Greetings!
As we welcome a New Year, I am reminded of how much we were able to accomplish over the past pandemic year by committing to our goals while staying flexible in our approach. We found ways to continue to work together in our clubs and committees and across our statewide organization to beautify our communities, protect our environment, preserve our natural and historic resources and support each other in these efforts.
Adaptability continues to be key as together we face ever-changing circumstances and challenges. We have become well-practiced in the art of pivoting when necessary while looking forward to the many programs and events planned for the coming year. I thought I would share a quote that made me smile and should remind us to remember that “Blessed are the flexible for they will not allow themselves to be bent out of shape.” Communication remains key, so be sure to stay informed by checking the GCV website, calendar and monthly newsletters.
Wishing you a very happy and healthy New Year.
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Missy Buckingham
GCV President, 2020-2022
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Calling all daffodil enthusiasts. Daffodil Day 2022 will be March 29 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond. The show’s theme, “The British are Coming!” is a prelude to the upcoming GCV sponsored flower arranging demonstration by famed London-based floral designer Paula Pryke, May 12, 2022, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Daffodil Day, hosted by the GCV and sanctioned by the American Daffodil Society, is one of the nation’s largest daffodil shows with award-winning specimens, floral designs and stunning photography.
The Artistic Design, Horticulture, and Photography committees have created schedules that reflect all things British and pay homage to style icons in flower arranging, landscape architecture, literature, music and other traditions from across the pond. Preview the three schedules, Artistic Design, Photography and Horticulture before online registration opens January 15, 2022, on the GCV website.
There will be a Member Orientation at Lewis Ginter on March 29 during judging. All GCV members are welcome to attend. Stay tuned for details.
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New Winter Photography Challenge
Celebrate the beauty of nature with this new winter photography challenge: Nature's Wintry Scenes. Take images of any element(s) of nature in or following a winter weather event: snow, ice, frost, sleet, rain or storms. Trees, berries, lichen, seeds, pods, cones, leaves and vegetation of any kind are fair game. Photographs may include structures, wild animals and birds but should avoid private homes, people and pets. Think big and go small from wide angle shots to close-ups and macro.
The photography challenge will run from Dec. 1, 2021 to Feb. 28, 2022. Send your photos to photos.gcv@gmail.com with your name and club on the subject line. Make sure photographs are sent “Actual Size” and at least 1 mb in size. We invite you to you go outside this winter, explore your world and show off your photographic talent. Remember: compose, focus, click, review, edit and share!
Images from the challenge will be available to view in March.
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For DSLR Users and the Camera Curious
Join us on Feb. 10, 4-6 p.m., for a fun workshop with David Luria, owner and founder of the Washington Photo Safari to learn more about your DSLR and how to use it to capture stunning photographs. This will be an interactive Zoom meeting with David answering your questions and providing insight into questions he has accumulated over his 20-plus years teaching photography to individuals of all skill levels. David is very excited to bring his knowledge and expertise to GCV members. Register now.
David Luria photo by Kelly Hirshman.
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Restoration Newsletter
Developed by the GCV Restoration Committee, this online publication is an informational link between GCV and historic properties, as well as a connection between the properties themselves. Read the January 2022 Edition to learn about the GCV’s stewardship of historic gardens in Virginia, support of the protection of native plants and more.
Kenmore photo by Lisa Vawter, The Garden Club of the Middle Peninsula.
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Please note that the COVID-19 protocols for the Kent-Valentine House have been reviewed and updated based on current CDC and state guidelines. We remain committed to prioritizing the health and safety of all members, guests and staff at our GCV headquarters. The Kent-Valentine House is open daily Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The House is closed during inclement weather when Richmond public schools are closed.
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Conservation and Beautification |
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Club Conservation Chairs Workshop
An Insider's Guide - How to Talk with Your Legislator
Monday, Jan. 17, 7-8:30 p.m., by Zoom
Hear from the GCV Legislative Subcommittee and two GCV members who have experience working as Virginia General Assembly aides (one former and one current chief of staff) with tips on how to communicate with and to your legislator during the virtual 2022 General Assembly Session.
Invitations and information will be emailed to Club Conservation Chairs on Jan. 10.
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Legislative Subcommittee
The 2022 GCV Legislative Statement will be reviewed for approval at a special GCV Board of Directors meeting on Jan. 11. The approved document will then be placed on the GCV website, on the Conservation page, and is to be used by GCV members for environmental advocacy during the upcoming General Assembly session. Check back later in the month for GCV supported bills.
The 2022 General Assembly Session begins on Jan. 12 and will once again be different from any other year. Whether in-person or otherwise it is always a good idea to contact your legislator in a way most comfortable to you when advocating the GCV message. If you are a letter writer, phone caller, emailer, or “zoomer,” there is a mode for you.
“Get an early start,” says the GCV Legislative subcommittee. Why not call or write a note to your legislator now wishing them the best in 2022 and thanking your Senator or Delegate for keeping the environment on their minds.
Address:
Delegate/Senator ___________,
c/o Virginia General Assembly
900 East Main St. Richmond, VA 23219.
TIP: Be sure to include your address, so that they know you are their constituent.
Then, when GCV advocates on VCN Lobby Day (also known as Legislative Day) Feb. 1, 2022, your representative will already know that you care about the environment too. Learn more about how you can participate in the following article.
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Virginia Conservation Network (VCN)
Long-time GCV advocacy partner VCN has announced its 2022 virtual Conservation General Assembly Day to be held on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022. The Conservation & Beautification Committee in the past session recommended that GCV members attend the VCN educational morning briefings which may be virtual again. Club Conservation Chairmen and GCV members interested in advocating Board-approved GCV Legislative issues are encouraged to use the afternoon to contact legislators on their own. To register for the VCN morning session (no fee), look for the link that will soon be posted on the GCV website.
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VIRGINIAforever
This environmental advocacy group held its in-person December Board Meeting to hear legislative environmental budgetary issues following the announcement of the Governor’s Natural Resources Budget for 2022. The Conservation & Beautification Chairman has had a seat on this board for the past three years. This year’s meeting in Richmond was well attended. There was an opportunity to meet Virginia conservation business and nonprofit leaders who work together to advocate for increased conservation spending: The new director of Virginia State Parks, Dr. Melissa Baker, was on hand and warmly acknowledged the relationship the GCV has had with Virginia State Parks over the years.
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Plan to enjoy a visit to the newest Virginia State Park, Machicomoco, located in Hayes, Gloucester County. Members of the Williamsburg and Gloucester garden clubs enjoyed a visit there following their joint club meeting this fall. Educational signage, paths and recreation areas were designed by Thomas Woltz, of the Nelson Byrd Woltz architecture firm, who will be a featured speaker at the 2022 GCV Symposium. Experience Native American themes, natural views, bird sightings and native plantings. $5 parking. Please visit, or preview Machicomoco State Park and read about the project on the Nelson Byrd Woltz website.
Machicomoco photo by Allison Clock, The Hampton Roads Garden Club, Chairman, GCV Conservation and Beautification Committee.
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Conservation and Environmental Fellowship
2022 applications may now be accessed and submitted through the GCV website. The Conservation page contains important information: The deadline for submission is Feb. 1, 2022. View the guidelines and read about about former Fellowship recipients. Since 2015 this important fellowship has been awarded annually through support of the GCV Conservation Fund.
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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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March 1, 2022, Award Deadlines |
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The Common Wealth Award, established in 1979, provides funds to support community projects of conservation, beautification, horticulture, preservation and/or education. The two word name Common Wealth describes the "wealth" that is "common" to all Virginians. Nominations may be submitted by GCV members or member clubs. The deadline is March 1. Learn more.
The Horticulture Award of Merit was established in 1960 to recognize individual members of the Garden Club of Virginia who have achieved significant accomplishments in horticulture, both personally and in their communities. Please consider nominating your club’s dedicated and hard-working horticulturalists.
The de Lacy Gray Conservation Medal was established by the Dolley Madison Garden Club as a memorial to de Lacy Thompson Gray. The award recognizes outstanding effort by a GCV member or a GCV member club in furthering the knowledge of our natural resources as well as encouraging their wise use. Nominations may be submitted by GCV members or member clubs by March 1. Learn more.
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The Garden Club of Warren County
Susie Huson
Kim Kiec
The Hampton Roads Garden Club
Trish Lively
The Petersburg Garden Club
Amanda Lupold
LeAnn Tucker
The Warrenton Garden Club
Anne-Marie Cordingly
Marcia Marsh
Mary Page
Lindsay Ward
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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
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 Dean Norton and a guest lecture by a nationally known speaker, Ellen Ecker Ogden, who will talk about kitchen gardens. It promises to be a fantastic event that you won’t want to miss. Registration will begin in March 2022.
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Lilies in Bloom
June 14, 2022, Fredericksburg
Look forward to a judged flower show hosted by The Rappahannock Valley Garden Club with opportunities to exhibit in Artistic Design, Horticulture and Photography.
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GCV 2022 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 general public.
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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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Jan. 6 Daffodil Day Committee Meeting
Jan. 10 Development Committee Meeting
Conservation & Beautification Committee Meeting
Jan. 11 Finance Committee Meeting
Board of Directors Meeting
Jan. 12 Restoration Committee Meeting
Jan. 13 Restoration Properties Maintenance Workshop
Jan. 17 Artistic Design Committee Meeting
Conservation & Beautification Committee Workshop for Club Conservation Chairmen: An Insider's Guide - How to Talk with Your Legislator
Jan. 20 Deadline for Submitting a Proposal for the 2023 HGW Guidebook cover
Jan. 25 Board of Directors Meeting
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Jan. 27 Massie Medal Committee Meeting
HGW Committee Meeting
Feb. 2 Restoration Committee Meeting Snow Date
Feb. 3 Restoration Properties Maintenance Workshop Snow Date
Feb. 7 Photography Committee Meeting
Feb. 9 Membership Committee Meeting
Feb. 10 Photography Workshop Using Your DSLM Camera
Feb. 11 Conservation and Environmental Studies Fellowship Committee Meeting
Feb. 15 HGW Committee Meeting
Feb. 21 Artistic Design Committee Meeting
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