Greetings!
Did you know that daffodils are associated with strength, rebirth, sunshine, hope, and new beginnings?
Daffodil Day brought these symbols to life to all who participated in and attended our recent show. There was renewed energy and excitement as we celebrated our members’ many talents. Sincere thanks to our hardworking committees and volunteers and the judges from GCV, GCA and the American Daffodil Society for providing this opportunity for camaraderie, competition and continued education in “growing and showing.”
The month of April brings Historic Garden Week. We plan to welcome thousands of visitors and friends to explore our beautiful state and help us to preserve its many historic treasures. Please know how much your creativity, hard work and planning is appreciated.
Take advantage of the opportunity to register for upcoming events and mark your calendar for more to come.
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Missy Buckingham
GCV President, 2020-2022
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Returning on March 29 for the first time in two years the show featured thousands of daffodils on display for all to enjoy. Earlier in the day members attended a fun and informative “Get to Know Your GCV” presentation, enjoyed a floral arranging demonstration, shopped and toured Lewis Ginter’s beautiful garden. |
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GCV Delivers Sunshine
After the show, buckets of beautiful daffodils were delivered to a local retirement home for their residents to enjoy.
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Horticulture Field Day, Alexandria
May 18-19, 2022
This member event will include a visit to the GCV restoration at Green Spring Gardens, which features a Beatrix Farrand design; five private gardens in Alexandria; a special tour at Mt. Vernon with Director of Horticulture Dean Norton, and a “Kitchen Garden” presentation from nationally known author and garden designer, Ellen Ecker Ogden (pictured)
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Face Mask Policy Update
The Garden Club of Virginia follows guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the state health department regarding COVID-19 and its variants. Given recent changes to the CDC’s face covering recommendations, and with input from clubs’ HGW tour chairmen, the Historic Garden Week (HGW) Committee and GCV’s Executive Committee, the GCV has updated its policy for Historic Garden Week 2022 tours.
Instead of masks being required for interior spaces, they are now optional. Masks will not be required for outdoor spaces. Per current CDC requirements, however, face masks are required on public transportation, which includes shuttle buses used by some HGW tours.
“The planning for Historic Garden Week necessitates decisions regarding policies months in advance, and at the time we were preparing to publish the HGW Guidebook and launch ticketing for tours, face masks were required,” said Tricia Garner, HGW chairman.
Those who purchased tour tickets prior to the end of March signed acknowledgements that they knew masks were required for interior spaces, and the signage delivered to clubs also indicates masks being required for interior spaces.
“We are currently communicating this change to everyone involved with HGW, including tour chairs, homeowners and ticket purchasers,” added Garner. If you have any questions about any aspect of Historic Garden Week, please contact Tricia at statechairman@vagardenweek.org.
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Paula Pryke Floral Demonstration |
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Internationally known London-based floral designer, Paula Pryke, will share her signature style with Garden Club of Virginia members and the public on May 12 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture in Richmond at 10 a.m.-noon. Tickets are available online for $75. Tickets are going fast -- get yours today.
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Unwrapping the Mystery of Entering a Photography Show
Have you ever wanted to enter a photography show but were intimidated by the schedule? Maybe you were stumped by exactly what the classes meant, or you found it difficult to rename your photo or to resize it to fit the schedule requirements. We have two more shows this year to consider - Lilies in Bloom in June and the Symposium in September. Please join Edie Hessberg and members of the Photography Committee to discuss how to enter GCV photography shows and to answer any questions on related issues. The meeting will be via Zoom from 4-5 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2022. Please register your interest here no later than May 2, 2022.
Photo by Constance Owen, Virginia Beach Garden Club.
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Nature’s Wintry Scenes Photo Challenge
If you haven’t already seen the stunning photos from the Nature’s Wintry Scenes Photo Challenge, please take a look. A few more have been added, so it is worth another peek for those who have already seen them.
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Conservation and Environmental Studies Fellows |
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Olivia Smith, 2022 Conservation and Environmental Studies Fellow
Olivia Smith, a Master’s degree candidate in Biology at William & Mary, has been selected as the 2022 GCV Conservation and Environmental Studies Fellow. Her project is “Towards an Understanding of Restoring Eastern Coastal Plain Forests.” Her research will use the 960-acre College Woods forest on the William & Mary campus as her laboratory for studying severe damage to the forest over the last 20 years from deer and other ecological elements and studying what can be learned from this site about forest regeneration. She hopes to determine the abiotic and biotic factors affecting the return of vegetation. The habitat and biodiversity losses observed in the College Woods are occurring in similar forest systems elsewhere so her findings may have broad application. Ultimately Olivia plans to pursue a career in forest management in the Mid-Atlantic region. Look for more on Olivia’s work in the next GCV Journal.
2022 Fellow Olivia Smith pictured in front of Lake Matoaka, part of the College Woods at William & Mary.
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Jordan Martin, 2021 Conservation and Environmental Studies Fellow
The Conservation and Beautification Committee had the pleasure of hearing a presentation in March at the Kent-Valentine House by 2021 Fellow Jordan Martin, also a Biology Master’s candidate at William & Mary. Her project is “Investigating the Pollinator Promoting Potential of Virginia Solar Facilities.” With the solar energy industry growing exponentially across Virginia and the nation, her study is particularly timely. In the last year she has done field work in Virginia at two main solar farm sites, one with “Pollinator Smart” plantings and the other with the more typical turfgrass cover. This involves studying the various insects and pollinators and plants in these situations. While her conclusions are in development, she hopes to demonstrate that pollinator friendly solar fields are both feasible and efficient for energy production while simultaneously supporting biodiversity in the large land tracts involved in the solar industry. Jordan will be presenting at the GCV Annual Meeting in May, and her final report will also be covered in a future Journal.
2021 Fellow Jordan Martin, center, pictured with President Missy Buckingham and Carol Hunter, Co-Chair of the Conservation and Environmental Studies Fellowship Committee.
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Upcoming Restoration Presentations
This spring the Garden Club of Virginia will present three significant restoration projects. Every member of the Garden Club of Virginia can take pride in these important gifts to our Commonwealth made possible from your annual dedicated efforts during Historic Garden Week. All GCV members are invited to attend these presentations. To register for the Stratford Hall and/or Reveley Garden events, email Ann Heller, GCV Communications Coordinator at communications@gcvirginia.org one week prior to the event.
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The Enchanted Garden at The Poe Museum in Richmond, April 5 at 1 p.m.
In 2012, the Poe Foundation requested the Garden Club of Virginia’s assistance in refurbishing the Enchanted Garden and enhancing the planting beds that frame the property’s other buildings. Their specific desire was for plants referenced by Poe in his writings to be used in the garden. Over the past 10 years, the museum’s gardens have been designed and planted to reflect the poem To One in Paradise, Poe’s book The Gold Bug and his short story A Tale of the Ragged Mountains.
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Stratford Hall’s Upper Terrace Garden, April 22 at 2 p.m.
In 1930, Stratford Hall became the second GCV restoration. Over the years, the GCV has revisited the garden several times to make changes as the gardens matured. In 2018, the decision was made to redesign the second terrace of the East Garden to reflect the patterns revealed by archaeology and a typical mid-18th century garden. The restoration, completed in 2019 sets a new standard for our understanding of mid-to late-18th century gardens in this region -- and the country. Photo by Matt Peterschmidt.
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Reveley Garden at William & Mary, May 17 at 2 p.m.
In the early 1920s, landscape architect Charles F. Gillette designed plans for a diamond-shaped garden for the College of William & Mary that were never realized. In recognition of the achievements of retiring president Taylor Reveley and his wife, Helen (a GCV member), the Garden Club of Virginia partnered with the College to bring this garden to life in their honor. Completed in late 2020, the Reveley Garden reflects the intention of Gillette’s original plan while navigating the current conditions and student uses of the space. Photo by Alfred Herczeg.
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Bacon's Castle Spring Village Faire
Bacon's Castle, located in Surry, Virginia, is having a spring celebration on April 30, 2022, 10 a.m. to 5 pm. The 17th-century English formal garden was restored by the GCV between 1984-1989, and again in 2003 and 2007. Enjoy a day in the country complete with maypole, armored re-enactors, craftworkers, and vendors.
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The Conservation Awards Committee seeks nominations for the Elizabeth Cabell Dugdale Award for Conservation and the Conservation Educator Award. The Dugdale Award is presented to an organization, industry or individual, not a GCV member or GCV member club. The Conservation Educator Award recognizes an individual or organization that promotes the ideals of conservation through education. The work of the nominee must support the GCV’s mission.
Proposals for both awards should be sent to Ann Heller, GCV Communications Coordinator, 12 E. Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23219 or electronically at communications@gcvirginia.org, and must be received by June 1, 2022.
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The Warrenton Garden Club was inspired to become a Bee City following a presentation by Heidi James, GCV Horticulture Chairman, at its November meeting. The dynamic mother-daughter conservation duo of Mary Leigh McDaniel and Heather McDaniel-Neff, in conjunction with community leaders and conservation groups, became part of a “We Need Bees” committee to work through the process of certification. On Feb. 10, 2022, the County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously for Fauquier County to become a Bee City. In early March, Bee City USA finalized the certification. Fauquier County is now officially a Bee City. The club's hope is to involve many citizens and organizations in the efforts to provide a pollinator pathway across the Commonwealth.
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Set the Table! On a beautiful spring evening in March the Roanoke Valley Garden Club welcomed more than 200 guests to a fabulous fundraiser for its community projects. Noted Interior Designer Janie Molster was the guest speaker and members of the Roanoke Valley Garden Club provided 21 gorgeous tablescapes. RVGC President Cyndi Fletcher said, "The talent in our club is absolutely phenomenal which was so evident in their designs." Photos by Elizabeth Perkins.
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Lilies in Bloom
June 14, 2022, Fredericksburg Academy, 10800 Academy Drive, Fredericksburg
The Rappahannock Valley Garden Club is excited to host Lilies in Bloom. The show is dedicated to the memory of Mrs. W. Tayloe Murphy Jr. (Helen). A former president of the GCV and founding member of the Garden Club of the Northern Neck, Helen was renowned for her magnificent lily beds and showstopper blooms.
There will be opportunities to exhibit in Artistic Design, Horticulture and Photography. Look for schedules and registration in the May Membership News.
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GCV SYMPOSIUM
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. The event will be open to the public.
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GCV Apron
In lively lime with embroidered GCV logo, this apron with pockets for your snips, supplies and cell phone is a “must have.” Pretty yet durable, perfect for identifying yourself as part of the GCV team whether gathering, arranging, exhibiting, judging or volunteering. Adjustable at neck and tied in back, one size fits all. $30 each + $3 shipping
Shop our full line of items on the GCV website Shop page.
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The Ashland Garden Club
Skylar Martin
Fauquier and Loudoun Garden Club
Melinda Gable
Jennifer Sirianna
Gabriella Garden Club
Debbie Aron
Lisa Taylor
Katie Thomson
Krista Vigouroux
Leesburg Garden Club
Robin Jones
The Martinsville Garden Club
Jennifer Rabon
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We want to hear from you! What is going on in your clubs and communities?
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Mark Your Calendar (All dates are subject to change.)
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April 5 The Poe Museum Presentation
April 5-7 Restoration Committee Meeting
April 11 Photography Workshop "Lightroom Classic"
April 12 Finance Committee Meeting
April 14 Development Committee Meeting
April 15 Symposium Committee Meeting
April 19 Strategic Planning Committee Meeting
April 22 Stratford Hall Presentation
April 23-30 Historic Garden Week
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May 2 Artistic Design Committee Meeting
May 5 Photography Workshop "Unwrapping the Mystery of Entering a GCV Photography Show"
May 10-11 GCV Annual Meeting - Richmond
May 12 Paula Pryke Floral Demonstration
May 16 Artistic Design Committee Meeting
May 17 Reveley Garden Presentation
May 18-19 Horticulture Field Day - Alexandria
May 20 Symposium Committee Meeting
May 23 Conservation & Beautification Committee Meeting
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