“Sustaining Maryland….one Action at a Time”

Susie Middleton FGCMD President

  • I can’t believe my first year is up. – It has been challenging and rewarding.
  • • The challenges are ones we all share
  • o The New Normal for garden clubs includes an aging population, while we seek ways to attract and engage younger members
  • o We are experiencing increased costs for meeting locations and speakers – this at the same time we look for ways to be environmentally conscious
  • o Our environment continues to change – signaled nationally by severe weather events and locally with a shift in our growing zone. This is projected to impact what we can plant, as well as our wildlife population.
  • In other words, we need garden clubs more than ever, for education of ourselves, our communities and our youth. Of equal importance is the community building and the many civic programs our Clubs provide.

  • For example:
  • • All counties were represented at the Maryland State House with either a Christmas Tree or wreath provided by our clubs. We’ve been told to expect the tradition to continue.
  • • We dedicated blue star and gold star markers and contributed time and money to Wreath Laying ceremonies at Veteran’s Cemeteries
  • • We held a full day program educating club members on programs to engage our youth with a curriculum designed for students from K-12.
  • • We completed course two and three of Gardening School, with course four scheduled in May, followed by the start of Environmental School in the Fall.
  • • We have six flower shows scheduled for the year – check our website for dates and locations.

  • • We have also responded to these challenges in some new and creative ways
  • o The Climate Action Group was formed and has taken the lead with educational programs and encouraging change at the individual and club levels with the Environment Pledge.
  • o This May we will have a full day program in honor of Earth Day, – this is one you won’t want to miss. It’s called “Campaign for Nature”. Linda Harris will tell you more in her report– Flyers and a poster are available in the back.
  • o Our Sustaining Maryland grant program is seeing the implementation of 7 projects across the state. Carolyn Braverman will tell you more about the winners in her report. To those who have helped fund the program – your donations are being put to good use.
  • o As you will hear in our awards presentations, our clubs and individuals across the State are changing and improving their communities.
  • o Finally, as you know my theme is Sustaining Maryland, One Action at a time. It asks each of you to consider making a change that will improve the environment. So, I have a suggestion. Governor Moore has issued a proclamation declaring April as Maryland Native Plant month. This certificate will be posted on our website in case you want to download a copy and share it with your club and community. I suggest you celebrate the event by purchasing one Native Plant for yourself or as a gift for another. This will accomplish a lot; Native Plants feed pollinators, sequester carbon, clean and manage water, and restore biodiversity. Additionally, this tells our nurserymen that these plants are in demand and they better grow and sell more. It’s called power of the pocketbook and we can use it to stimulate demand among the growers and sellers.

  • In closing I can honestly say Covid may not be over but our garden clubs have shown they are over Covid. I’m proud to be a member of this vital community and look forward to seeing what you will accomplish in the next year.