Hello garden club members from the hills of beautiful East Tennessee. District IV in our end of the state is comprised of 28 counties. There is room for new growth of members and clubs. Thus, my theme is “Let East Tennessee Shine with New Growth.” I am looking forward to hearing from all 25 garden clubs in our district and am asking to be invited to a meeting (or two) over the next two years.

Our district has deep roots in gardening, and we need to encourage those roots to develop and grow our membership. Ask your friends to attend meetings, invite your neighbors, and advertise your events. As we all obtain our Covid injections, more opportunities should arise for us to get back to our “normal” way of life. I, for one, am looking forward to being around friends again. 

I retired in 2009 after 32 years as a speech-language pathologist in the public schools. With time on my hands, my love for gardening grew. I took a Master Gardener class and became involved with many gardening projects. I was invited to my first garden club meeting by former DIV Director Lisa Phipps. And my love for gardening continues today. It gives me joy and peace of mind. I currently belong to two clubs—Smoky Mountain and Tuckaleechee.

This Spring, we were unable to have our annual membership meeting at Fox Den Country Club in Knoxville, but we have plans to go forward with the Fall membership meeting on October 29. Mark your calendars for this fun and informative event.  A short executive board  meeting and installation of new officers was held on March 2 at GFWC Ossoli Circle Clubhouse. TFGC President Maggie Burns was in attendance, as well as former District IV directors and the executive boards.

Our district has so much talent. Consider planning flower shows again. We have six NEW student judges who would love to participate. Tennessee was the only state in the United States to complete their Flower Show School in 2021. Congratulations District IV! We also have 13 NGC judges in our district and one NGC Flower Show School instructor. In August, an NGC symposium will be held in Oak Ridge. Space is limited to 60 people, so register soon.

The District IV President’s meeting was held May 7 at our Historic State Headquarters, Ivan Racheff House and Gardens. It was great to see old friends and meet new officers. Garden Club presidents and treasurers were invited to learn all about the ABCs of forms and important club information.

One of my projects is to support our state headquarters. There are many opportunities besides monetary to show your support. Consider “adopting a spot” in the garden for your club, “adopting a tree” to help with vine removal, or attend a planned workday. This is a perfect place to celebrate National Garden Club week. Come walk the Level II Arboretum, pull some weeds, and enjoy the beauty of Racheff.  

Happy Gardening,

Wanda