President's News

How does YOUR garden grow?

Greetings to everyone!

Here is a glimpse into what Pennsylvania Federated Garden Clubs are doing this spring.

In April, more than three hundred of our members and guests turned out to walk the red carpet and enjoy “Cinematastic”, the 78th Annual Convention of The Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania. Built around the theme of “the movies,” attendees enjoyed three days of “Oscar” winning speakers, workshops, and educational exhibits. The Nittany Lion Inn, State College, PA, was the perfect setting for our annual celebration of the past year’s accomplishments and a preview of coming events. Clubs from all over the state garnered recognition for jobs well done, as well as monetary awards for future projects.

Ten scholarships, totaling $11,000, were awarded to college bound students for the coming school year. State wide, an additional $40,000 was awarded by individual clubs and districts to students in their local areas.

Seed money grants totaling more than $2800 will help 27 clubs make their plans for new or revitalized gardens a reality. Many of these plantings will incorporate native plants and/or involve youth. In all instances, they will enhance their communities and also serve as pleasant, educational opportunities for passersby.

The Blue Star Memorial Markers, which recognize our service men and women are becoming more frequently seen at roadside, rests along the interstates, at libraries, in parks and other public places. Promotions of NGC, Inc., these attractive markers are placed by individual garden clubs as reminders that “freedom is not free.” Garden club members, nationwide, are grateful to the American servicemen and women who gave of themselves to keep America safe.

This term, the emphasis is on educating our members and the public about the advantages of growing native plants and the importance of eradicating invasive plants. In response, clubs are working with youth groups, civic organizations, state, and national parks, to identify invasive plants and to suggest alternative native species that will provide food and shelter for our wildlife. Five clubs received grants totaling $1900 from the Principal Finance Group for worthy projects. Many other clubs will also establish in their communities gardens, which include native plants.

The Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania offers its member clubs liability insurance for its members during garden club functions and inclusion under our 501C3 status as a charitable organization. In addition, members receive our quarterly publication, The Keystone Gardener, and have opportunities to attend District, State, Regional and National meetings to learn and share information about conservation, the environment, gardening, landscaping, and wildlife.

Our educational programs currently include a wildflower walk and environmental schools. Beginning in 2009, Pennsylvania will hold a series of classes to train persons who want to become NGC Accredited Flower Show Judges. These classes include information about American Creative Design as well as know-how for growing and exhibiting horticulture in flower shows.

Information concerning what we do and what we are about is available on this web site. Links to related web sites are readily available to everyone who is interested.

Please contact our State Office if you have questions about locating a club in your area or need more information about any of our programs.

Best wishes for an energetic, fun filled spring of good growing!

Dorthy Yard

President, GCFP

2007-2009