Board Briefs. A Newsletter from The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. Board of Directors. Dear Garden Club of Georgia Friends,

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1 Board Briefs A Newsletter from The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. Board of Directors VOLUME XIV EDITION II SUMMER 2015 LINDA RAGLAND, EDITOR Dear Garden Club of Georgia Friends, We had a wonderful state convention, because the Oleander District worked so hard to make it a great event. Under the leadership of Deanna McFarlan, all went well. The National Convention has just been held in Louisville, Kentucky. It was a very nice convention, and everyone who attended enjoyed. I was able to meet presidents from other states and we brought home the awards again. I am so proud of GEORGIA. The Awards Committee will announce the winners on list serve. Thanks for being so wonderful!!!! Our two years together will be fun. Sowing seeds of knowledge reaps conservation with beauty. Martha Price President TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. President s Page 2-4. GCG 2015 Convention 5. Symposium Camellia District Notice 6. Suzanne Wheeler Flower Show School 7. Districts Dig Youth 8-9. The Children s Garden Wild & Wonderful Youth Camp Expressions Calendar 13. Cherokee Garden Library Program 14. Roadside Beautification Atlanta Botanical Garden - Gainesville 15. Blue Star Memorial Markers 16. Arboreta, Botanic & Memorial Gardens 17. Yellow Daisy Flower Show Designer Club Tour & Bazaar at Bellmere 18. Scholarships Gardening Study School 19. Wildflowers 20. Wildflowers Digital Photographic Contest 21. Garden Therapy Notice Litter & Pollution Control 22. Ban The Bag Farewell Date Register Garden Club of Georgia Executive Board of Directors: Front Row: Barbara Bourque-2 nd VP, Jane Hersey-1 st VP, Martha Price-President, Diane Harbin-4 th VP, Virginia Pennington-3 rd VP Back Row: Doris Blalock-Parliamentarian, Mary Denny-Finance Officer, Jean O Shields-Corresponding Secretary, Susan Turner-Asst. Treasurer, Brenda Griner-Treasurer, Caroline Alford-Recording Secretary 1.

2 Chairman Geri Shaw and Co-chairman Sara Lanier Oleander District hosted the 87 th Annual convention of The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. was held April 15-17, 2015 at the seaside Jekyll Island Convention Center, Jekyll Island with 310 delegates and guests in attendance. Geri Shaw was Chairman and Sara Lanier was Co-Chairman for the Georgia s Coastal Magic Convention. During the three-day convention, members toured the Jekyll Island Historic District and The Sea Turtle Center. Members attended three outstanding and informative workshops. Local birding enthusiast and wildlife artist Lydia Thompson did a workshop on wild birds from your backyard to the beach. Members Marge Willis and Sara Lanier did a workshop Funky Flowers that entertained proving that total opposites can make flowering arranging fun. Jenny Hoffner, Vice-President of American Rivers and GCG scholarship recipient, did workshop on Strategic Planning for Georgia s Water that covered sustainable management, water efficiency, and the success on the Flint River. Keynote speaker opening night was Paul H. Medders, Georgia DNR, Coastal Division, Brunswick, topic was explore coastal Georgia, 100 mile of coast line rich in history, beauty and natural On the second day, lunch speaker Dr. Terry Norton, founder, director, and veterinarian at the The Georgia Turtle Center was presented The Garden Club of Georgia s highest non-member award, The formal opening of the Annual Business Session was presided over by President Martha Price. During the business session, an impressive memorial service was held to honor 131 members and our beloved President Suzanne Wheeler. Each of the seven district directors lighted a candle in memory of their members and the center candle was lighted to represent and memorialize our beloved friend and President of The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. from 2013 to February 25, 2015, Suzanne Wheeler. 2.

3 Special guest was Gloria Blake, Deep South Regional Director, brought greetings from DSR during the anticipated Awards Banquet. Gloria presented GCG President Martha Price the first President Martha Price presented Rebecca McNeill the prestigious Peachtree Garden Club Medal for her outstanding service to the state and community as member of The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. Jane Hersey, Landscape Design President, presented the Landscape Design Award to the Gardens Oak Hill and The Martha Berry Museum at Berry College, accepting the award was Timothy Brown, Director. The anticipated awards were presented to individual, clubs, council and districts. The Garden Club of Georgia Trophy went to Roswell Garden Club, Dogwood District. Gloria Blake, DSR Director, did an impressive candle installation of officers and district directors for Seven district directors installed are: Standing: Rosie Davidson - Dogwood District Marie Andrews Camellia District Betty Davis Azalea District Seated: Janet McGinnis Redbud District Willie Maxwell Magnolia District Hilda Rushing Oleander District Edna McClellan Laurel District 3.

4 Magic Moments of the 2015 Garden Club of Georgia Convention at Jekyll Island, Georgia President Martha Price announced her theme for is Sowing Seeds of Knowledge Reaps Conservation with Beauty. At the close of the convention was the Life Membership and Installation Luncheon. Bess Hartley, GCG Life Memberships Chairman, presented the new State, Deep Text by Rosemary Maulden Convention Publicity Chairman 4.

5 Celebrate! 2. The 50 th Annual Symposium June 14 16, 2015 Presented by The Georgia Councils of Nationally Accredited Flower Show Judges Approved by The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. National Garden Clubs, Inc. The Georgia Center's UGA Hotel and Conference Center 1197 South Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA "Celebrate!" is the theme of our 50th Annual Georgia Flower Show Judges Symposium on June 14-16, 2015 in Athens at The Georgia Center's UGA Hotel and Conference Center. Registration closes June 1 but if you act quickly there may still be space for you. Horticulture Instructor David Robson is teaching an in-depth study of Roses and Displays and "What Does That Latin Word Mean?" Design Instructor Julia Clevett is presenting a comparison of NGC s Traditional and Creative Design Styles. Her Allied Topic is "Fifty Years of Designing" which will trace the changes in design since the 1960's. Symposium is an in-depth study of design, horticulture and allied subjects pertaining to flower shows that is more advanced than presented in flower show schools. These courses are primarily intended for Flower Show Judges to maintain their credentials, but all garden club members interested in learning more about flower shows, floral design and horticulture are encouraged to attend. To register, contact Cookie Roland at r_cookie@att.net or Come join the celebration! Bettye Trankina, Chairman Georgia Judges Symposium 2015 NOTICE: The Camellia District Executive Board and Advisory Financial Meeting, scheduled for June 30 th has been rescheduled to July 14 due to several members taking their planned vacations at that time. The meeting will be held at the Thomasville Garden Center in Thomasville. A Call letter will be sent out at a later date to all the members that are invited to attend this very important meeting. Helen Huddleston Co-Director Camellia District 5.

6 The Suzanne Wheeler Flower Show School Sponsored by: North Georgia Council of Flower Show Judges In memory of former GCG President Suzanne Wheeler, North Georgia Council of Flower Show Judges is sponsoring a Flower Show School to be held at Bellmere Garden House in Johns Creek. Come and join us September 28-30, 2015 for Course I. Learn the ins and outs of flower shows and how to create and judge award-winning designs. Georgia s own, Fay Brassie, NGC Flower Show School Instructor, will exhibit and discuss traditional mass, line, line/mass and still life designs. If your focus is on horticulture, then you ll want to come and hear Darlene Newell, NGC Flower Show School Instructor from West Virginia, talk about chrysanthemums, succulents and cacti, and how to grow, show and judge them. Flower Show School is not only for prospective flower show exhibitors and judges, but also for all garden club members and all persons interested in flower design and horticulture. While the primary purpose of these courses is to train those aspiring to become flower show judges, many people attend for information only. Each of the four courses, offered approximately every six months, includes Horticulture curriculum, Design instruction and Flower Show Procedure. The cost for each course is $ For further information, contact Joy Zaidan, GCG Flower Show Schools Chairman at jzaidan@bellsouth.net or Four Basic Courses Course I: September 28-30, 2015 Course II: March 15-17, 2016 Course III: September 27-29, 2016 Course IV: March 28-30, 2017 Fee: Each Course: $ Venue: Bellmere Garden House Bell Road Johns Creek, GA (Registration limited to 30 students) The Suzanne Wheeler Flower Show School Course I Registration Deadline: September 14, 2015 NO REFUNDS AFTER SEPTEMBER 20, 2015 Course I: September 28-30, 2015 (The 2007 Handbook is required for credit) Name Address Phone # Garden Club Make Checks Payable To: NGCFSJ Flower Show School Mail to: Cookie Roland, Registrar & Co-Chairman 2771 Anscot Court, Snellville, GA r_cookie@att.net (Check one) Full Course (with exam) $125 Full Course (no exam) $115 Full Course, Judge s Special $80 One Day, Monday, Horticulture $50 One Day, Tue., Design $50 Total Enclosed $ Fees include lunch and 2 breaks with snacks on Tuesday and Wednesday 6.

7 DISTRICTS DIG YOUTH! Youth Garden CLUBS A Special Project of The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. Your GCG Youth Team knows that you Dig Youth! Let s keep the momentum going and help our Young Gardeners learn that Sowing Seeds of Knowledge Reaps Conservation with Beauty GCG State Board Youth Team Youth Coordinator, Youth Sculpture Contest Chairman & Wild & Wonderful Experience Camp Co-Chairman: Susan Turner 3380 Glencree, NW Conyers Home/Office: Cell: glencree@bellsouth.net Youth Garden Clubs Chairman: Linda Cobb P.O. Box 1048 Social Circle Home lindalou218@earthlink.net Youth Awards & Wild & Wonderful Experience Camp Chairman: Molly Kimler 555 West Hightower Trail, Social Circle Home: Office: Cell: mollykimler@gmail.com High School Gardeners Essay Contest & High School Awards State Chairman: Barbara Wheeler-Horner P.O. Box 815 Evans, Home: Cell: bawhorner@aol.com Youth Poetry Contest State Chairman: Jean O Shields 400 Valley View Drive, Fort Valley Home: oshieldsjj@bellsouth.net Cell: Youth Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl Poster Contest State Chairman: Mary Ogden 51 Horton Road, Odum Home: Cell: mjogden@hotmail.com 7.

8 New Garden Coming to THE STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA A Garden your Children and Grandchildren will never forget! The Children s Garden We all know that the Garden Club of Georgia has a very long and significant history of support for the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens. In fact, since 1998, GCG headquarters has been located on the State Botanical Garden campus. In 1992, the arbor on the Shade Garden Plaza was completed and dedicated by then GCG president, Sylvia Gibson. The Shade Garden is Garden Club of Georgia s own individual garden. It is a handicap-accessible garden consisting of gently sloping walks with hand-rails, and it features seven plazas, each dedicated to one of the Districts of Garden Club of Georgia, and named for that district. Each plaza displays collections of plants that represent the district (with one exception because of climate). Therefore, we have laurel, azaleas, camellias, magnolias, dogwoods, and redbuds featured at the plazas and along the walkways, and a wonderful viburnum collection at the Oleander district plaza. Come to Athens and enjoy this shady garden experience on a hot summer day! Long before the GCG Shade Garden was completed, there were two decades of Garden Club of Georgia involvement in making the State Botanical Garden of Georgia the garden of excellence that it is today. Shade Garden plant collections began as early as 1972 with funding provided by the then 21,000 members of GCG. Past GCG members and presidents have had a major impact on the decisions made during the Garden s founding decade and subsequently in the building and expansion of the Garden over its next 37 years. Deen Day Sanders, of course, has contributed richly to the landscape and building features on the campus. GCG past presidents Jennie Anderson, Mary Helen Ray, Peggy White, Marvina Northcutt, Sylvia Gibson and Sue Duncan have had immense roles in establishing working committees to promote, shape, and fund the Garden. Their efforts, and those of many other dedicated people, have resulted in a world-class botanical garden showcasing a number of established themed specialty gardens and collections, beautiful buildings, and amazing outreach programs. These gardens and events draw attendance at the garden of around 210,000 visitors a year. 8.

9 Now a new and very ambitious garden is about to be built on the State Botanical Garden campus The Children s Garden. UGA academic departments along with garden Friends, Staff, and Advisory Board members have all participated in planning sessions designed to help reach and teach children (of all ages!) about our natural world. In this age of technology, children are spending less time at play in any outdoor environment. A first-hand knowledge and appreciation of nature and how it operates is the most important factor in helping children acquire a deep intuitive understanding of the need to follow a course of environmental stewardship in their future. Once again, we call upon the members of GCG throughout the state to participate in the building of this significant garden. Through donations, memorials, special fundraisers, and spreading the word to social organizations in your communities, we ask you to find creative ways to help support this new garden. In subsequent GCG publications and visits in the fall, the plan for our involvement will be detailed and our target Children s Garden feature will be presented to you. There is already much excitement building over this new garden and the learning environment it will provide. Please join us in this challenge. Marianne McConnel, Children s Garden Chairman 9.

10 The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. & Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center Presents a Wild & Wonderful Experience July 12-14, 2015 Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, Mansfield, Georgia Would a child you know love an opportunity to be surrounded by nature, make new friends and have a wonderful time this summer? Check out the 8 th Annual GCG Environmental Education Camp! This camp is open to all children entering 5th or 6 th grades. Our young people are invited to spend time learning about environmental and conservation issues plus much more! We have many fun and exciting programs planned with guest speakers and of course, all the fun of the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center! Spread the word to your club presidents, members and friends, as space is limited. The fee is $ per child. Call or for more information and get the Youth in your life involved with this Wild and Wonderful Experience offered by The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. Info & registration forms may be found on our website under Youth. Registration closes June 1, 2015 (But call and see if a space is still available). ~Questions? Call or ~ Molly Kimler Susan Turner GCG Youth Coordinator GCG Treasurer & Youth Liaison W&WE Camp Chairman W&WE Camp Co-Chairman mkimler@uga.edu glencree@bellsouth.net Info & registration forms may be found on our website under Youth. 10.

11 Registration Form The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. Wild and Wonderful Experience Overnight Summer Camp July 12-14, 2015 Open to Campers entering 5 th or 6 th grade. Registration begins March 1, 2015 and closes June 1, 2015 Parents will be notified upon receipt of application. Molly Kimler 555 W. Hightower Trail, Social Circle, GA mkimler@uga.edu Please complete this form and mail it with the $ camp fee to the address listed above, beginning March 1 st. We will only accept checks or money orders. Please do not send cash in the mail. Checks should be made payable to The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. indicating Wild & Wonderful Experience on the notation line. Mail completed form(s) & payment to Molly Kimler. Use reverse or additional paper if necessary for additional information. If applying for multiple children, please complete a registration form for EACH child. Child s Name Date of Birth Grade Completed Parent/Guardian s Name Camper s Sex Mailing Address City State Zip Home Phone Cell Phone Work Phone Any medical or allergic issues we need to know about? Secondary Emergency Contact Information (must be different from above): Name Relationship to Child Secondary Emergency Contact Number Sponsor or Youth Garden Club member of City Once your registration form is accepted, a camp packet will be mailed to you containing a detailed camp itinerary, code of conduct, rules for camp, packing guide, and medical & waiver release forms (to be completed prior to camp). Please circle your child s T-shirt size (pre-shrunk cotton). Adult sizes: S M L XL 11.

12 Now is the time to place orders to be able to get these new wonderful Expressions 2016! They are not just calendars anymore, but, recipes, ideas and designs from the home! The updated order form is on the GCG website: Forms section. Then scroll down to Calendars -Expressions2016 Or just click here: You can mail the order to your District chair with a check for the total including tax, made payable to: The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. The orders can be picked up at the District meeting in October. GCG State Calendar Chairman: Kay King 950 Pate Road, Juliette GA expressions2016@gmail.com LAUREL DISTRICT AZALEA DISTRICT OLEANDER DISTRICT 2015 Fall meeting in Towns County 2015 Fall meeting in Columbia County 2015 Fall meeting in Effingham County June Harrison Julie Mann Sharon Herrin 85 Blackberry Ridge 229 Dixon Court 6892 Beards Bluff Rd Ellijay GA Evans GA Odom GA june.harrison2@bellsouth.net julmann@yahoo.com CAMELLIA DISTRICT MAGNOLIA DISTRICT DOGWOOD DISTRICT 2015 Fall meeting in Thomas County 2015 Fall meeting in Peach County 2015 Fall meeting in Fulton County Julia Singletary Jil Powell Deborah Hamby 102 Chukkars Dr 1961 Red Rock Rd Bucksport Ct Thomasville GA Sylvester GA Roswell GA juliasingletary@gmail.com jilp35@gmail.com deborahhamby6853@att.net REDBUD DISTRICT 2015 Fall meeting in Coweta County Mary Denney PO Box 77 Moreland GA srdenney@mindspring.com 12.

13 CHEROKEE GARDEN LIBRARY Historical Collections Save the Date Celebrate 40 th Anniversary of Cherokee Garden Library Award winning author and America s Favorite Gardener Ken Druse Wednesday, October 14, 7 pm McElreath Hall, Atlanta History Center AtlantaHistoryCenter.com/CherokeeGardenLibrary orcall

14 ROADSIDE BEAUTIFICATION By KATHRYN LITTON, STATE CHAIRMAN Many thanks go to all the clubs and individuals who donate to the Roadside Beautification fund with monetary donations to help purchase seeds and bulbs for planting on Georgia s Roadsides. Mrs. Nancy Callaway of Callaway Gardens has also agreed to donate $12,000 to the Roadside Beautification fund for the purchase of daffodils over a 3 year period. Last year she donated $4,000 which the Georgia Department of Transportation used for the purchase of 26,000 Saint Kiverne daffodils that were planted along the corridor of the entrance of State Highway 185 where it comes off I-85 and goes directly to Callaway Gardens -- all blooming profusely this spring. She has already sent another donation of $4,000 that will be used this fall to purchase more daffodils to plant in other areas along the highway. Of great importance, The Garden Club of Georgia was able to make a $16,000 donation to the Georgia Department of Transportation from funds donated over a period of time by Garden Clubs and members. This is so awesome and such a wonderful gift to help with keeping beautification alive on our roadsides in Georgia. Each club is urged to dig deep and continue with your donations so we can soon make another sizeable donation to GDOT. Keep your donations coming. Memorials may also be made to a special person in your club or community. Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville, Georgia The new Atlanta Botanical Garden, Gainesville opened in May, celebrating years of planning and development of one of North Georgia s most beautiful landscapes aimed at connecting visitors with both the natural word and cultural amenities. The $21 million initial phase of the garden, developed on 185 acres given to the Atlanta Botanical Garden in 2002 by Gainesville philanthropists Charles and Lessie Smithgall, includes a contemporary visitor center, seat amphitheater, a model train garden, and five acres of display gardens featuring nationally recognized plant collections. Future plans call for an interactive children s garden, a native plant conservation nursery, and a student training and education center. 14.

15 BLUE STAR MEMORIAL MARKERS A Blue Star By-Way Marker sponsored by The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc., in Cooperation with Founders Memorial Garden was dedicated on Sunday, March 15, This beautiful teaching facility was inspired and created in the late 1930s by the Garden Club of Georgia in partnership with the University of Georgia, and was dedicated to the twelve Athens women who founded our country's garden club movement and to the U.S. military personnel who served in WWII; Hence the name - The Founders Memorial Garden. The marker is located at the Lumpkin Street entrance of the garden. Key Note Speaker was Daniel J. Nadenicek Dean, College of Environment and Design at the University of Georgia. The Marker was dedicated in memory of Suzanne Wheeler, as it was her dream to have a Blue Star Marker placed at Founders Memorial Garden in recognition of their 75 th Anniversary. A Memorial Marker was dedicated on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 on Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta. This marker, sponsored by Camellia District and The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. is located in front of the new World War ll Museum inside the main gate at Moody. The marker could not be in a more appropriate location since the Blue Star Program was first created to honor World War ll Veterans. Col. Chad Franks, Moody AFB Commander, was the keynote speaker and accepted the marker on behalf of the men and women serving at Moody. The dedication was well attended by members of the Armed Forces, community leaders and garden club members. The Founders Memorial Garden and Moody AFB markers are projects of the GCG/District Partnership created by Past President Suzanne Wheeler. Pine Needle Garden Club of Lincolnton dedicated a Memorial Marker on May 11, 2015 at the Lincoln County Courthouse. The marker is located near a memorial honoring local Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces. The Key Note speaker was Phillip Glover, who shared his recollections of his father who was a veteran. Phillip is the son of Peggy Glover, Azalea District and Deep South Region Blue Star Marker Chairman. I encourage the Districts who have not yet done so, to make your decision for a location and get your orders in for the remaining markers that are being cosponsored by the Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. President, Martha Price is honoring the project established by Past President Suzanne Wheeler for the GCG, Inc. to partner with each District in sponsoring a Blue Star Marker for each District. We would like to have these markers in place and dedicated as soon as possible to complete this project. As always feel free to contact me with any needs or questions. Jan Thiese, GCG Blue Star Memorial Marker Chairman, 128 Weatherly Drive Macon janicemariemaconga@cox.net 15.

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17 Scare Is in the Air if you Dare to Enter Redbud District s 44 th Standard Flower Show, Daisy is Bewitched! September 11-13, 2015 at Stone Mountain Park Friday: 4:00 7:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM 5:00 PM Wickedly Wonderful horticulture, Eerie-sistible designs and Bone-Chilling Educational Exhibits all await your arrival. And Something Wicked is Brewing as children wear their Monster Masks and stir their Bubbling Cauldrons. Come join us for this Frightfully Fun Halloween happening. Save the Date! December 10, AM to 4 PM The Designers Club is sponsoring a Tour of the Bellmere home of Jim and Deen Day Sanders Bell Road, Johns Creek, GA And Bazaar at Bellmere Garden House, free and open to the public For Sale Door designs, table designs, wreaths, all things Christmas made by The Designers Club Members Ticket required for tour of Christmas decorated Bellmere home of Jim and Deen Day Sanders Morning refreshments Afternoon tea Ticket price $25 Contact Nancy Jamison at nanwhit@bellsouth.net 17.

18 Scholarships GCG s Commitment to the Future Scholarship Update Dot Williams, Scholarship Chairman Many heartfelt thanks to our donors who made scholarships a priority. $62, was awarded to 30 students this year. Now, the cycle begins again. In February 2016, the Scholarship Committee will meet again to award scholarships to deserving Georgia students majoring in a garden or environmental field of study. Scholarships fulfill The Garden Club of Georgia s mission of education, and we appreciate and thank all our donors who helps us fulfill this mission. We are counting on your support again this year. All districts will have summer meetings to plan their year and establish their budget. Please include a Named Scholarship in your budget and encourage your clubs, councils and district to consider giving a Patron of Scholarship of $ This level of giving is affordable for most all to attain. Both levels of giving will be listed in the Expressions from the Home publication and Garden Gateways. This is a wonderful way to honor someone special or to remember a loved one. All Named Scholarships of $1, are sent to Dot Williams, Scholarship Chairman. If you have questions, my new address is d.williams@bellsouth.net. ( ), 6521 Rivoli Drive, Macon, GA All other donations are sent to our new Assistant Treasurer, Susan Turner, 3380 Glencree, Conyers, GA ( ) glencree@bellsouth.net. Don t forget to purchase the new Expressions from the Home publication. It has a new look and format that I think each of you will enjoy. Fewer will be printed so I predict an early sell-out. Remember, all proceeds go to scholarships. If you would like to think of it this way, donate $8.00 to scholarships and get a book free! Save the Date Gardening Study School Course I August 4-6, 2015 The Gardening Study Schools (GSS) provide continuing education in the study of horticulture. Course content is established by National Garden Clubs, Inc. Four sequenced courses (I through IV) comprise a series. Each course consists of ten hours of instruction, which may include field tours of botanic or test gardens. Optional exams are offered for those wishing to become NGC Accredited Gardening Consultants. The Rome Federated Garden Clubs will host Course I from August 4-6. The location will be Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rome. Registration forms will be sent on the Laurel List Server in early to mid-july. For more information, contact Jackie Fulmer at jackie.fulmer@gmail.com or call

19 Wildflowers "OH THE PLACES YOU WILL GO, AND THE WONDERS YOU WILL SEE" * JUST FIVE EASY PIECES TO WILDFLOWER AWARD SUCCESS Evelyna Keadle Rogers & Barbara Keadle Johnson, GCG Wildflower Chairmen Maybe you have thought about applying for the Wildflower Award; dreamed of walking up to the stage and receiving your award or maybe the thought has never entered your mind before now. Because we, (GCG Wildflower Chairmen Evelyna Keadle Rogers and Barbara Keadle Johnson), believe wildflowers are one of nature's most beautiful gifts, we want to encourage everyone not to just "stop to smell the roses, we want you to stop and enjoy the wildflowers too. We also Rue Anemone want to encourage each of our seven Districts and all of the garden clubs in Georgia to make applications for the Wildflower Award to help us make 2015 THE YEAR OF THE WILDFLOWER IN GEORGIA. We are planning many things in connection with the celebration honoring Lady Bird Johnson, the First lady of wildflowers, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of her efforts to beautify America with wildflowers. We want to turn the spotlight on Wildflowers and we need your help to accomplish this goal. We are offering a Wildflower Partnership. There will be opportunities and responsibilities for Districts, opportunities and responsibilities for Garden Clubs and opportunities and responsibilities for us, your GCG Wildflower chairmen. If we all are working together, then many of you will be receiving wildflower awards and recognition and we will all make 2015 The Year of The Wildflower in Georgia. Dwarf Crested Iris These are five easy pieces you can put together to guide you towards wildflower Award success: 1. District Directors please appoint a wildflower chairman. A beautiful bouquet of Wildflower thank you to Magnolia District Director Willie Maxwell for being the first District Director to appoint a Wildflower Chairmen, and to Maridean Maxwell of Albany, Georgia for accepting the challenge. We are in hopes of announcing the other chairmen soon. Thank you Willie and Maridean for leading the way! 2. Club Presidents appoint a wildflower chairmen Send the name and contact information to: rogers2767@bellsouth.net or to: Barbara K. Johnson, 7695, Camilla, Georgia Plan now for Wildflower programs to educate your members about wildflowers, or plan a wildflower excursion to learn about wildflowers. 4. Plan and execute your unique Wildflower Project. 5. Prepare and Send your application for the 2015 Wildflower Award. GCG Wildflower Chairmen will provide our five easy pieces: 1. A WILDFLOWER newsletter 2. Answer your questions ( or write us) 3. Meet with District Wildflower Chairmen to plan and support wildflower programs and projects. 4. Presentations and exhibits at District Meetings 5. A workshop for Wildflower Award applications 6. As a bonus, we will be your cheerleaders all along the way BE a member of the team to make 2015 THE YEAR OF THE WILDFLOWER IN GEORGIA! 19.

20 WILDFLOWERS DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST ENJOY & SHARE THE WILDFLOWERS! RULES FOR WILDFLOWER DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST Chairmen: Evelyna Keadle Rogers - rogers2767@bellsouth.net & Barbara Johnson Webmaster/2nd Vice-President - Barbara Bourque - b.bourque@comcast.net Get out of doors. Walk, cycle, skate, hitch-hike or drive. They are out there, they are everywhere you might look. Spring and summer shimmer not only with our Georgia heat, the season also shimmers with our abundance of wildflowers in every color and shade. Now is the perfect time to get out your camera and capture their beauty on film; and then of course send those photos in to the Second Annual Wildflower Digital Photo Contest. Your photos will be displayed on the GCG web site for everyone to enjoy. Application forms, guidance, rules, and regulations all in the GCG Guide. The First Wildflower Digital Photo Contest culminated with the winners announced at the Garden Club of Georgia State Convention at Jekyll Island, Georgia in April, 2015: First place winner: Ruth Edgar, Townview Garden Club, Rome, Georgia, Laurel District. Second place winner: Nancy Mitchell, Cumming garden club, Cumming, Georgia, Laurel District. Third place winner: Kathryn Rachels Fowler, Soperton garden club, Soperton, Georgia, Oleander District. All contest participants will be recognized, and receive certificates at the fall District Meetings. These photographers reached two important GCG criteria by increasing our knowledge of wildflowers, and adding beauty with their photographs. For any questions, please contact Wildflower Digital Photo Contest Chairmen: Evelyna Keadle Rogers: rogers2767@bellsouth.net or Barbara Keadle Johnson, 7695 HWY 37, Camilla, GA You will not be competing with professional photographers. Your competition will be your fellow wildflower enthusiast out there making discoveries, having fun and snapping fantastic wildflower photographs with their digital cameras. There is a separate category for non-garden club member photographers. We hope to soon be enjoying what you find out there and please encourage your friends to join in the fun. Just get out there and share what you find WITH YOUR PHOTOS. Purple Crown Vetch, Coronilla varia* Solomon's Seal Polygonatum biflorum* Flame Azalea Rhododendron calendulaceum 20.

21 GARDEN THERAPY GAIL RABY RETIRES FROM GEORGIA REGIONAL HOSPITAL Gail Raby, the contact person for Garden Therapy at Georgia Regional Hospital, Atlanta, has retired, and among the persons attending the retirement ceremony were Helen Grogan and Johnnie Berry of Dogwood District, and Emily Wilbert and Joanne Bennett of Redbud District. Both District Directors spoke on the program, and a bouquet of flowers was also presented to Ms. Raby. Gail will be missed as the liaison for GCG at the Atlanta area hospital, after working there for over 20 years. In the photo are Helen Grogan, Dogwood District Director, Gail Raby, retiring, and Emily Wilbert, former Redbud District Director. LITTER AND POLLUTION CONTROL: GET READY, GET SET, GO Evelyna Keadle Rogers Litter and pollution control is an important focus for Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. President, Martha Price. Along with her focus on Georgia's waters, all efforts and projects for litter and pollution control are a high priority for her term of office. Now is the time to begin the foundation of your litter and pollution projects. Most garden clubs do not meet during the summer months, however, now is the perfect time to GET READY: brainstorming, researching, planning, organizing, goal setting, and recruiting. With the plan in place, September is the time to GET SET: build the teams, gather the tools (remember to appoint a photographer to record the progress all along the way), and be ready to GO! Litter and pollution control Projects make communities better places to live; provide opportunities to join in supporting a community project, or inviting the community to join in with your garden club's project; provide health benefits for the community; provide opportunities to showcase the garden club as a community, state, and national partner in litter and pollution control. After all of your hard work you deserve a little rest; however, be sure to send in your award application before you sit down to rest. Please Contact GCG Litter and Pollution Control chairmen Evelyna Keadle Rogers: rogers2767@bellsouth.net and Barbara Keadle Johnson, 7695 Highway 37, Camilla, Georgia

22 BAN-THE-BAG Evelyna Keadle Rogers Barbara Johnson and I, Evelyna Rogers, were paying close attention to everything being said as we sat in our first Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. Board of Directors Meeting. As the newest members of the board we did not want to miss anything and we were busy taking notes when GCG President Suzanne Wheeler announced she was appointing us as chairmen of her special project, BAN-THE- BAG. We looked up at her in shock, and she gave us her sweet encouraging smile. We had no idea what she expected us to do. Our mentor, Virginia Pennington had guided us in understanding our roles as wildflower chairmen. She had told us as wildflower chairmen we should prepare a display and provide a presentation at meetings. Thinking we had to have a BAN-THE-BAG display for the next day, we made a late night trip for poster board, markers, and anything else we could find to put together a BAN-THE-BAG display and, while drawing and pasting, we made plans for our presentation. We were off and away on our BAN-THE-BAG adventure. BAN-THE-BAG was Suzanne's special project, and very special to her. The overwhelming support of the executive board, the district directors, and garden club members across the state is a tribute to Suzanne and a commentary on how garden clubs provide support to the goals of GCG and to their President. We had planned to present to Suzanne the very long list of signatures of your support for her special project, Ban-THE-BAG, at the 2015 GCG Convention. We will share that she stopped by the display and read the new names often. Now we want to say thank you for all of your projects in support of BAN-THE-BAG. The BAN-THE-BAG Project officially ended at the 2015 GCG Convention at Jekyll Island, Georgia. We trust the spirit of the campaign will live on with garden club members. We enjoyed our part in this project, and we thank each of you for your encouragement and enthusiasm for this special project. A heartfelt tip of our cowgirl hats to each and every one of you. Evelyna & Barbara 22.

23 DATE REGISTER JUNE Sat-Sun Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival and Flower Show Douglasville 7-13 Sun-Sat National Garden Week Sun-Tue Flower Show Judges Symposium Athens JULY Sun-Tue Wild and Wonderful Experience Youth Camp Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, Mansfield 14 Tue Azalea District Club Officers Workshop Athens 21 Tue Laurel District Club Officers Workshop Marietta 22 Wed Dogwood and Redbud Districts Club Officers Workshop Bellmere Garden House, Johns Creek 28 Tue Camellia and Magnolia Districts Club Officers Workshop Tifton 29 Tue Oleander District Club Officers Workshop TBA 30 Wed Community Wildlife Project Workshop Forsyth AUGUST Tue-Thu Gardening Study School TBA 11 Tue Camellia District Board Meeting Moultrie 11 Tue Dogwood District Board Meeting Sandy Springs Library 13 Thu GCG Investment Committee Meeting Buckhead 13 Thu Magnolia District Board Meeting TBA 17 Mon Camellia and Magnolia Districts Awards Workshop Albany 18 Tue Oleander District Awards Workshop Swainsboro 19 Wed Azalea District Awards Workshop Union Point 20 Thu Laurel District Awards Workshop Ellijay 21 Fri Dogwood and Redbud Districts Awards Workshop Atlanta 25 Tue Azalea District Board Meeting Warrenton SEPTEMBER Tue-Sat NGC Board Meeting St Louis MO 20 Sun GCG F&E Meeting Helen Mon-Tue GCG State Board Meeting Helen Mon-Wed The Suzanne Wheeler Flower Show School Course I Bellmere Garden House, Johns Creek OCTOBER Fri-Sat Magnolia and Camellia Districts Standard Flower Show Perry 6 Tue Camellia District Fall Meeting Thomasville 7 Wed Magnolia District Fall Meeting Fort Valley 13 Tue Laurel District Fall Meeting Young Harris 23.

24 14 Wed Dogwood District Fall Meeting Atlanta 15 Thu Redbud District Fall Meeting Newnan 20 Tue Oleander District Meeting Rincon 21 Wed Azalea District Fall Meeting Augusta NOVEMBER Wed-Fri Gardening Study School TBA JANUARY Tue GCG F&E Meeting Milledgeville Wed-Thu GCG State Board Meeting Milledgeville 19 Tue Dogwood District Board Meeting Sandy Springs Library 26 Tue Camellia District Board Meeting Quitman FEBRUARY Thu Magnolia District Board Meeting TBA 11 Thu Azalea District Board Meeting TBA 17 Wed GCG Scholarship Committee Meeting Athens 19 Fri Laurel District Board Meeting TBA MARCH Tue-Thu Gardening Study School TBA 7-8 Mon-Tue Deep South Convention MS Tue-Thu The Suzanne Wheeler Flower Show School Course II Bellmere Garden House, Johns Creek APRIL Tue GCG F&E Meeting Macon Wed-Thu GCG Annual Meeting Macon MAY Mon-Sat National Garden Club Convention Grand Rapids MI JUNE Mon-Thu Gardening Study School TBA AUGUST Thu Magnolia District Board Meeting TBA 11 Thu Laurel District Board Meeting TBA 16 Tue Camellia District Board Meeting TBA 18 Thu Azalea District Board Meeting TBA SEPTEMBER

25 12 Mon GCG F&E Meeting Peachtree City Tue-Wed GCG State Board Meeting Peachtree City Mon-Fri NGC Board Meeting Portland ME Tue-Thu The Suzanne Wheeler Flower Show School Course III Bellmere Garden House, Johns Creek OCTOBER Sat-Sun NGC Board Meeting Portland ME 4 Tue Magnolia District Fall Meeting Albany 5 Wed Camellia District Fall Meeting Macon 11 Tue Dogwood District Fall Meeting Douglasville 12 Wed Laurel District Fall Meeting Marietta 13 Thu Redbud District Fall Meeting Atlanta 18 Tue Azalea District Meeting Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, Mansfield 25 Tue Oleander District Fall Meeting TBA JANUARY Tue GCG F&E Meeting Thomasville Wed-Thu GCG State Board Meeting Thomasville 31 Tue Camellia District Board Meeting Jeffersonville FEBRUARY Thu Magnolia District Board Meeting TBA 16 Thu Laurel District Board Meeting TBA MARCH Mon-Wed The Suzanne Wheeler Flower Show School Course IV Bellmere Garden House, Johns Creek APRIL Mon GCG F&E Meeting Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain Tue-Thu GCG State Convention Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain MAY Tue-Sun National Garden Club Convention Richmond VA 2015 by the Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. Send feedback to Web Site Manager 25.