'

Civic Beautification:  A budget of $600 has been designated this year for projects under this classification.  Involvement with the Zwaanendael Museum, a historic building site, will continue.  In December, Dianne Shawley (chairman) with a group of dedicated volunteers will decorate the museum for the holidays.  We return in April with floral designs for the annual Lewes “Tulip Celebration”.  We will maintain the recently planted garden at the Rehoboth Beach Museum under the supervision of Janet Point, and will continue to explore new projects. 

​

 

Holiday Projects:  In support of Meals on Wheels, Carolyn Walsmith and the Sussex Gardeners’ elves will assemble and decorate nosegays that are used to garnish the trays of the recipients.   In conjunction with this production, wreaths are fabricated by our members from club-donated greens.  After adornment with ribbons and holiday embellishments, the wreaths are donated to Gull House, Rehoboth Library and Troop #7 Police Barracks. Total budget is $400.

​

 

Garden Therapy: Gull House, an adult day care center operated by Beebe Medical Center, continues to be a focus for Garden Therapy. On the second Friday of each month, members assist and encourage the clients to create their individual floral arrangements with the greens and flowers Sussex Gardeners provide. As many as 35 participants enjoy this activity and have the added bonus of taking their treasures home. The Moorings at Cadbury, an assisted-living facility in Lewes, calls on Sussex Gardeners four to six times annually to instruct the residents on seasonal floral arrangements. Anne Lyons and Judith Pinsdorf co-chair these endeavors with teams of 10-15 club members.

 

 

Rehoboth Art League Cottage Tour:  Sussex Gardeners have been involved with the Art League since the 1950s.  Floral arrangements inspired by the designated “cottage” are made and donated by club members.  This annual two day July event also requires staffing of 30 docents from our club to guide the twelve hundred visitors on their tour.  Nancy Tompkins and Ann Case are the Co-Chairs.  Budget is $100.

 

​

Website and Facebook Page:  Marty Last created and maintains both sites for the garden club.  The website provides information about our monthly programs and projects.  The Facebook page offers updates on programs and events of interest to club members and garden enthusiasts. Both sites continue to evolve and garner more followers.

 

​

Paying it forward:  Sussex Gardeners evaluates various worthy programs to offer financial support, including contributions to the Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek. The club has created a scholarship for Delaware Technical Community College Educational Foundation, Jack F. Owens Campus, for students in any Agriculture-related curriculum with a preference in Landscape & Ornamental Horticulture.