Garden report: I will cut forsythia branches and force them inside. Some friends told me they did this last month. Other friends said the pussy willows are out. However, I don’t have them in my yard.

There is one bud on my Thanksgiving cactus. Maybe it has transitioned to a spring cactus.

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The Amherst Woman’s Club, of which I am a member, is hosting its annual flower show and sale Saturday, March 23 from 10 a.m, to 2 p.m. A talk on landscaping will be held at 1 p.m.

Besides plants, there are garden-related items for sale.

The money is used scholarships and nonprofit organizations. Tickets are $5 and available at the door.

Refreshments will be served. I will be in the kitchen taste-testing the donations to ensure you will have good things to eat.

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Another Woman’s Club event: The Valley Winds Woodwind Quintet will perform Sunday, March 24 at 3 p.m., at the clubhouse, 35 Triangle St. The quintet consists of flute, oboe, clarinet, French horn and bassoon, according to an email from Stephanie Railsback.

Suggested donation: $15. All donations benefit scholarships for Amherst Regional High School students and local service agencies.

Tickets are available online and at the door.

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Jeff and Marilyn Blaustein of Amherst emailed me some stunning photos of New Zealand. Jeff wrote about his adventures, “Helicopter ride to 7,000 feet over Milford Sound, hike up Rocky Mountain looking down at Wanaka Lake. We have hundreds of pictures. This place is beautiful. ”

One photo shows the helicopter in the background. They are standing on snow. New Zealand is beginning its fall season, as are all the countries south of the equator.

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The Amherst Shade Tree Committee sent me an email advising residents to save the date of the first planting of the year. It will be held Saturday, April 13 starting on the South Amherst Common. Tools will be provided. However, bring gloves. It’s free.

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Condolences to the family and friends of Denny Jones, who was a major figure in town. He developed his real estate agency into a major business serving several communities. He was active in town affairs and cared deeply about the community. I met him many times over the decades and he was gracious and cordial. He was enthusiastic in his greetings.

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Send items for the Lehrer Report to phyllehrer@gmail.com.