Pansy trees planted at park during Arbor Day celebration

Driftwood celebrated Arbor Day 2019 on Friday, Dec. 6, with its planting of two Cercis Canadensis Forest Pansy trees, which helped further define and enhance the beauty of the special plot of land at the Club’s most recently installed Blue Star Memorial Marker in the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex. 

Driftwood and the city of North Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation Department have long partnered in celebrating Arbor Day.  The club Arbor Day committee chairman discussed options for planting and types of trees with the parks superintendent and then held a joint meeting to finalize details at the selected site.  Details included selection and price of the Eastern Redbuds, the planting site and the date and time of the ceremony.

The Driftwood’s program began with a welcome by Driftwood President Sharon Robinson followed by the recognition of special guests by former President of the Garden Club of South Carolina (GCSC) Emily Stephens. 

Recognized were: President of the GCSC Trish Bender, the Coastal Director-Pro Tempore David Stoudenmire Jr., City Council members, appointed members of the North Myrtle Beach Tree Board and the Parks and Recreation Department Director John Bullard and his staff.  Remarks were offered by President Bender who spoke about the first tree ever, the Archeopteris, and all that followed from its presence 400 million years ago. 

Celebratory remarks were also offered by Coastal District Director Stoudenmire. Councilman Bob Cavanaugh, who always attends Driftwood’s Arbor Day celebrations, offered remarks on behalf of Mayor Marilyn Hatley.  Council members Fred Coyne and Nikki Fontana also provided remarks on the contributions of Driftwood Garden Club to the community.

Linda Siceloff, a former Coastal District Director and Driftwood President, regaled the 25 people in attendance with the history of Arbor Day.  This was followed by the eeremonial planting with golden shovels and followed by the presentation of the trees to the city for their upkeep and acceptance of the trees by the city officials. 

Closing remarks and prayer were provided by Driftwood’s Arbor Day Chairman, Jeanette Bell, who reflected on the significance of where the Eastern Redbuds were planted — their close proximity to the Blue Star Memorial Marker and the Veterans Plaza Memorial – adding beauty for the enjoyment of all including the veterans and their families who visit the park and sports complex. 

Following the ceremony, club members continued the celebration over lunch with their invited guests Trish Bender and David Stoudenmire Jr.