GCFP Projects

CHILDREN'S GARDEN AT HERSHEY GARDENS

The Garden Club Federation is a sponsor of The Children's Gardens at Hershey Gardens. The Children's Gardens has been designed to provide educational opportunities through hands-on-experience throughout the theme gardens. This garden will appeal to children of all ages and Hershey Gardens will maintain its commitment to horticulture excellence and opportunities for learning. The GCFP sponsored "The Boys in the Cannas Garden." This half circle trellis and limestone wall provide the setting for a planting of cannas where footprints lead into the cannas and topiary faces to recreate a historic photograph of the boys at the Hershey Industrial School. The "Show-off Garden" was also be sponsored by the GCFP. It has plants with weird and wacky names, flowers, fruits and growth habits such as red-hot pokers, elephant ears and candy corn vine. For additional information, contact: Craig George, Public Programs Coordinator, Hershey Gardens, P.O. Box 416, Hershey, PA 17033

Sister Clubs

The Sister Clubs Program is an initiative launched by National Garden Clubs, Inc. The program's mission statement is to facilitate building of friendships among garden clubs throughout the world. Its purpose is to offer opportunities to build unity within our National membership and expand gardening horizons by developing new friendships, exchanging seeds and plants, sharing ideas, and working together grant projects. GCFP member clubs are urged to consider sharing and celebrating their gardens by connecting with a Sister Club somewhere in the US or the world. There are about 26 International Affiliates that are obvious prospects. Contact our GCFP Sister Clubs Chairman once you have established your Sister Club. She plans to maintain a registry of all these clubs.

HORTICULTURAL THERAPY

GCFP urges all member clubs to participate in some form of horticultural therapy in their local community. Locations where they might help individuals of all ages with some disability or handicap are hospitals, schools for the deaf, blind, mentally and emotionally challenged; special education classes in schools, convalescent homes and geriatric homes as well as retirement centers and senior centers. Clubs may wish to assist in the development and maintenance of barrier-free gardens in the community. Providing soil, seeds, and plants for working in a garden area or planting in pots; creating garden- related crafts and projects; playing garden lotto or other games are just a few ways to provide wonderful stimulation for seniors, disabled or handicapped individuals.

PENNSYLVANIA RESOURCES COUNCIL

The purpose of the Pennsylvania Resources Council is to inform the public through education and other appropriate means of the need for sound conservation practices for the preservation of natural resources and the protection of the environment. PRC implements these goals by shedding light on watersheds, tire recycling, educating children, waste reduction and recycling. The protection of scenic roads and prevention of billboard blight also comes under their care. GCFP encourages membership in and support of the Pennsylvania Resources Council that is striving to make our communities better places in which to work and live.

The Pennsylvania Resources Council story began in 1939 when a group of concerned citizens met to discuss what could be done to stop the rapid proliferation of billboards in scenic areas. Inspired by the work of The Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania and the Garden Club of America in fighting billboard blight, this meeting resulted in the organization of the Associated Clubs of Pennsylvania for Roadside Development in 1939. The Associated Clubs quickly expanded to include government, civic and business leaders. Later that year (1939) the Associated Clubs formally became PA Roadside Council.

Construction Junction is Western Pennsylvania's first 501(C) 3 nonprofit retail store for used (and surplus) building materials. Supported by Pennsylvania Resources Council, the oldest grass roots environmental organization in the state, CJ's mission is to "promote conservation through the reuse of building materials." Construction Junction, 6331 A.V.R.R., Pittsburgh, PA 15201, is located under the 62nd Street Bridge in Lawrenceville. Phone: (414) 799-0805

RACHEL CARSON HOMESTEAD

The Rachel Carson Homestead is being preserved as an educational center. Rachel Carson, one of the greatest environmentalists of the 20th Century, wrote Silent Spring in 1962, which documented her concern for the future of our planet. Plans are underway for a new garden providing a more aesthetically pleasing view of the Homestead's historic building while celebrating the natural biodiversity of Western Pennsylvania.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

The Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania continues its work with Habitat For Humanity to help landscape new homes across the state and nationally. Local clubs contact their Habitat For Humanity representative, learn the particular needs and locations of new homes, develop landscape plans, purchase the plant materials, assist the new homeowners in planting, and teach the homeowners how to care for and maintain their landscaping. The pleasing appearance of their new homes gives owners a genuine sense of pride and a wonderful sense of being part of the larger community.

Did you know there are funds available for reimbursement to the local clubs for their work with plantings at Habitat for Humanity Homes? Its easy, just take a few pictures , give a short explanation and present the actual cost of materials. No more than one page (two sides) A committee will decide the best way to distribute the funds.

Send to: Jane Centrella 1965 Yarnall Rd. Pottstown, PA 19464-1626

Phone 610-323-9090