GCI SUPPORTS NATIONAL PRESIDENT RENEE BLASCHKE'S SPECIAL PROJECTS

• Plant It Pink
• Community Gardens - Beautify Blight
• Ribbons of Gold

GCI members are making plans to support the National President Renee Blaschke’s special projects for her administration (2009-2011). One of these is “Plant It Pink”, a partnership with the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure®. Planting pink in private and public gardens will be a floral reminder to the public of the need for breast cancer awareness and research. Anyone wishing to do so may also donate to the NGC project. Donors to Plant It Pink will receive complimentary packets of pink dianthus seeds from W. Atlee Burpee & Co. and a $5 coupon toward any $30 internet purchase. One hundred percent of all monies received will be forwarded directly to the Foundation.

In addition, sales of a custom designed ceramic Pink Wren House will raise funds with 10% of the proceeds donated directly by the company to the Foundation and 5% to the NGC garden therapy programs.

Clubs establishing community gardens in unsightly areas is one way to meet NGC’s challenge to “Beautify Blight.” Garden Clubs are urged to involve a like-minded civic and/or youth group. The first step is to locate a blighted area where a vegetable garden can be planned and established. Final stage will be the sharing of the produce with a local soup kitchen, homeless agency, church meal program or a similar agency.

The third announced special project is to create "Ribbons of Gold" across our nation. Daffodils are to be planted by the thousands along our streets and highways, in our own gardens, as a patch of sunshine at a nursing home — wherever Garden Clubs wish. Who doesn’t like daffodils? There are literally hundreds of kinds from which to choose and. . .we’re told that deer avoid eating them!

To learn more about these projects contact Headquarters at E-mail gardenclubsill@aol.com or telephone 630-617-9260.

BIRDS AND BUTTERFLIES

Garden clubs are urged to establish bird and butterfly sanctuaries and gardens in cooperation with other community organizations. Individual garden club members are also encouraged to garden and plant for wildlife and create butterfly habitat in their individual yards. Other activities for club members include setting up bluebird trails and creating bluebird housing and/or nest boxes. Wood duck boxes can be placed in wetlands. Clubs use bird and butterfly themes in educational exhibits at flower shows. Clubs also collect canceled commemorative and foreign stamps from members on behalf of Illinois Audubon Society. Illinois Audubon Society sells the stamps and the profits help fund Nature Preserves in our state.

Stamps may be mailed attn. the Birds and Butterflies Chairman to The Garden Clubs of IL., Headquarters P.O. Box 499, Elmhurst, IL 60126-0499.

BLUE STAR MEMORIAL MARKERS

The price for Blue Star Markers is $1200, until May 2010. Blue Star Plaques are $395.

“The Blue Stars Over Illinois” book, written by state chairman Kathleen Rewerts, is now available from Headquarters or contact Kathy, e-mail rewerts@netzero.net. It is a wonderful source of information on the state’s Blue Star Program through the years. Cost of the book is $10. Proceeds will be placed in the Blue Star Marker Restoration fund.

GARDEN THERAPY

Sharing our love of gardening with others is possible in many ways. All garden clubs are asked to include at least one garden therapy project in their year's programs. Opportunities for garden therapy exist in every community - at senior citizen centers and apartments, institutions for the handicapped and learning disabled, nursing homes, hospitals, churches, and even with a housebound neighbor.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

National Garden Clubs has formed a partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Garden clubs throughout Illinois are working with local groups in many ways, providing landscape advice and help, monetary contributions, donations of plant materials and the-like. This has become a worthwhile and exceedingly successful project involving "team work" and community service.

HISTORIC TRAILS AND PRESERVATION

Garden club members seek out historical areas and landmarks in all areas of the state and work toward their preservation. Some places which can be restored or preserved include historic buildings and homes, cemeteries, gardens, and trails. Many clubs have discovered that working with local historical societies, civic groups, and governmental agencies helps them to achieve their goals.

HORTICULTURE

We are putting more horticulture back into garden clubs. In order to accomplish this, the Horticulture Chairman in Illinois regularly supplies an article on all phases of growing plants for GARDENGlories. Clubs spotlight horticulture at their meetings, involving plant exchanges, information on the newest varieties, question and answer forums, and knowledgeable speakers. We are truly gardening organization!

OPERATION WILDFLOWER

Operation Wildflower is a National Garden Clubs, Inc. project dedicated to the beautification of roadsides and other approved sites. The purpose of the program is to promote greater knowledge of native plants - their beauty and conservation.

Operation Wildflower in Illinois brings together The Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc., the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Department of Conservation, and naturalists.

WORLD GARDENING

The World Gardening Program was originated by National Garden Clubs, Inc. in 1947 as "Seeds of Peace." Helping people help themselves is the key element of the World Gardening Program. Money is used to educate and provide the necessary seeds and tools.

Funds collected for the "Natural Disasters" World Gardening project is used to alleviate suffering caused by such natural disasters as flood, hurricane, and the-like, both in the United States and abroad.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES

Our Youth Activities programs cover students from pre-school through high school. A youth garden club must be sponsored by an adult member club of The Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc. The minimum number of meetings is six (6), and the minimum number of meetings a year is five (5). Youth garden clubs work in elementary schools, children's homes, churches, etc.; as well as with scouts, 4-H clubs and campfire groups. Programs include a variety of activities with emphasis on horticulture, conservation, nature study, civic plantings and flower shows. Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl Poster Contests are sponsored each year by National Garden Clubs, Inc. in cooperation with the National Forestry Service. Other poster and poetry contests are also offered to interested young people. Details are available from the GCI Youth Chairman .

Details concerning the organization of Junior, Intermediate and High School garden clubs can be obtained from the Youth Activities Chairman whose name and address can be found on the inside cover of GARDENGlories.