.
If members are bringing guests, they must give Joy Price their names. Those not on the guest list will not be admitted. Guests will pay $175 pesos and may pay at the door but we will not have change so please bring correct change.
If a member is unable to attend at the last minute, they must find somebody else to bring their dish.
Best dishes in each category will have the recipe printed in the following Newsleaf.
Remember ENTRANCE TO THE LUNCHEON IS BY PREARRANGED DISH PREPARATION OR GUEST SIGN-UP ONLY. If you have any questions regarding guests or food responsibility, please call Joy Price.

The vote is in and by an overwhelming majority the Garden Club day trip will be to the Trinitate Art Workshop and lunch at the Hotel Villa Maria Christina. The date is Wednesday, September 9th and we will leave from St. Paul’s church at 8:30.The cost for the trip will be 550 pesos which will include bus, snacks, lunch, and tips. Any alcoholic beverages at lunch will be extra. You may pay for the trip at the July Garden Club meeting or arrange for payment with Donne Geck (152-1755) or Barbara Flynn (154-9782). You must pay to reserve your space. Final deadline for payment is August 10th. After this date spouses and friends are invited if there are spaces available. For further questions please call Donne or Barbara at the numbers listed above.