The Seedling Garden Club held its monthly meeting Monday, February 9, at the social hall of Swainsboro Methodist Church. Fifteen members were present and the club welcomed a new member, Ivy Terwilliger. We are always glad when we can add new members to our roll.
President Kay Peacock called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and welcomed everyone. Paula Karrh opened the meeting with a wonderful inspiration titled, "What is Garden Club Work", expressing different programs of the garden club is interesting to its members with working together to make a great club. She ended inspiration with a prayer, "Thanking God for the blessings of the garden club.
Club member Diana Malone presented the program for the meeting titled, "Gardens and Crops through the Years", in celebration of the USA's 250th Anniversary. The power point presentation was very interesting, starting from the beginning of settlers arriving and starting new life in a strange land. Using mostly handmade wooden tools, they grew food mostly for food and medicine and always planted gardens near the house. New ideas developed over the years and now we have flower gardens for beauty and gardens for food.
Everyone enjoyed the presentation. It was interesting to see pictures of how gardens have grown over the years. We are always grateful when a garden club member can present the program.
President Peacock presided over the business session, Secretary Cheryl Goodman presented minutes from the last meeting and Treasurer Wanda Ellis presented the treasurer's report. Both were approved as presented.
Unfinished Business:
Arbor Day Chairman Yonna Bailey and Co-Chairman Dess Smith reported that a tree will be planted on Georgia Arbor Day, February 20, 2026, at the Swainsboro Methodist Church in memory of Mary Ellen Smith and Ann Pebbles.
New Business:
The Club voted to make donations to six of The Garden Club's projects; State Botanical Garden, Garden Therapy, Leconte-Woodmanston, Natural Disasters, Roadside Beautification and State Parks and Public Lands. Club also voted to make a donation to "Dollars Educate Scholars", a special scholarship fundraiser.
The club also discussed ways to help with the Pine Tree Festival. Not having a flower show this year to kick off the festival, plans are being made to help in other ways. Ivy Terwilliger was appointed chairman of this project. She works at the Chamber so she can make some good suggestions.
Horticulture chairman Paula Karrh gave some very good horticulture tips for the month of February. President Peacock reported she sent in the President's report as required by GCG. Happy to report the club scored high enough to receive "Standard of Excellence" reward.
Members were invited to attend Millen's flower show on March 7, and the Irish Ramble on Bellevue in Dublin on March 28. This Ramble if hosted by Irin Garden Club and Camellia District to benefit the GCG Historic Landscape Preservation Grant.
President Peacock thanked host and hostesses for meeting. Those present were Dess Smith, Dawn Phillips, Margo Riner and Jaycee Spivey. Using a Valentine theme, the serving table was beautifully decorated with lighted candles and food displayed in heart shaped bowls and platters. Refreshments included fresh fruit, vegetables with dip, ham sandwiches, pimento cheese sandwiches, beautiful Petits fours and soda, beautifully served and made us feel that we were at a very special Valentine Party.
President Peacock adjourned the meeting with, "Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, I love all of you."
Margo Riner won the raffle drawing.
The Seedling Garden Club is a member of National Garden Clubs, Inc. Deep South Garden Clubs, Inc., The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. and the 03-Oleander District.
