Chipley Garden Club held its January meeting at the Washington County Ag Center on Wednesday, January 8. The guest speaker was Carole Martin, a nationally-known floral design judge and designer. Carole, a member of the Valparaiso Garden Club, is also a Master Gardener and has won multiple Blue Ribbons for her designs. She shared design principles and ideas on making easy designs for your home.
Yard of the Month Chair Dorothy Odom announced the December 2024 award went to 1st Florida Bank and the January 2025 award went to Willie Mae Cook at 640 Main Street. Certificates have been presented to both winners.
The group discussed Winter upkeep for the Butterfly Garden at Falling Waters State Park, the Sundial Garden by the Little Library, and the downtown pots. Wildflower Chair Glenda Wilson provided information on Ink Berry Holly aka Ilex glabra and Gallberry. Ink Berry is an evergreen shrub that produces dark berries. It is poisonous, but native and the deer enjoy it.
In other business, the Falling Waters Pennies fund will be used to purchase a blower for the park. Members will also hold a short dedication for Florida Arbor Day on Friday, January 17 and replant the Southern Oak that died during the Summer. There was some discussion on purchasing a Tree Collar to keep it watered. Members continue to collect non-perishable food to be delivered this quarter to the Food Pantry.
The next meeting of Chipley Garden Club will be Wednesday, February 5 at the Presbyterian Church in Chipley. The club welcomes visitors and new members at anytime during the year. Come by and see what we’ll be up to next month! If you would like further information, please contact Club President Gweneth Collins at 850-260-4049.
Club members with new Southern Oak
Carole Martin presents a design lesson to club
Treasurer Debbie Mitchell and Pam Morzos deliver a Food Pantry donation
Willie Mae Cook, January Yard of the Month, with Chair Dorothy Odom
Lantana and butterflies at Falling Waters State Park Butterfly Garden
Vice President Linda Pigott, Wildflower Chair Glenda Wilson and Cheryl McCall at the garden
Wildflower Chair Glenda Wilson discusses Ink Berry Holly