The Seedling Garden Club held its first meeting of 2026 on Monday, January 12, 2026. Sixteen members and three guests gathered at the Social Hall of the First Methodist Church at 5:30 p.m. to begin a new year.
President Kay Peacock called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone, wishing all a Happy New Year. After the call to order, the club held a moment of silence in memory of club member Ann Peebles. "Miss Ann" as she was so lovingly known, passed away in November. She was the oldest member of Seedling Garden Club, loved to grow flowers then win blue ribbons with the blooms. She will be greatly missed.
Paula Karrh opened the meeting with a beautiful meditation, thanking God for being able to attend a meeting to share and learn about gardening and creating beauty. "Let us all try to feel close to God as we work in our garden this year."
Nancy Lisenby introduced the speaker for the evening, Gilda Rackley of the Magnolia Garden Club of Millen who presented a very fun, "hands on" program. She introduced the club to Kokedama Balls. The Kokedama Ball is formed with soil wrapped in moss with a small plant inserted in the center. Gilda was assisted by Pam Brown of the Magnolia Garden Club. Members had flashbacks of making "mud pies" in our younger years. Not ever hearing of a Kokedama Ball, members really enjoyed learning of this and getting hands on for this special project. Gilda furnished the supplies for members to make a ball for themselves. Gilda had made three balls to demonstrate how they were made and looked. She donated these for door prizes. Lucky winners were Nancy Lisenby, Diana Malone and Dawn Phillips.
After a fun time, the business session of the meeting was held. Secretary Cheryl Goodman presented the minutes from the November meeting, (club did not meet in December). Treasurer Wanda Ellis presented the treasurer's report. Both of these were approved as presented.
Old Business:
President Peacock gave a review of the club's auction last November. This is a yearly fundraiser for the club. This year's auction was enjoyed by everyone - good location and a good auctioneer. Peacock asked members to start thinking of maybe having a different fundraiser in November. It seems the club didn't do as well as in years past.
Nancy Lisenby reported the planting at the Emanuel County Nursing Home. She, Dot Kirby and Wanda Ellis did a good job with planting. Members were encouraged to help take care of the plants. The next planting in the Spring will hopefully be red, white and blue plants honoring the Nation's Birthday.
New Business:
Yard of the Month chairman - Yonna Bailey reported that The Clucking Chicken was the winner for December. This program will stop until the Spring when yards are beginning to shine, and people are working in their yards.
Diana Malone gave a brief report of the Flower Show. A schedule was presented and members voted to not have a flower show in 2026 and have one in 2027. Due to the short time to find a venue, it will be hard to have a show this April. We look forward to 2027.
District Director Martha Cobb reported on the Oleander District Annual Meeting to be held in Swainsboro in October. Seedling Garden Club, along with Glad Garden Club and other clubs in the district, are serving as hostesses. This event will take place on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. This 68th Oleander District Annual Meeting will be a tribute to the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Taking place in Swainsboro will be an honor and a great way to "show off our town" that we are so proud of. Honor guests will be GCG State President, State Board members and former Oleander District Directors.
President Peacock reminded everyone that the club will be planting a tree on Georgia Arbor Day, February 20, 2026. These will be planted in memory of Mary Ellen Smith and Ann Peebles. The location and tree will be decided and announced at the February meeting.
Paula Karrh gave great January horticultural tips - things to plant, seeds to sow and plants to prune. She encouraged all to enjoy the sculptural quality of the bare trees in the winter landscape.
President Peacock thanked hostesses Linda Dekle, Paula Karrh and Judy McWhorter with special hostess, Amellia Doss, Linda Dekle's granddaughter. Members enjoyed caramel cake, pimento cheese sandwiches, nuts and soda.
Winning the raffle was Cheryl Goodman.
The meeting was adjourned using a quote from Paula's meditation, "As we remember that first garden where life began, let us also think of the last garden where Christ prayed.” How marvelous that women and men's existence began in a garden.
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 Oleander District.
