from the district director - university of georgia

From the District Director

Dear Redbud Friends, Welcome to Summer in Georgia 2019! We know it will be warm and, okay, probably hot and humid, but that is what we love about the South. Funny, we can garden year-round in our state… yes, every month but August! This issue touches on some early summer events with two wonderful garden tours and photos to share with your clubs. It is a great way to highlight your community gardens like the butterfly gardens and also educate and inform the public about what you do with garden clubs. Planning is well underway for the 48th Annual Yellow Daisy Flower Show at Stone Mountain Park September 5-8, 2019. Chairman Diane Hunter and Co-Chairman Susan Turner have an exciting theme for this year. “Daisy Saddles Up” will be the inspiration for the many designs and creative displays from the Youth entries to Educational displays. We look forward to participating in that. See this issue for information on volunteering! We will need hostesses, clerks, horticulture placement runners, and classification aides – and always need help setting up and cleaning up! We will have a Redbud Summer Board Meeting on August 12th in LaGrange. We use this meeting to review our goals for the next two years, hear reports from the board chairmen and, most importantly, review and vote on the new budget for the 2019-21 term. Treasurer Rigby Duncan will be leading that

session and we will have some good news to share with the board. It will be a pot luck luncheon so remember to bring a dish to share. Thank you to the Elms and Roses Council for sponsoring us this August. Details are in this issue. Though most clubs do not meet during the summer months, many club officers are busy preparing yearbooks, arranging for speakers for the new term and attending workshops. In late July, there will be a GCG, Inc. workshop at Rum Creek for the Community Wildlife Project. Also in July there will be a Judges Symposium in Athens that will be attended by many of our talented Redbud friends. Our big Redbud focus will be the Fall District Meeting on October 10, 2019 at Smoke Rise Country Club in Stone Mountain, GA sponsored by the Dekalb Federation of Garden Clubs. It is our primary fund raiser for the year and we actually need to call it a FUN Raiser! The theme is “Share the Joy – A Holiday Bazaar” where we ask every Redbud club to donate holiday-themed items to the bazaar. Details on what we want you to bring are included in this newsletter and you will be receiving reminders all summer long on this upcoming event. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes for a Fun and Healthy Summer!

With garden gloves in hand, Quill Duncan

[email protected]; 770 414-4766

Summer 2019

Newsletter of the Redbud District of The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc.

mailto:[email protected]

Redbud Reporter Summer 2019

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Howdy Partner! The Redbud District Forty-eighth Standard Flower Show will be held at Stone Mountain Park on September 6-8, 2019. Y’all ride along as Daisy Takes the Reins. It will be a Rootin’ Tootin’ good time for all as Daisy Saddles Up for some knee slappin’ fun! Remember, entries will be accepted Thursday, Sept. 5th from 1:00-6:30 pm. Daisy’s western theme promises her Spurs Will Jingle Jangle as you ride through the Painted Desert and tour the Wild, Wild West, from a Rodeo Roundup to a Hoedown and even a Square Dance! Wanted: Cowboys and Cowgirls to help set up this Rodeo. Tumbling Tumbleweeds (horticulture) will

need to be identified. Cowgirl clerks and Hostess cowhands need to be rounded up, and design and horticulture entries lassoed. Daisy can always use another cowhand volunteer. Won’t you ‘pony up’, ‘get a wiggle on’ and come along? Contact Show Chairmen Diane Hunter (404-992-7381; [email protected]) or Susan Turner (770-922-4411; [email protected]) to ‘pony up’. More information will be forthcoming from your cowgirl buddies--Diane Hunter, Susan Tuner, Joy Zaidan and Janet McGinnis.

Yellow Daisy Volunteers Needed To serve as a clerk, contact Ann Purr; [email protected]; c. 678-523-8146; h. 770-921-9070 To serve as a hostess, contact Beth Wielege; [email protected]; c. 404-966-4158; h. 404-294-5765 To help with horticulture placement, contact Quill Duncan; [email protected]; h. 770-414-4766 To help with horticultural classification, contact Sandy Reed; [email protected]; c. 404-772-2854






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Redbud Fall District Meeting

Who: Redbud Garden Club Members

When: October 10, 2019

Where: Smoke Rise Country Club,

Stone Mountain, GA What: Share the Joy - A Holiday Bazaar

We are cordially inviting all Redbud Clubs to donate

items for the new Redbud Fundraiser for 2019. Items can be new from a store or crafts or foods created by

club members as per the listing attached.

All items must be priced to sell by the donating clubs. We want a sell out!

All summer you will see examples of the kind of items

we want to sell and remember to bring your money and your check book!

Have fun and get creative! We will see you all in

October!


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“Share the Joy – Christmas Bazaar”

Suggested Items to bring to the Redbud District Meeting on October 10, 2019 at the Smoke Rise Country Club:

Homemade labeled jams/ jellies, pickles, spiced pecans, cakes and cookies packaged in pretty

Holiday theme paper or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon with food item labeled

Decorative jars of candy

Seasonal or Christmas wreaths

Door décor

Note cards

Sets of cloth napkins, pot holders, sets of napkin rings or aprons

Table décor, candles for centerpieces or accents

Wooden or cloth toys, Christmas books for children

Ornaments

And these are just a few suggestions for you to contribute. Feel free to create something wonderful with your clubs. We will have samples of items to show you at the August 12th

Redbud District Board Meeting in LaGrange, GA.

All items must be priced to sell and can feature any fall or Christmas theme. This is a FUNraiser for Redbud and a fun project for our clubs to enjoy. “Share the Joy” is the motto

and we want to extend that spirit to all who participate! Thank you!


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Dogwood and Redbud Districts Present June Workshops

June 18, 2019 was the inaugural event of the combined Leadership and Awards Workshops for Garden Club of GA, Inc. The workshops were held at Bellmere in Johns Creek, GA and 68 registered to attend. GCG, Inc. President Barbara Bourque presented the segment on Leadership. She covered tips on being a good leader, how to conduct a meeting and roles of the officers in garden club. The information was very useful for any club member, but especially for those who are new to garden club. The Awards workshop was conducted by Betty Benner and June Thomas, who are both from the Oleander District. They reviewed all the regulations on award applications and urged full participation by our districts to gather as many awards as we can. One very useful portion of their handout is the recap of each award and its due date. Redbud District Co-Director Glenda Stevens, Chaplain Claudia Perkins, Patsy Jo Adams and Helen Smith were in charge of the delicious boxed lunch and breakfast goodies and also provided the beautiful fresh arrangements on all the tables. Patsy Jo used hydrangeas and a secret formula to keep the flowers fresh as she had to cut them the morning before the workshop. She willingly shared her formula with the attendees and President Barbara intends to put the formula out on the

Listserv to all our members! That’s a great tip to share with gardeners who enjoy working with hydrangeas! We had a wonderful day and enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with our Dogwood friends and learn valuable information on two important topics.

Photos -- Top: Beautiful hydrangea arrangement made by Pasty Jo Adams. Bottom:

Dogwood District Director Debbie Vann (left) and Redbud District Director Quill Duncan

(right) wrap up the workshop.


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Wildflower Report One of the joys of summer gardens is the fragrant blooms of Phlox paniculata, long a favorite of perennial gardens. The woodlands offer their own Phlox blooms, and this beauty is in a small group growing on a slope. Phlox often hybridize, but from limited research, this one is very much like the blooms shown for Phlox carolina. The flowers are loosely arranged as in the illustrations, and the written descriptions fit. Those growing in the entire group are of differing heights. This is the lower end of the growing range for Phlox carolina.

Rosalie Gage Native Plants and Wildflowers Chairman

Redbud Summer Board Meeting

August 12, 2019

Sponsored by the Elms and Roses Council

Broad Street Church of Christ 408 Broad Street, LaGrange, GA

Betty Lester Chairman

Please bring a covered dish to share.

Remember to include a serving utensil.


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West Central Georgia Council Hosts Garden Tour

Dateline: June 1, 2019; Thomaston, GA Weather: Sunny and warm and a welcome breeze! Attendees: Over 100 interested and curious gardeners and friends! Gardens: 7 beautiful gardens all over the Thomaston community! Details: What a wonderful assortment of gardens on this lovely tour! First of all, it was organized and hosted by some very talented gardeners who are all members of the West Central Georgia Council and sponsored by some terrific local businesses. The council consists of the Thomaston Garden Club, Green Thumb Garden Club and Spade and Trowel Garden Club. Each garden had members who acted as docents and hosts for the tour and welcomed visitors warmly. Of the seven gardens, two were butterfly gardens. The Pat Bell Memorial Butterfly Garden was right downtown for that community to appreciate and the other was in the historic West Village by the assisted living facility for residents to enjoy. Across from that bright and colorful space was a community garden referred to as the Front Porch for gatherings and socializing planted with lovely shrubs and seasonal annuals.

The First United Methodist Prayer Garden offered a peaceful retreat for reflection and solace with sculptures and carefully selected plantings. Inside was a reception hosted by the council which offered refreshments and showcased a stunning collection of Bonsai grown by local resident, Ms. Harolyn Castleberry.

The Garden Gate garden was a residential enclave designed by a very talented gardener. Taking advantage of the privacy of the lovely fenced enclosure, the host created a colorful and relaxing retreat with fountains and garden rooms for resting and entertaining. The last two gardens were majestic in their size and scope. The Keadle’s Garden on 17 acres spanned across flowing meadows dotted with magnificent trees and lead down to a picturesque pond with a gazebo and a stunning water feature. Near the house, the owners had selected deer-resistant shrubs and trees, annuals and perennials to accent the grounds and create a welcoming entrance. The Weatherford’s Garden “Oak Hill” is aptly named with towering two hundred plus year old oaks commanding your attention on the expansive grounds. The property features their home and a log cabin, a barn for events and a tranquil pond along with many lovely seasonal gardens and a gazebo. Summary: A fantastic day! We never saw a weed and what a wonderfully welcoming community! Congratulations and a Job Well Done, West Central Georgia Council! Byline: Quill and Steve Duncan, Redbud District Director and her Fun Spouse!


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West Center

Georgia Council

Tour


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Landscape Design Schools to be Offered in Rome The purpose of the Landscape Design School is to help members become accomplished landscape designers.

The Landscape Design Study Courses offer a series of four 10-hour courses. The courses cover the history of landscape design as well as instruction from landscape architects in a variety of design techniques used in home and municipal settings.

The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects: from landscape design history to landscape architecture in the year 2000 and beyond. Since its founding in 1958, professional instructors have maintained the high standards originally incorporated in the study program. Also offered are many optional programs, such as conferences, symposia and tours. Students acquire the tools for making their own gardens more beautiful and easier to maintain. Many students have been motivated to serve in political decision-making areas where awareness of the impact of a well-designed landscape can enhance the beauty and enjoyment of life in the public arena.

The reading for this course is the NGC book "Stewards of the Land" along with the NGC subscription to the publication The National Gardener magazine. See the NGC website: www.gardenclub.org for ordering information or call 800-550-6007 or 314-776-7574. The classes will be offered in Rome by The Laurel District and The Rome Federated Garden Clubs. Dates for the classes are: August 7 & 8; November 20 & 21; February 12 & 13, 2020 and April 28 & 29, 2020. Each 2-day course is $100. There will be a breakfast bar, snacks, and lunch each day. To register go to www.romefederatedgardenclubs.com and go to

the “News” tab where you can print a registration form.

Iris Show Draws District Directors The Georgia Iris Society of Atlanta GA held a Flower Show on April 27, 2019. One current and two former Redbud District Directors were there at the same time. Current Redbud District Director Quill Duncan (left) was on the set-up/take-down committee, 2013-15 District Director Emily Wilbert (right) was exhibiting, while 2011-13 District Director Renie Falkenbury (center) was an interested gardener there for the day.

http://www.gardenclub.org/

http://www.romefederatedgardenclubs.com/


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News from the Clubs

Beauty of the Secret Gardens of Avondale

Almost ten years had passed since there was an organized garden tour in Avondale Estates. The Avondale Estates Garden Club thought that was too long, so the debut of “The Secret Gardens of Avondale Tour” was held on Saturday, June 1st. It was a resounding success! The weather was perfect for touring the six gardens on the tour. Plein-air artists were working in the featured gardens, which ranged from well-established to emerging landscapes. Attendees were treated to a garden at the first home built on Lake Avondale, where a large specimen oak provided the perfect canopy for the age-old azaleas and camellias. A second woodland garden, anchored with a dogwood, tulip poplar, black cherry, saucer magnolias, and a huge magnolia, included a pollinator section to attract butterflies and bees. The third featured garden utilized almost every square inch of space on the property to create magical nooks and niches. Whether listening to the sounds of the three fountains, lounging in the dining barn, or resting in the corner gazebo, visitors were guaranteed to see something they loved. In the next garden, innovative ideas were used to address the problems that existed in the landscape to create a backyard oasis. A historic garden, established in 1932, rivaled the beauty of a large estate with its traditional plantings and a working vegetable garden. Not to be overshadowed by these established gardens, the featured emerging garden was planned

with great care to create a garden that will be enjoyed for years to come. Strolling under the patio pergola, attendees recognized the signature southern scent of jasmine with evergreen clematis and Lady Banks roses nearby. The tour was very well attended and enjoyed by all. Our next Secret Gardens Tour is scheduled for June 2021.


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The Avondale Estates Blue Star Marker: Good News, Bad News, Good News! Good News: In 2001 and 2002, the Avondale Estates Garden Club and the Avon Garden Club pooled their efforts to purchase a Blue Star Highway Memorial Marker. Funds were raised to purchase the Marker and it was dedicated on the site in front of City Hall in December 2002. For many years the Avondale Estates Garden Club held a wreath-laying ceremony at the Blue Star Marker on the Thursday before Memorial Day. For the last four years, the Avon Garden Club has joined the AEGC at the wreath laying ceremony to honor all the men and women who have served and are serving in the armed services of the United States.

Bad News: In October 2018, our marker was hit by a reckless driver and destroyed. The driver did not have insurance so it was not clear who would be responsible for the cost of replacing the marker.

Good News: Through the efforts of the two Avondale Estates Garden Clubs, a replacement marker was purchased and erected just in time for this year’s wreath laying ceremony on May 23rd. Citizens of the community, veterans, and the men and women on active duty were invited by Christi Granger, AEGC President, and Barbara Fisher, AGC President, to join the garden club members in a time of remembrance and gratitude to the men and women who have made and continue to make a great personal sacrifice for the rest of us. The beautiful wreath was made by AEGC member, Tyler Weaver.

Mimosa Garden Club Inducts New Officers

Left to right: Ellen Brewer, Treasurer; Hazel Newman, Secretary; Cathy Smith, 2nd VP; Nancy Sims, 1st VP; and, Faye O'Dell, President.


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Conyers Garden Club Offers a Memorial Day Tribute The Conyers Garden Club remembered fallen servicemen and women on Memorial Day by placing a wreath at the Conyers Blue Star Marker located on Green Street in Olde Towne Conyers. The wreath also served a part of the club’s 2017-2019 Hometown Heroes Celebration which recognizes first responders, gardeners, horticulturists, landscapers, and others who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. The club places wreaths several times a year to bring awareness to this site which honors men and women who have served in the armed services of the United States of America. The Conyers Garden Club is honored to care for the Blue Star Marker in Rockdale County and pay homage to those who have given so much to our country.

Conyers Garden Club Participates in 2019 Great American Cleanup Day

The Conyers Garden Club took part in the Great American Cleanup Day: A Countywide Day of Service, which is a part of Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful. Along with the Rockdale Rotary Club, the club continued its efforts in the upkeep of the Lighthouse Children’s Garden. We are very proud to continue serving the community.


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Smoke Rise Garden Club Golden Anniversary Open House, 1969 - 2019 March 11th, 2019, the Smoke Rise Garden Club celebrated their 50th anniversary with an Open House. Members all chipped in to make it a joyful, homemade, heartfelt celebration. It was a festive affair! Tucker Mayor Frank Aumen and his lovely wife Gaye came! The President of the Garden Club of Georgia, Jane Hershey, sent an Award of Achievement Certificate and her congratulations. DeKalb Federation of Garden clubs President Glenndolyn Hallman attended. Charter members were reunited. We received calls, emails and letters from prior members far and wide. Neighbors came. Husbands came. New officers were introduced. There was a round of cheers for our hosts, the Ramakrishnan family - Usha, Ramesh and Arun! Sara Ann Pepper, Charter member who hosted the first-ever meeting in February of 1969, spoke about the club’s beginnings and we watched a slide show of all the gardening projects achieved in Tucker for the last 50 years! There was so much to celebrate! Garden Club girlfriends got their pictures made in our homemade floral frames and photo booth. We had chocolates, homemade lemon marmalade and wildflower seed packet party favors. The Smoke Rise Garden Club members went “all in” preparing a beautiful buffet and decorating with homemade paper flowers, tulips and balloons. Our 50th year is just beginning! There is so much more to come! We hope you join us as we continue to beautify our neighborhood and the city of Tucker!

Outgoing Club President Denise Finley read a poem written by member Clara Ann Foucht in 1999 that captured the momentous occasion perfectly.

WALK WITH ME DEAR GARDEN CLUB FRIEND

Walk with me dear garden club friend,

I’ve something to show you around the bend.

For this is the time when the earth is warm

And Spring has beguiled us with all her charm.

Let’s go to our corner with anticipation and glee,

To envision new landscape of flower and tree.

Together we’ll walk and share fellowship too

To inspire us all the season through.

We’ll cherish the sunshine, violets and rain

As we share a time together again.

While we come to our corner to plant a seed

And nurture the earth to meet our need

The rest of the story can now be told,

We have made dear memories more precious

than gold!

by Clara Ann Foucht

Smoke Rise Garden Club Charter Members Sara Ann Pepper and

Jeanne Lutz


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At a Glance – List of Upcoming Events

Event Date Location Redbud District Board Meeting Aug. 12, 2019 Broad Street Church of Christ, 408

Broad St., LaGrange

Yellow Daisy Flower Show Sept. 5 – 8, 2019 Stone Mountain Park

Redbud District Annual Meeting Oct. 10, 2019 Smoke Rise Country Club, 4900 Chedworth Dr., Stone Mountain

Georgia Iris Society Meeting July 13, 2019; 2 – 4 pm

St. Bartholomew”s Episcopal Church, 1790 Lavista Rd., Atlanta

Imaginary World’s: Alice’s Wonderland through Oct. 27, 2019

Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta

Monet Waterlily Celebration Sept. 28 and Oct. 5, 2019; 11 am – 4 pm

Gibbs Gardens, 1987 Gibbs Drive, Ball Ground

from the district director - university of georgia

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