The Glad Garden Club convened for its regular November meeting on Monday, November 17, at the Sudie A. Fulford Learning Center. President JoAnn Trammell called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m., welcoming members and opening another month of service, learning, and fellowship. Members in attendance included JoAnn Trammell, Sylvia Durden, Donna Gaddy, Dawn Arnette and Gail Johnson, with Lisa Parham, Margaret Sweet, and Carolyn Brown unable to attend. The devotional for the morning, “Searching for Strength,” was presented by Sylvia Durden, who reflected on Psalms 46:1 and reminded the group that lasting strength comes from God as the source of refuge and encouragement.
The minutes from the October meeting were unanimously approved following a motion by Gaddy and a second by Durden. Treasurer Gaddy also delivered the financial report which was accepted and approved by President Trammell.
During the announcements segment, President Trammell shared correspondence from Kacey Fountain, Assistant Director of Admissions for Events and Visitation, announcing Ron Jones as the new Director of the Sudie A. Fulford Learning Center. Mr. Jones greeted the club members, extended his support, and expressed his enthusiasm in working with local community organizations.
Unfinished business focused on the club’s annual Christmas decorating project at Emanuel County Hospital, scheduled for December 1 at 10 a.m. Members will enjoy lunch at the hospital afterward, followed by a brief meeting. Plans also advanced regarding the club’s holiday visit to Emanuel Medical Nursing Home, with final details to be determined at the December 1 gathering. The club’s Christmas celebration will be held on December 11 at 6 p.m.
In new business, Arnette and Johnson were formally welcomed as the newest members of the Glad Garden Club. President Trammell announced that Secretary Carolyn Brown would be unable to continue in her role. Arnette volunteered to serve as Secretary, and her appointment was unanimously approved upon a motion by Durden and a second by Trammell.
Guest speaker was Dawn Arnette of Noochee Farms in Canoochee. She shared with the group the history of how she and her husband, Richard, established their daylily garden three years ago. Since its creation, the garden has expanded to include 1,486 daylilies representing 488 registered varieties.
Arnette presented the Noochee Farms inventory catalog, which features the many American Daylily Society–registered daylilies growing at the farm. She also brought seed pods for members to examine and explained how natural pollination results in seed pod formation. Arnette stated, “Richard is the hybridizer at Noochee Farms and has successfully crossed 15 daylilies. It will take approximately three years of monitoring the plant to see if Noochee Farms will be successful in introducing a ‘Noochee’ Daylily with the American Daylily Society.” Arnette also shared exciting news about upcoming developments at the farm. Noochee Farms is adding a self-serve Farm Stand, with plans to open in December 2025. In addition, the farm will host its first Daylily Sale in the Spring of 2026, offering the community an opportunity to purchase a variety of daylilies. Noochee Farms is located at 2412 Cannochee Road, Twin City, in Emanuel County.
The horticulture highlight was presented by Gaddy, who showcased the dwarf snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata 'Hahnii'), a sturdy and compact houseplant known for its easy care and air-purifying qualities. Gaddy explained its suitability for small spaces and its appealing, rosette-style foliage. As the November hostess, she provided a garden-themed coffee mug filled with homemade hot cocoa mix, a potholder, and a $25 Noochee Farm gift certificate. Trammell won the monthly raffle. The meeting adjourned at 12 p.m.
The Glad Garden Club is a member of the Deep South Region of the National Garden Clubs, Inc., and the Oleander District of the Garden Club of Georgia, Inc.
