Do you remember the first seed you planted? I do. It was in kindergarten. How about the first stem you put in a vase? My grandmother had a beautiful garden with flowers and vegetables. There was always a bowl of flowers in the center of the dining room table. Later, I realized how skillfully arranged her flowers were. I was afraid to try then. No longer.
By attending garden club meetings and schools offered through the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs (VFGC) I have learned so much in so many ways. I became a nationally accredited Flowers Show judge, for example. I am attending Landscape Design School classes just for fun. VFGC is a member of National Garden Clubs, Inc. (NGC). As a member of a VFGC garden club, we have access to all the resources NGC has to offer including Flower Show School, Landscape Design School, Environmental School and Gardening School. Explore the many opportunities on NGC’s website: www.gardenclub.org
To emphasize these opportunities, my theme will be “Come Learn and Grow with Us!” If you are not a member of a VFGC club, please join us. When I first joined a garden club years ago, I wanted to meet people who enjoyed the same things I do, especially learning and having fun. We have clubs around the state from the Atlantic Ocean to the Blue Ridge mountains. Just click on the Join a Garden Club button in the drop-down menu. Our members know the friendships we make are truly special and the opportunities to learn are boundless.
July 2026 marks the 250th Anniversary of our country. Virginia has already recognized the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry’s famous “Give me Liberty or Give me Death” speech at St. John’s church in Richmond. So, my suggested project for the next two years is “Plant red, white and blue“ in at least one container or garden spot in recognition of the freedom we enjoy thanks to our ancestors who knew that freedom is not free.
I look forward to visiting all six VFGC districts and for the opportunity to learn from our members. Thank you so very much for the honor to serve as your President.
Sally Harrison, President 2025-2027
Richmond Virginia