Grainger is first guest speaker at Yaupon Garden Club meeting

By Mary Templeton

There were smiles galore as members of Yaupon Garden Club met Tuesday, Sept. 1, for their first meeting of the year. Social distancing at McLean Park was made possible through the generosity of the city of North Myrtle Beach.

President Graceann Phillips welcomed everyone as they enjoyed a picnic lunch. She recognized Lou Haywood who introduced the speaker, Jim Grainger, grounds superintendent for the city of North Myrtle Beach. He gave an update on the progress at the sports park as well as other recreational areas throughout the city.

President Phillips congratulated the club on the 20 awards earned during the 2019-20 year.

GCSC Coastal District Awards included:

Club Yearbook Award-1st Place; Belva Finklea Memorial Bird Award-1st Place; Emily Stephens Environmental and Litter Award-1st Place; Garden Therapy Award-1st Place; Plant It Pink Award-1st Place; Youth Award-1st Place; JoAnn Johnson National Garden Club Week Award-2nd Place; Civic Beautification Award-2nd Place; Club President’s Report Award-Honorable Mention.

GCSC State Awards included:

Publicity Press Book Award: 1st Place; Club-Sponsored Youth Award- 2nd Place; Club Yearbook Award- 2nd Place; Garden FOR Life Pollinator Award-3rd Place; Civic Achievement Award-3rd Place; Plant It Pink Award-3rd Place; Blue Star Byway/Memorial Award-Honorable Mention; National Garden Week Activities Award- Honorable Mention; Publication Award- Honorable Mention; Social Media Award- Honorable Mention.

President Phillips thanked members for their participation and dedication. She recognized the invaluable contribution by Jeanette Lyon, past Awards Chairperson. Recognition was also given to Georgia Williams, past Communications Chairperson, for setting up and maintaining the Yaupon Garden Club NMB Facebook page. Both of these individuals will be greatly missed.

Deb Madey presented the floral design. She combined Hydrangea and Cyperus Alternifolius in a lovely display.

Following committee reports, Perfect Attendance certificates for 2019-20 were awarded to eight members. Throughout this difficult period of the pandemic, members have continued to safely support these environmental projects: Beach Clean-Up, The Carolina Fence Garden, The Pollination Station, Budding Ecotot Garden, and Vereen Memorial Garden.

Plans have been made to safely meet in outdoor areas in future months. The Yaupon Garden Club is off to a great beginning this year.