“Gardening...
             with a Native Palette”

Hello, everyone:

What a great spring and early summer this has been. Since being installed as President at the April State Convention, many garden club functions have been enjoyed. It was wonderful to meet with so many friendly people around the state while attending Patriotic tree plantings, flower shows, sidewalk/plant sales, spring district meetings, garden tours, state committee and board of directors meetings, and of course National Garden Clubs Convention in Boston.

Attending the National Garden Club Convention was very inspiring. An amazing time was had attending all the seminars, tours, meetings, programs and a flower show presented by the Massachusetts Judges Council, and meeting new people, 1200 friendly people. At the business meeting, all state presidents gave a report on their state accomplishments, and they were amazing.

Indiana was presented with two awards: National Award #28 Landscape Design for Church Gardens was won by Maxine Huff. The First Presbyterian Church in Sullivan was landscaped for their 150^th Anniversary. Purdue student Karen Anne Mitchell won the NGC Ellen Griffin Scholarship.

Next year at the National Garden Clubs Convention in Memphis a report will be given about Indiana’s accomplishments. The problem with that will be keeping the report to the three minutes allowed.

As we work together to attain new goals, remember to give freely of your knowledge to others, tell everyone about what great things your garden club achieves and what fun you have as a member. Invite, invite, invite new people to share the fun. Plan programs that will be of interest to many, perhaps programs about native plants, xeriscaping, rain gardens, wildflowers, recycling, etc. Please contact state chairmen for information in these areas and more. A list of all state officers and chairmen is in Indiana Gardens summer edition.

The challenge of adding new club members is being implemented by several garden clubs, and hopes of hearing of additions to all clubs is still an achievable goal. Remember to "Plant your future" with new members.

If you and your club are planting a native garden, remember there are awards to win. To apply a book of evidence is needed, so take pictures and document the entire project, and apply for awards on the state, regional and national levels. You cannot win if you are not entered.

Looking forward, so many things are planned for the summer and fall. The Judges Symposium in August, Conservation Conference in September and all the district meetings are scheduled for October. Check Indiana Gardens and the state website for exact dates and more detailed information. I would love to see you.

Dare to be inspired about garden club and be inspiring to others. Just think of all the possibilities.

All my best,

Ellen