Juanita Allinder died April 4, 2021.  She was an asset to the local, state, region, and national garden clubs. She was a mentor to many. She will be truly missed by all. I represented District II at the funeral.

A Gold Star Family Marker will be dedicated at the Dover Visitors Center on May 19, 2021, at 11 o’clock. Beachhaven Garden Club worked very hard on this noble project. It was donated by Charles Tinnin and wife, Annette. Pam Dowd and I will be there representing District II.

Course 3 for Flower Show Judges will be offered on August 17-20 at Oaklands Mansion in Murfreesboro. The registrar is Virginia Pennington; call 229-392-0370 for additional information.

A National Garden Club Symposium will be presented by TFGC District IV Council of Flower Show Judges at Grace Lutheran Church, 131 W. Gettysburg, Oak Ridge, TN, on August 23-24. The course is open to garden club members and the general public. Contact  Rebecca Shular, registrar, for more information at 865-323-7412.

The Rachel Jackson Garden Club presents “The Secret Ingredient,” an NGC Small-Standard Flower Show at Through the Grapevine, 630 Broadmor Street in Murfreesboro, TN, on Friday August 27. Show viewing hours are 1:30 to 3:30 pm. The show closes at 3:45 p.m. It is open and free to the public.

District II will present a Floral Design and workshop on plant manipulation on September 7. It will be held at Oaklands Mansion at 9017 N. Maney Avenue in Murfreesboro TN. The designer is Kay King of Macon, GA. The registrar is Carol Hackney, 1403 Leaf Avenue, Murfreesboro, TN, 615-995-1118.  The registration fee is $28.  For questions, call Virginia Pennington at 229 392-0370.

Ideas for field trips: Oak Hill Garden Club President Faye True and I toured The Hermitage and Rachel’s Garden. If you have never been there, it is very interesting.  The gardens consist of historic flowers and were all in bloom. Lebanon Road Garden Club has been a strong supporter of the gardens and the Andrew Jackson Foundation. They have contributed over $54,000 for restoration and improvements. 

Many of our Garden Clubs have bought bricks to restore the pathways around the house and gardens. The tour includes the home, gardens, and many outbuildings. They now have a new addition to your admission ticket—free wine tasting included. The restaurant has closed, but you can picnic inside or outside on the grounds.