From the President
Fall 2008

  The NCAGC fall season begins with a visit from  the National Garden Clubs President, Barbara May.   We  are honored that she will attend our September 23, 2008 General Meeting at the Arboretum. Let us roll out the red carpet with an enthusiastic welcome with all garden clubs represented. Plan a carpool and come for this special day, including entertainment by the Capital Swing Quartet, lunch and a tour of Fern Valley. The meeting begins at 10:30 a.m.

Thank you, garden clubs, for your wonderful contributions to the Presi­dent's Project - Renovation of Fern Valley. Work there is now underway and your contributions are so appreciated. This is a two year effort, so your club may still contribute if it has not done so. We hope to be part of a Celebration with the U.S. Arboretum for Fern Valley's renovation in April 2009.

Membership continues to increase as others see what the garden clubs are accomplishing and the benefits to be gained by becoming a member. We are very happy to welcome two new Garden Clubs. They are Centreville Garden Club and Garden Club at Exeter. National Garden Clubs has a membership competi­tion this year to name a new I Cultivar to the state with the greatest percent­age in increase in membership for the period June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2009. This can be the NCAGC. Let's Go For It.

“A Day of Design” is planned for October 10, 2008 at the Westwood Country Club. The designers will feature designs and know-how for the novice as well as for those more experienced designers. This will be a fun day without a meeting. (See the article in this issue for details.)

  Looking ahead to other events, the Central Atlantic Regional Conference will be held October 24-26, 2008. A Flower Show Symposium has been added after the Conference from October 26-28, 2008. The Conference will be held at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Champion, PA. Additional information is listed on our web site.

In traveling around to various Clubs and District meetings this year, I have been amazed and delighted to learn of the many activities and accomplishments being made by our garden club members. Communities are more beautiful with plantings installed and maintained by garden club members. Clubs are active with garden therapy, youth, recycling efforts, Blue Star Memorial Markers, Flower Shows and more. Glow­ing reports and smiling faces are everywhere which proves that we are 'Stretching Our Wings' and enjoying it.

                                                                                                    Rilla