Greetings!
What a difference a year makes and how grateful we are to be able to renew our activities in safe and conscientious ways. We are finally able to get together to do what means the most to us in our member clubs and throughout the Garden Club of Virginia. Participation in Zoom and in-person meetings, webinars, programs and special events has been exceptional.
Over the past month literally hundreds of our members participated in various offerings that appealed to their interests in Horticulture - the educational experience at Oak Spring and Rokeby Farm; in Restoration - the celebration of GCV’s gift to Poplar Forest; in Art and Photography - the juried art show and Zoom webinars; in Conservation - the live webinar forum learning about the protection of birds and their habitats; in Artistic Design - the creation of floral masterpieces at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and preparing for Historic Garden Week focusing on sustainable and native plant flower arranging. The Board of Governors meeting allowed GCV leadership to report on and conduct business with the added bonus of sharing the camaraderie that makes our important work all the more enjoyable.
There is no question that your enthusiasm for all that we do to learn and to make our world a better place is back in full swing. Enjoy the details, links and photographs of these special times and mark your calendars for all that is ahead.
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Missy Buckingham
GCV President, 2020-2022
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Board of Governors Meeting, Oct. 12-14, 2021 |
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The leadership of the Garden Club of Virginia was able to gather all together for the first time since 2019 for the 2021 Board of Governors meetings and events. Hillside Garden Club, as host club, provided a memorable time sharing the “Cultural Reflowering of Historic Downtown Lynchburg,” offering excursions highlighting their community projects and outreach, and showcasing beautiful floral designs and club horticulture exhibits. In addition, GCV artists and photographers were featured in a juried show at the Academy Center of the Arts.
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2020 Massie Medal Awarded
The GCV's oldest and most prestigious award, the Massie Medal for Distinguished Achievement, was presented to Kimbrough Koontz Nash (Kim) at the Board of Governors Awards Banquet on Oct. 13. A member of The Warrenton Garden Club and Former GCV President, Kim made many organizational changes that positioned the GCV well to enter its second century. Attributes cited included her “judicious leadership, grace and humor” Congratulations to Kim for this well-deserved recognition. Pictured are GCV President Missy Buckingham, Kim Nash and Massie Medal Committee Chairman Anne Baldwin.
The Massie Medal nomination guidelines can be found here. The deadline is Dec. 1.
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Common Wealth Award Announced
This annual monetary grant for club community projects was announced and presented at the Board of Governors awards banquet by Common Wealth Award Chairman Carol Carter (left) and GCV President Missy Buckingham (center) to the first place recipient, Harborfront Garden Club for Jill’s Garden: Union Mission Women & Children’s Center located in Norfolk. Donna Henderson (right) represented Harborfront. The second place recipient was The Brunswick Garden Club for their project A Trail to the River at Fort Christanna, Lawrenceville, Va.
Congratulations to these clubs for their outstanding community projects.
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Honorary Member Presentation
President Missy Buckingham announced that at the invitation of the GCV Board of Directors, Peggy Cornett, Curator of Plants at Monticello, has become an Honorary Member of the Garden Club of Virginia.
Peggy is a well-known and respected plantswoman, author, lecturer and educator who has demonstrated exemplary service to the field of historic plants throughout her career. She has been a long-time supporter of the Garden Club of Virginia, lending expertise to our historic landscape and garden restoration projects.
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GCV Presentation to Poplar Forest
Thursday, Oct. 14 was a day of celebration for the Garden Club of Virginia and Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest. The decade long landscape restoration including the double row of mulberry trees, the ornamental clumps of trees, oval beds and carriage turnaround was presented to Poplar Forest. Attendees included GCV current and former Presidents, Board members and Restoration Committee members; William D. Rieley, GCV Landscape Architect; statewide GCV members; members of the Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest Board of Directors; special guests; and artisans who had participated in the installation of the project.
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Poplar Forest President and CEO Alyson Ramsey, GCV Landscape Architect William Rieley, GCV President Missy Buckingham and GCV Restoration Committee Chairman Betsy Worthington
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Oak Spring and Rokeby Farm Event |
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On a picture perfect fall day in Upperville, more than 250 GCV members and friends enjoyed visiting “Bunny” Mellon’s former residence, garden and Biocultural Conservation Farm. Many thanks to the Oak Spring Garden Foundation staff who were on hand to provide educational, horticultural and site-specific information throughout the day. Enjoy this link to view the wonders of this very special place.
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Conservation and Beautification |
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Native Plant Protection
Recommended by the GCV Conservation and Beautification committee and approved by the Board of Directors, the following Native Plant Protection Position Statement now accompanies GCV positions regarding Land Use in Virginia, Climate Change and Uranium Mining.
Native Plant Protection Position Statement:
The Garden Club of Virginia has a long-standing commitment to the protection and use of native plants. Many native species face challenges from invasive plants, insects and diseases that threaten their continued existence. Many invasives compete with, overwhelm and destroy Virginia’s native plants. The cost of invasive plant removal from public water systems, highways and infrastructure is burdensome. Some invasive species are grown and sold by some nurseries to retailers, municipalities and home gardeners. The Garden Club of Virginia supports education of its membership and the general public about alternatives to invasive species.
Saving Another Virginia Landscape
The effort to Save River Farm, one of the original farms once part of Mount Vernon and the recent headquarters of the American Horticulture Society, has been successful. AHS board members in favor of selling the property have resigned and the current board is committed to preserving this historic landmark and green space in Alexandria. Many thanks to the GCV Board of Directors, the legislative sub-committee of the Conservation and Beautification committee, club conservation chairmen, GCV member clubs and individual members who rallied behind this effort for a landscape worth saving.
Uranium Mining Ban Upheld
In 2011, the Conservation Forum topic was Uranium: What Should Virginia Do? In 2012, the GCV created a position statement supporting the continuation of the moratorium on uranium mining. Good news: The Virginia State Supreme Court has recently upheld the uranium mining ban.
2022 GCV Conservation and Environmental Studies Fellowship
This Fellowship was initiated in 2015 to support future leaders in environmental fields and has now supported seven scholars working on a variety of important environmental issues. November brings the roll-out of the announcement and application process for the 2022 GCV Conservation and Environmental Studies Fellowship. An announcement goes to colleges and universities and the Guidelines and Application Form are posted on the GCV website. The application deadline is Feb. 1, 2022.
For more information contact Co-Chairmen Anne Alexander Marshall (804-815-3335) or Carol Hunter (434-284-0709).
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The 2020 Conservation and Environmental Studies scholar, Emily Riffe (left), presented her findings on dune grasses at the October 2021 Board of Governors meeting. Emily is a graduate student at Virginia Commonwealth University.
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Conservation Forum
The 63rd annual Conservation Forum, Birds: Feathers, Fields, Forests and Flowers, was held in a live webinar on Oct. 25. Close to 300 members and interested bird lovers enjoyed learning from a distinguished panel of experts about how to better protect birds and their habitats. During the program the recipients of the 2021 Conservation Awards were recognized and participants enjoyed a slide show of bird photographs provided by Bill Portlock, a former GCV Dugdale Award recipient. View related resources and links.
2021 Conservation Awards
The Conservation Educator Award recognizes an individual or organization that promotes ideals of conservation through education. The work of the recipient must support the mission of the Garden Club of Virginia “to celebrate the beauty of the land, to conserve the gifts of nature and to challenge future generations to build on this heritage.”
The recipients:
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Allegheny Mountain Institute, founded in 2011, works to cultivate healthy communities through food and education. The Institute was nominated by The Augusta Garden Club.
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Jennifer Erving, Youth Education Specialist at Norfolk Botanical Garden, has worked for over 15 years with children opening the world of plants to young minds. Mrs. Erving was nominated by the The Garden Club of Norfolk.
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The Elizabeth Cabell Dugdale Award for Conservation
This award was named for Elizabeth Cabell Dugdale, the originator of the GCV Conservation Forum. The award is limited to organizations, industries or individuals who are not members of the Garden Club of Virginia. The recipient must have rendered outstanding service in the conservation and wise development of the natural resources of the commonwealth.
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The Northern Neck Land Conservancy, nominated by The Garden Club of the Northern Neck, has pursued their mission “to preserve the rural heritage of the Northern Neck by conserving its lands, water, economies and culture for future generations” throughout the 5 counties of the neck since 2004.
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Leighton Powell, (pictured at left) with Conservation Awards Chairman Jane Edwards, has steered Scenic Virginia as its executive director since its founding 21 years ago. Scenic Virginia is the only state conservation organization dedicated solely to the preservation, protection and enhancement of Virginia’s natural beauty. This nomination was made by Jeanette McKittrick, a member of Three Chopt Garden Club.
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Horticulture Award of Merit
The Garden Club of Virginia Horticulture Award of Merit was established in 1960 to recognize individual members of local clubs who have achieved significant accomplishments in horticulture, both personally and in their communities. The application is on the GCV website and the deadline for nomination is March 1, 2022.
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Plant a Tree in Honor of the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Designated by HRH Charles, Prince of Wales, The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative began in May 2021 in the United Kingdom in honor of the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. To increase and protect the native tree cover, everyone is urged to create this ‘special gift’ for the Queen to mark her 70 years on the throne. The goal is to urge everyone to play their part to enhance our environment by planting trees from October, when the tree planting season begins through to the end of the Jubilee year in 2022.
Pictured are former GCV President Cabell West, GCV President, Missy Buckingham and GCV 1st Vice President Debbie Lewis, who along with GCV members representing Capital Trees, attended a celebration tree planting and tea at the Virginia House in honor of the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the invitation of the English-Speaking Union Richmond Branch on Thursday, Oct. 8.
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This detailed plant list with principles and elements of design was created for Historic Garden Week by representatives from GCV committees for Artistic Design, Horticulture, Conservation and the Working Committee on Invasive Plants.
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Ideas from the Membership Committee
- Take a field trip to a GCV restoration site - the whole club, or a special outing for newer members and their mentors.
- Mark your calendars now for Member Orientation at Daffodil Day - everyone is welcome. It is a great opportunity for newer members and their mentors to learn (or refresh their memories) about all things GCV.
Honorary Members
The Garden Club of Virginia offers special Honorary Memberships to individuals whose life and work reflect the mission and values of our organization. Member clubs may make a proposal of a nominee by including: A nominating letter from a GCV club, an endorsement letter from a second club, the candidate's resume/CV, and any articles or other supporting material. Please send all documents to Membership Chairman Ellie Gordon at esvagal@me.com or P.O. Box 67, Franktown, VA 23354 by December 1. Nominations approved by the Membership Committee will be forwarded to the GCV Board of Directors for action at its January meeting.
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GCV Artists in Juried Art Show
The outstanding artistic and photographic talent of our members was showcased during the month of October at the Ann White Academy Gallery – Academy Center of the Arts in a juried show in Lynchburg that coincided with the 2021 Board of Governors Meeting. The first place prizes for art and photography went to Rochelle Good, The Princess Anne Garden Club, for her pastel and to Sandy Geiger, (pictured here) The Garden Club of Gloucester, for her photograph “Harvest to Table.”
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GCV member Floral Designs at VMFA
More than 60 floral designers from 33 member clubs showcased their talents in the 2021 Fine Arts and Flowers event held at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Oct. 20-24. This biennial museum-wide exhibition paired 80 artworks from VMFA’s permanent collection with interpretive floral arrangements. Hundreds of visitors enjoyed the creative displays from our GCV members.
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Blue Ridge Garden Club
On a glorious autumn afternoon in Rockbridge County, The Blue Ridge Garden Club members gathered in the barn at Ironwood to learn the options and skills required to create Oasis-free, fall flower arrangements.
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Mill Mountain Garden Club
Mill Mountain Garden Club members enjoyed a floral ‘trip through time’ as they learned how to arrange flowers in styles favored during the Georgian (1714-1830) and Victorian (1830-1901) eras. The instruction from talented fellow members Matilda Bradshaw (at right), Julie Boxley, Barbara Pace and Whitney Leeson gave them a glimpse of some beautiful arrangements to come for HGW 2022 in Historic Fincastle.
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Daffodil Day
GCV Daffodil Day 2022 will be held March 29 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond. The theme, "The British are Coming!,” is a prelude to famed floral designer Paula Pryke’s visit in May 2022. Schedules in Artistic Design, Botanical Arts and Photography will reflect all things British and honor icons from across the pond who have made their mark in floral design and landscape architecture.
Be on the lookout for further details in upcoming GCV Membership News and on the GCV website.
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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
The 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 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 that will be open to the general public.
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The Blue Ridge Garden Club
Susan Minor
Susan Small
The Brunswick Garden Club
Stuart Kramer
Marie Long
The Garden Club of Danville
Randy Mattox
The Garden Club of Gloucester
Gayle Merrill
Nancy Messbarger
Nancy Schumadine
The Huntington Garden Club
Donna Givens
Cindy Hyman
Shawn Winfield
The Martinsville Garden Club
Tara Compton
Roanoke Valley Garden Club
Randy Carver
Melanie Fitzgerald
Kelly Handy
Rachel McKee
Diane Turner
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GCV and club merchandise is available on the Shop page of the GCV website.
Markdowns: A Landscape Saved is $10. The Tulips are Frozen is $5.
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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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Mark Your Calendar (All dates are subject to change.)
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Nov. 3 - Historic Garden Week Marketing Meeting
Nov. 3 - Historic Garden Week Committee Meeting
Nov. 8 - Conservation and Beautification Committee Meeting
Nov. 18 - Artistic Design Committee Meeting
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Dec. 1-2 Nominations Committee Meeting
Dec. 6 Conservation Awards Committee Meeting
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