Cobb installed as the 2025-2027 Seedling Garden Club Oleander District Director

The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. held its 97th Annual Convention in Augusta April 29-30. The convention was hosted by the Azalea District with The Garden Club of Georgia president Lisa Hall presiding. Theme for the convention was, “Gather on the River with the Birds & the Bees and the Flowers & the Trees.” The pre-convention GCG Board Adventure began on Monday, April 28, with a River Boat Wine Cruise and dinner at Augustino’s Beamie’s or Boll Weevil. The Board luncheon was held on Tuesday, April 29, with speaker Stan Byrdy “From Berckman’s to the Masters”. Later that day, breakout sessions were held with Vera Stewart speaking on “Keeping it Fresh for 40 Years” and speakers Glen & Gail Hendry speaking on “Bluebird Haven”. Later that day, optional tours were offered at the Perennial Garden, Morris Museum. A designer’s challenge was also held that evening.

The evening of April 29, the Awards Banquet was held with guest speaker Owen Navarre speaking on “The Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies”. A Southern Buffet was served to guests for dinner. Awards were presented to winning clubs that had applied for awards. Seedling Garden Club was excited to win first place and Pink Rosette for “Flower Show Staged in Public Building”, first place for “Flower Show Schedule Award” and second place for “Individual Club Standard Flower Show Award.” These awards were applied for the 2024 Flower Show that Seedling Garden Club sponsored. Club president Nancy Lisenby accepted these awards on behalf of the club.

The Installation Luncheon for the State Officers for 2025-2027 was held on Wednesday, April 30, with speaker Mark Albertin speaking on “The Fascinating Wild Okefenokee.” Denise Thorne, 2025-2027 Deep South Director, installed the new officers. Seedling Garden Club was honored when our own club member, Martha Cobb, was installed as the 2025-2027 Oleander District Director. Oleander District is one of seven geographical districts of The Garden Club of Georgia with 55 clubs and is affiliated with National Garden Clubs, Inc. with a membership of 198,595. Joni Thompson, former Oleander District Director, presented Martha with a gavel and Director’s pin. The club is happy to have one of its own to be selected as a District Director. She is the fourth member of Seedling Garden Club to hold this title.

Recognition of new Life Members included Seedling Garden Club members, Yonna Bailey New State Life Member and Martha Cobb New National Life Members. These were given as special gifts from friends.

Members of Seedling Garden Club attending the convention were President Nancy Lisenby, Yonna Bailey, Martha Cobb and Diana Malone. Fun was had by all, and they enjoyed viewing the Featured Designs honoring Deep South Director, Denise Thorne. Her design was titled, “Plant the Deep South with Flowers and Trees for the Birds and Bees.” In honor of GCG President Lisa Hall, her design was titled “Plant America: Promoting Beautification, Conservation and Education.”