A zinnia bloomed in the International Space Station. I read about this in the dead of winter and I could understand the elation expressed by the astronaut, Scott Kelly. If you are interested in this extraterrestrial horticultural accomplishment, here is a link you might enjoy . 

The Garden Club of Virginia salutes William D. Rieley, Landscape Architect, for being lauded by the Garden Club of America as the 2016 recipient of their Historic Preservation National Medal. This is a most prestigious award and a well-deserved recognition. The medal will be awarded in May 2016 at the GCA Annual Meeting in Minneapolis.

Spring will come. On the heels of the vernal equinox, will be the Daffodil Show (March 30-31) at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, hosted by the Huntington Garden Club. It's not too early to register . With any luck 'February Gold' will peep up and announce to all the daffodils that it is time to show their faces. 

The American Daffodil Society is offering a daffodil judging school and Daffodil 101 class on Tuesday, March 29th, before the show opens. This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in becoming a daffodil judge or simply having a better understanding of the classification and best practices for growing and showing daffodils. Registration for this school  is to be in by March 23.

While in Hampton, consider coming to GCV 101 . Club leaders working with the Membership committee will guide you through the nuts and bolts of GCV membership. The bonus is that you can attend the flower show after the session. GCV 101 is open to all members who would like to have a better understanding of our club. 

Twenty-nine members and GCV friends are leaving in a few weeks to see the gardens of North India. Future tours with the GCV will be considered based upon participation in the following survey to gauge interest in domestic and international offerings. 

The slate of officers and (3) Directors-at-large for 2016-18 will be presented  at the Annual Meeting in May in accordance with Article VIII of the Bylaws. 

I hope you pruned your sticks before that snowstorm blanketed the state. I am ready for the visible sign of the hidden but powerful spring, as seen in my forced quince.

 

Best,