I became the President of The Village Garden Club very hesitantly in June 2011, only after much persuasion from one of our founders, Adrienne Green. But it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. I had a very supportive and hard-working Executive Board and Governing Board who came up with many exciting and wonderful programs, trips and workshops. My First Vice-President, Devonna Hall, was an organized and fun “partner in crime” who always helped me and arranged for outstanding speakers and programs.
One of the memories I will treasure from my term in office was watching how Hashinger Hall at Torrey Pines Church came alive on the morning of the meeting. The set-up crew arrived about 7:00 a.m. - starting the coffee and arranging chairs and tables. Then the committee chairs came in and set up their respective areas. The refreshment chairs artfully put out the “homemade” savory and sweet treats along with fresh fruit and beverages around a seasonal floral centerpiece at the center of the table. Other tables around the room were filled with flower arrangements created by members, education exhibits from the Master Gardeners, Conservation and Horticulture Committees, the Penny Pines Project, The Torrey Pines State Reserve Native Plant Restoration Project (aka “Flintkote”), the Jacaranda Committee and the Schoolyard Gardening Grants Committee. There were tables with sign-up boards for garden tours, workshops, field trips, luncheons and civic garden enhancement project. The social hall came to life with bustling members creating wonderful displays. From 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., members socialized and visited all the various tables. It was a magical time!
During my time in office, the Club had some new ideas “blossom” including a VGCLJ Cookbook, the Moore’s Cancer Center Healing Garden, and a Bouquet of Thanks, which donated plants and bouquets to the patients of the Veteran’s Hospital in La Jolla.
One of my very special memories was the delightful field trip in April 2012 attended by twenty Club members to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home in Virginia. Our Field Trip Chairpersons, Leigh Hartman and Pat Lester, made the arrangements with the assistance of Pat’s goddaughter, Leslie Grave Bowman, the Executive Director of the Jefferson Foundation. We enjoyed private tours of Monticello, private estates and gardens, the University of Virginia, and so much more.
Another new feature the Club sprouted was a Garden Market. Members brought in their flowers, fruits and vegetables, freshly baked goodies, garden décor, plants and seeds, with the proceeds from the sales supporting our philanthropic projects. It was our very own Farmer’s Market!
Equally special were the two “Meet the Masters” programs. In 2012 the Club held the 5th Annual “Meet the Masters” featuring Shane Connolly. Shane had recently created the stunning floral displays for the wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William. Shane charmed us all with a floral arranging presentation at Sherwood Hall in the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, La Jolla. The next day donors met with Shane in Lani Freymiller’s garden for a personal luncheon and more flower arranging. We all felt very regal after meeting Shane!
The next year Meet the Masters 2013 brought Remco Van Vliet back to the Club and Sherwood Hall. Remco had been our first Meet the Masters speaker. Remco presented a Power Point presentation of his grand event designs followed by the creation of unique floral arrangements. The donors had a very special luncheon with Remco at The Athenaeum where he arranged a large-scale museum quality design similar to those he makes for the Museum of Contemporary Art in New York City.
My favorite meetings were always in March and April when our Club presented Expressions in Art and Flowers. This was held in both 2012 and 2013. At the March meeting, Club members bring in their art pieces for display before the meeting. At the April meeting, the floral interpreter and the artist present their works together. I was in awe of the creativity of the artists and the talent of the floral arrangers.
A poignant memory occurred in 2013 when Barbara Berman, our Yearbook and Spindrifter Newsletter Chairman for 18 years, was unable to continue these projects due to her health. We frequently received top awards from both the California and National Garden Clubs for Barbara’s outstanding yearbooks and newsletters. I was most grateful to Diane Bell who came to the rescue and took over both our newsletter and Yearbook. In recognition to Barbara’s many years of dedication and devotion we dedicated the 2013 Yearbook to Barbara Berman, a very special lady.
Looking back on my time in office brings back fond memories of my fellow members and our times spent together. Although I can’t share all the memories with you, those recollections will remain with me forever as a result of the beautiful Memory Book that was created with Marge Palmer’s beautiful pictures and Alice Harmon’s creative design. Thanks for the memories!