Arkansas Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc.  

National Garden Clubs, Inc. President, Shirley Nicolai, 2011-2013,  has a new theme and new projects.   They are as follows.

Theme - NGC: Proudly Serving our Members & Communities

Special Projects - 

1) Planting for Public & Special Places

Suggestions: a) Gardens with Edibles

                  b) Container Gardens

                  c) Trees & Shrubs

2) Protecting Aquatic Ecosystems

3) Photo Archiving of Accomplishments

Continuing Projects:

 "Plant It Pink"  - plant flowers with pink blooms to recognize NGC partnership with Susan G. Komen Foundation.  "Hat" birdhouse is also available this year.  Contact NGC or look for it in Member Services.

"Blue Star Memorial Programs" - A "guidelines" booklet may be ordered from Member Services for $5, which explains all procedures, including awards available to clubs.

"Habitat for Humanity Landscaping"  - Emphasis is on enhancing HFH homes by landscaping with hardy native trees, shrubs and plants that also attract butterflies.

"Membership Increase Contests"  - Monetary awards will be given annually to the State Garden Clubs with the greatest increase and the greatest percentage increase as of Oct. 31 and also as of March 31.

"National Garden Week" - The first full week in June, beginning on Sunday, is a special week designed to focus public attention on the programs, projects, and activities promoted by garden  clubs.

"Penny Pines" - A $68 donation may be made in honor or memory of one individual, organization or theme.  This is a reforestation/forest education program where the replanting of trees is necessary.

Find out more about these projects from your state president or NGC website, www.gardenclub.org  

Please remember that clubs are encouraged to  make donations to the Arkansas Flower Show Fund and receive points on their President's Report which is due February 1, 2011, to District Directors.  Your checks may be sent to the AFGC Office with a memo designating "Flower Show Fund".  Our AFGC President is so committed to these wonderful shows and works so hard, along with committee members, to make  them very special.   

Nancy Keisman, AFGC President, 2011-2013

Theme: AFGC - Promoting Civic Pride

Your AFGC President, Nancy Keisman, will continue the  great license plate project to help with financing a Blue Star Memorial marker in AR.  The license plate with the AFGC logo and name is beautiful on your vehicle, lawnmower, wheelbarrow, or just hanging in your garden.  Cost of each license plate is $5.  What a bargain!

Your President also continues the AFGC Member's Pin  project which sells for $5.  All AFGC members should love purchasing and wearing this beautiful pin.  Proceeds will be added to the Blue Star Memorial Marker fund.

"Child's Garden of Eating" - see President's Packet for more information.

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AFGC presented Garvan Woodland  Gardens, with a check for $1,000, another project dear to the heart of our AFGC President and many of our members.  This garden is one that we can all be very proud to have in our state.  Don't forget, the fall and Christmas season is a wonderful time to visit this beautiful garden.