Staff Reports
The Indiana State Bicentennial, the Indiana State Parks Centennial and the 85th anniversary of The Garden Club of Indiana were celebrated April 11 through 13 at The Garden Club of Indiana State Convention at McCormick’s Creek State Park.
Attending from Bartholomew County were Susan Adler, Sharon Baldwin, Jill Forster, Kathy Leitholt and Ro Whittington of Mudlarks; and Paulette Balmer, Claudia Castleman, Sally Fribley and Eva Henry of Flower Lane.
The event includes nature walks and informative programs, such as “Frogs and toads in the garden,” “Garden pests and beneficial bugs,” “Aquaponics gardening” and “Worm poop composting,” among others. A petite standard flower show, open to all members, guests and the public, also was conducted.
The Garden Club of Indiana awards $1,000 scholarships each year to students enrolled in the fields of horticulture, environmental science, landscape architecture and design at Purdue University and Ball State University. Fourteen scholarship students from 2015 spoke of their studies, experiences, plans and appreciation to garden club members for their support.
“Blue and Gold Floral Tribute to Indiana’s Flag” is the garden club project endorsed by the 2016 Indiana Bicentennial Commission. Garden Club members are promoting the planting of blue and gold flowers at residences statewide and plan to use our flag’s colors in their many civic projects. Look for plantings at places such as municipal buildings, schools and parks.
Anyone interested in joining a local garden club should call Sally Fribley of Flower Lane at 812-342-6097.
