Greetings!
Finding ways to stay cool in the August heat takes many of us to beaches, rivers, lakes and pools. Think about what you can do to be good stewards of our waterways and oceans. When you plan your picnics limiting the use of plastic utensils, bags, bottles and straws you are helping to preserve our ecosystems. Reduce or pick up litter wherever you go to keep our landscapes and communities cleaner. When each of us does our part, it makes a difference.
There is much to look forward to as your GCV committees are busy planning next year’s special programs and activities. As promised, we will be offering some of our previously scheduled Centennial events along with some new and exciting ones. I can’t wait to share this next year with you.
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Missy Buckingham
GCV President, 2020-2022
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For 23 years William D. Rieley of Rieley & Associates has served as the Landscape Architect of the Garden Club of Virginia making exceptional contributions to our restoration efforts across the commonwealth. Together we have collaborated on such outstanding restoration projects as Monticello, the Executive Mansion, Stratford Hall, Poplar Forest, the Reveley Garden at William & Mary and countless other historical treasures of Virginia. In addition, during this time Mr. Rieley has supervised the GCV Research Fellowship Program. The GCV Board of Directors has accepted Mr. Rieley’s resignation effective after the first of the year. It has been a long and successful partnership. We look forward to our continued relationship with Mr. Rieley as an honorary member of the Garden Club of Virginia and to celebrating and sharing the upcoming dedications of our most recent restoration properties with him in October and through the Spring of 2022. |
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Explore and Learn at Oak Spring and Rokeby Farm
Oct. 2, 2021
Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity for GCV members to explore and learn at the 700-acre former estate of Paul and “Bunny” Mellon in Upperville on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. Oak Spring's staff members will be at the residence, garden and Biocultural Conservation Farm to share educational, horticultural and site-specific information to enhance your visit.
Tickets are $125 each and limited to two per GCV member.
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Conservation and Beautification |
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The 63rd Annual Conservation Forum
Birds: Feathers, Fields, Forests and Flowers
Monday, October 25, 2021
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Birds of a feather - come together, again!
Plan to attend the in-person Conservation Forum that will focus on the conservation of birds and their habitats.
We all hope for a future where birds are forever abundant, contribute to a healthy landscape and inspire human curiosity and the love of nature. This year’s forum provides the platform to start the conversation on how we can make this happen not just for us but generations to come.
Registration information will arrive by email in late summer. This event is not to be missed. Space is limited, so register early.
Forum features:
- Conservation award presentation to the Dugdale and Conservation Educator recipients.
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Keynote speaker: Jennifer Ackerman will talk about her informative and beautifully written book, NYT bestseller, The Genius of Birds. Her research has provided an interesting and entertaining insight into the brilliance of birds and the mysteries of the avian brain.
- A panel of speakers will follow to discuss challenges that birds face and ways that we can support birds through our everyday actions.
- Open to GCV members and the public. A perfect excuse to get away with family or friends to beautiful Lexington for a day or an overnight stay at the peak of autumn color.
- A box lunch (optional), prepared by a certified Green Caterer, will be available after the Forum.
- The venue offers flexible space to provide distanced seating in a well-ventilated space if CDC regulations should be amended.
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GCV joins Working Group to study the sale of invasive plant material in the Commonwealth
Since its earliest days, the Garden Club of Virginia has been an advocate for Virginia’s natural beauty: calling for the preservation of historic landscapes, combating visual pollution along its scenic byways and supporting legislation that addresses conservation issues.
During the 2021 Legislative Session HJR 527 was put forward by Delegate David Bulova. The resolution calls for the state Department of Conservation and Recreation in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to establish and coordinate a working group to study the sale of invasive plant material in the commonwealth. Along with other conservation-minded organizations, the GCV supported the creation of this study. The Garden Club of Virginia will take a seat on this Working Group, adding its voice to those of nursery and landscape professionals and associations, conservation non-profits and state agencies including the Departments of Forestry, Transportation and Wildlife Resources. The group will meet monthly through November to discuss constructive ways to address the problem of invasive plants in Virginia’s landscape culminating in a formal advisory recommendation. Measures such as signage, promotion of native plants, public education and funding for remediation of damage to native landscapes caused by invasive species like kudzu, Japanese stilt grass and autumn olive will be considered. Conservationists will work with landscape and nursery professionals to limit commonly used invasive landscape plants such as Japanese barberry and Bradford pear.
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A Cultural Reflowering: A Juried Art Exhibition |
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October 1-31, 2021
Calling All GCV Artists and Photographers
Entry Deadline Aug. 13
Hillside Garden Club is hosting a juried art exhibit featuring GCV member artists and photographers. Selected artwork will be on display and available for purchase during the month of October at the Academy Center of the Arts in Lynchburg. The exhibition will be showcased during the GCV Board of Governors meeting and online to view and purchase https://academycenter.org/gallery.
Artwork that has been accepted for the show may be dropped off, bubble wrapped, at the Kent-Valentine House, Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. before Sept. 22 to be picked up and delivered to Lynchburg by private car. Any unsold pieces will be returned upon the artist’s request to the Kent-Valentine House after the show for pick up no later than Nov. 15. It is recommended that you call ahead (804-643-4137) before arriving at Kent-Valentine House.
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Fall Workshops
Sept. 27 - Basic Composition with Focus on Cellphones Webinar
Sept. 30 - Companion Review Session
Sept. 29 - Basic Editing Techniques and Practices
*Oct. 27 - Snapseed: a mobile advanced editing app
*Nov. 1 and 8 (two-part) - Lightroom Classic: a computer-based advanced editing program. Laptop required with Lightroom Classic pre-loaded (see note below)
*Members interested in Snapseed or Lightroom Classic Workshops in the fall must attend the free Zoom photography information session on Aug. 19 at 2 p.m. for a general discussion on both programs to help make an informed decision on which workshop might be right for you. Critical information about Lightroom Classic and pre-requisite computer skills prior to taking this workshop will also be discussed. Register now.
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A fun day in Winchester
A big thank you to those members from District 5 who took part in the first GCV district-wide photo walk in Winchester on July 21, 2021. The day was hot, humid and sunny but the mood was high. We spent several hours at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley's beautiful gardens then headed to Millwood to have lunch at the quaint Locke Store and to photograph the Burwell-Morgan Mill. The Mill, which features a fun-to-photograph waterfall, is one of GCV's restoration sites and is the only working mill in Shenandoah County. Our photographers outdid themselves with their creativity and skills!
Photo by Edie Hessberg, Winchester-Clarke Garden Club
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Native Plant Nursery
Learn more about native plants and why they are worth adding to your garden at Hummingbird Hill Native Plant Nursery in Charlottesville. Their mission is to provide high quality native plants to help strengthen backyard ecosystems, to spread awareness about native plants and their role in the environment and to provide information about how to choose, plant, and grow natives for the biggest positive impact. Hummingbird Hill specializes in growing Virginia native species to help counteract habitat loss and to create sanctuary spaces for wildlife. They offer more than 200 species native to Virginia. Subscribe to their informative bimonthly newsletter.
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Club Presidents Meeting
The GCV member club presidents are invited to a meeting and luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, at the Kent-Valentine House. Check-in will begin at 10 a.m. with an optional tour of our historic headquarters.
GCV President Missy Buckingham will begin the meeting and orientation at 10:30 a.m. Some of the GCV officers and chairmen of committees will provide information about the coming year and the GCV staff will be introduced. The meeting will be followed by round-table discussions led by the district Directors-at-Large and representatives from the Membership Committee.
A lovely luncheon in the dining room and first floor parlors will follow.
We look forward to starting off the club year with this informational and fun Presidents event.
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Daffodil Day
March 29, 2022, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Richmond
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Paula Pryke Floral Demonstration
May 12, 2022, Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond
The Centennial Steering committee is pleased to announce plans to welcome one of the most celebrated British floral designers in the world, Paula Pryke. An accomplished author of 16 floral design books and sought after speaker, Paula will provide a floral demonstration at the museum; a luncheon will follow. Save the Date and plan to bring your friends.
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Horticulture Field Day, Alexandria
May 18-19, 2022
Tour beautiful private gardens and spend a day at Mt. Vernon with Dean Norton, director of horticulture. Join Ellen Ecker Ogden as she speaks about kitchen gardens and organic gardening. This is not to be missed.
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Lilies in Bloom
June 14, 2022, Fredericksburg
Plan to exhibit in this judged show hosted by The Rappahannock Valley Garden Club with schedules created by the GCV Artistic Design, Horticulture and Photography committees.
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CULTIVATE!
Sept. 20-21, 2022, Science Museum of Virginia
Richmond
The 2022 GCV Symposium will offer members the opportunity to participate in floral, horticultural and photography competition and will showcase the work of the GCV in conservation and restoration. Plans are being made to offer exceptional workshops, programs, demonstrations and speakers.
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Common Wealth Award
The annual Common Wealth Award provides a grant/grants to fund exceptional community projects of member clubs in the areas of conservation, beautification, horticulture, preservation or education. The two-word name, Common Wealth, signifies the “wealth” that is “common” to all Virginians. Ballots will be provided for each club to submit their vote (postmarked before September 30) for the 2021 recipient(s) of the Common Wealth Award. Read About the Finalists.
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Nominations For Bessie Bocock Carter Conservation Award
The Bessie Bocock Carter Conservation Award is given annually in memory of Bessie Bocock Carter, GCV President, 1998-2000. The award’s intent is to fund implementation of a conservation project that will serve as a catalyst for community action for natural resource conservation or environmental protection within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Grants are awarded to a GCV member club or to the member club in association with another conservation group.
The recipient is announced at the 2022 Annual Meeting. Nomination applications are due Nov. 1, to the attention of Ann Heller, GCV Communications Coordinator, 12 East Franklin Street, Richmond, 23119 or communications@gcvirginia.org.
Additional questions may be addressed to Conservation Awards Chairman Jane Edwards Je-lgn@earthlink.net.
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Albemarle Garden Club
Nancy Inman
The Garden Club of Alexandria Catherine Tyler
The Ashland Garden Club
Sharon Stiles
The Augusta Garden Club
Anne Avery
The Boxwood Garden Club
Kit Sullivan
Chatham Garden Club
Kathy Anderson
The Garden Club of Danville Miki Younger
Dolley Madison Garden Club
Jane Hammond
The Garden Club of the Eastern Shore Coni Chandler
The Garden Club of Fairfax
Judith Landolt-Korns
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Gabriella Garden Club
Kimbal Campbell
Harborfront Garden Club
Deborah Bonnewell
Hillside Garden Club
Bobbi Oldham
The Hunting Creek Garden Club
Joyce Stevens
The Little Garden Club of Winchester Denise Wilkerson
Mill Mountain Garden Club
Kay Strickland
Three Chopt Garden Club
Becky Anthony
The Garden Club of Warren County Cathy Bower
Winchester-Clarke Garden Club
Mary Serock
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The Garden Club of Danville
Brenda Kendrick
Caroline Milstead
The Garden Club of Fairfax
Elizabeth Direnfeld
Brittany Root
The Martinsville Garden Club
Caroline Johnston
Caroline O'Hare
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We want to hear from you! What is going on in your clubs and communities? Please share with us by contacting Membership News Chairman Molly Ill at mollyill.vb@gmail.com.
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GCV and club merchandise is available on the Shop page
of the GCV website.
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Mark Your Calendar (All dates are subject to change.)
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Aug. 19 - Photography Information Session
Aug. 30 - Conservation and Beautification Committee Meeting
Sept. 2 - Member Club Presidents Meeting and Luncheon
Sept. 13 - Horticulture Committee Meeting
Sept. 15-16 - Restoration Committee Meeting
Sept. 20 - Artistic Design Committee Meeting
Sept. 23 - Club Historians Meeting
Sept. 27 - Photography Workshop: Basic Composition
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Sept. 29 - Photography Workshop: Basic Editing
Sept. 30 - Photography Composition Workshop Review
Oct. 2 - Member Event at Oak Spring
Oct. 4 - Development Committee Meeting
Oct. 7 - Finance Committee Meeting
Oct. 12-14 - Board of Governors Meeting, Lynchburg
Oct. 20-24 - Fine Arts and Flowers, VMFA, Richmond
Oct. 25 - Conservation Forum, Lexington
Oct. 27. - Photography Workshop: Snapseed
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