CHIPLEY GARDEN CLUB AWARDED FFGC 2024 GARDEN CLUB OF THE YEAR
The Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc., holds an annual convention every Spring to recognize the accomplishments of its clubs. FFGC consists of over 150 individual clubs and more than 10,000 members – men and women, locals and transplants, retired and employed, young and old, dirt diggers and floral designers. Not only do they garden, they are stewards of the environment –conserving water, protecting pollinators and wildlife, sharing and teaching youth, and supporting their communities.
In April, the following awards were presented to District II’s Chipley Garden Club. In May, District II Director Sue Meyers officially presented the awards to the club at the “end of the club year” meeting.
On behalf of the Deep South Garden Clubs, Inc.:
Butterfly Conservation Award for outstanding work in the field of butterfly conservation and community involved. DSGG’s clubs are located in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Florida.
On behalf of the FFGC:
- Special Achievement for a beautiful, informative video on Agri-business and Agri-tourism created by Florida Panhandle Technical College under the direction of Glenda Wilson. This video is available on YouTube.
- Civic Beautification for the Yard of the Month Program sponsored by the City of Chipley. This program encourages and recognizes the efforts of residents and businesses to bring beauty to our city.
- Arbor Day Celebration 2023 for recognition of January’s Florida Arbor Day and for the installation of a Southern Live Oak in memory of the late Ri McGlamery at Falling Waters State Park.
- Butterfly Conservation for the complete refurbishment and replanting of the Joyce Carter Memorial Butterfly Garden at Falling Waters State Park including new boardwalks, informational signs, new plants, mulch, and plant ID markers. This project also involved our local Boy Scouts.
- Mary S. Compton Award for Publicity for keeping our community up-to-date of club activities through the Washington County News, Fosterfollynews.com, Chipleybugle.com, and Facebook.
- 2024 Tree Planting Award for planting over 1,751 trees in our area.
And the #1 Award….
Garden Club of the Year 2024 in recognition of a Florida garden club which exceeds all aspects of garden club activities. The BEST of over 150 community-based garden clubs in the State of Florida.
Tracy Andrews, Mayor of Chipley, was on hand to present a letter of support from the City, congratulate the club on its accomplishments, and express her appreciation for the club’s work.
Club President Gweneth Collins remarked, “We are honored to be recognized for our hard work and are so proud to receive this award. In addition to these awards, many of our members have obtained Pollinator Garden Certification through the National Garden Club! Anyone interested in joining with us, please call me for more information about the club – 850-260-4049. Come garden with us!”
