2026 MGC Spring NEWSLETTER | | |
Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc.
Plant America - Grow, Share and
Connect to a Brighter Future!
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Lisa’s Letter
Happy Spring! There is nothing so inspiring and heart-lifting as a Michigan spring! One day, everything is covered in a blanket of snow, the sky is gray and the birds are shivering at the feeder, and next the sun is shining on plump tree and flower buds and emerald-green grass, while new growth is bursting through the ground and the warmth erases those long winter days.
As Michigan Garden Clubs prepares for our annual Conference, to be held in Ann Arbor, June 7-8, members and clubs are making plans to enter exhibits in our state Flower Show to be held in conjunction with the conference. There are opportunities for individuals and groups to enter in horticulture, design, artistic crafts and educational divisions. Please see entry details in this newsletter.
The MGC Awards program has received a facelift over the winter, and I know you will appreciate the newly updated rules and award opportunities, which include more Youth and Senior activity recognition in addition to the many awards offered to celebrate our club activities.
The MGC Scholarship program has a long history of supporting Michigan College students through well-deserved and necessary funding to achieve their educational goals and eventually become the stewards of our Environment, public gardens and food production. Please enjoy Kathy Miller's article in this newsletter and consider an individual or club donation to this program and help MGC to continue this vital support.
Please read the Gardening with Purpose article in this newsletter. I am so proud of our donations to assist the underfed in Michigan. Thank you to all MGC members who reported their donations to this program. Please continue donating and plant an extra row of summer produce to donate as well. More information is available on the MGC website.
MGC "wearables" are an excellent way to identify our club members at activities and events. Order matching shirts, aprons, bags or hats for your club members today! Visit "Shop" on the MGC website! I'll be watching for clubs to sport those shirts and visors. Send me pictures of your club models and watch for them to get some attention! There may even be a contest brewing! READ MORE
Lisa
Lisa Robinson, MGC President 2025-2027
lisarobinson@migardenclubs.org
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Every day is a great day to be a gardener in Michigan
and a member of Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc!
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The MGC, Inc. Mission
is to provide leadership, education, resources, and network opportunities for its members to promote the love of gardening, floral and landscape design, civic, and environmental responsibility.
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In This Issue:
Thru the Garden Gate
Lisa’s Letter
MGC Mission
Events Calendar
MGC District News
District Reports
MGC Club News
Benefits of Hosting Workshops
Garden City GC Conference
MGC Board Profiles
Meet our Corresponding Secretary
Welcome New Chairman of Michigan Consultants Council
MGC Projects and News
MGC 1st VP Report
MGC Wearable Merch
Loda Lake Project News
MGC Grow and Share Grant
MGC Legislative Report
MGC Gardening with Purpose
MGC Scholarship Report
Garden Club Elevator Speech
NGC Schools hosted by MGC
Central Region News
National Garden Clubs News
Convention in St. Louis
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Newsletter Submission Deadlines
Summer- Jun 1- Jul 1 publish July 10
Fall- Sept 1- Oct 1 publish Oct 10
Winter-Dec 1- Jan 1 publish Jan. 10, '27
Submit here to Nola J. Hogge
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April
6-7 - Environmental School, Course 3 Hickory Corners
13 - MGC Finance Meeting - ZOOM
15 - D4 Spring Leadership Mtg.-Grand Haven
17-18 - Gardening School Course 3- Sawyer
22 - D1 Spring Leadership Meeting- Redford
23-24 - Landscape Design School Course 1- Traverse City
27- MGC Board of Directors Mtg- ZOOM
30 - D6 Spring Leadership Mtg. -Frankenmuth
May
4-6 -NGC Annual Convention 2026 - St. Louis, MO
June
1- Thru the Garden Gate deadline
6- State Flower Show Set Up
7 - MGC Board of Directors Meeting - Ann Arbor
7-8- 2026 MGC Annual Conference & Flower Show - Ann Arbor
July
10- Publish Summer TTGG
17- D3A Spring Leadership Meeting-Portage
August
11-12- MGC Flower Show Judges Symposium
27- MGC Board of Directors Meeting-ZOOM
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TOGETHER WE GROW - Means Together We Show
Please plan now to attend the 2026 MGC State Conference and Flower Show. What a great opportunity to “show off’ what your garden grows and your talents! There is something for everyone, from Novice to advanced, whether your talent is your garden grown Horticulture, your Design talents, Artistic ability with Botanical Arts or Photography. We want you, to show together, with your fellow MGC members. There will even be a District competition of all 8 Districts. Participate and be a part of it all! READ MORE
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I officially have spring fever. If I don’t soon get outside with a shovel in my hand, I am going to spontaneously combust. I am of the school that advocates leaving the summer garden to give bugs and birds a place to overwinter and feed. But now I am faced with acres of dried leaves and stems taunting me to clean up immediately.
Oh, it will be tough to let them marinate until our nighttime temperatures are consistently 50 degrees for a couple of weeks to allow hibernating insects to escape. Hard, yes, but a yard full of lightning bugs this summer will make curbing my enthusiasm in March and April all worthwhile.
Big doings coming up in District 1 this spring. First, don’t miss D1’s Spring Leadership Meeting hosted by Livonia Garden Club on April 22, 2026, at Stefan’s Banquets in Redford. Drawing on years of experience working with leadership, communication, and organizational growth, Dr. Carolyn Block and Lindsay Pack will guide participants through a fresh way to think about participation, shared responsibility, and long-term club sustainability. READ MORE
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Happy Spring! It seems like only a few days ago I was shoveling snow, Oh Yeah! I was. that’s Michigan.
District 2A is very busy these days with preparations for hosting the 95th Annual State Conference in Ann Arbor. We are working very hard to make it a fun, informational, and educational event.
I am very proud to say that the Adrian Garden Club will be celebrating its 100th year as a garden club…now that is really something to celebrate.
President, Cheryl Lunch, has let us know that a display will be setup in the Lenawee Historical Museum along with handbooks dating back to 1930. They will also have a luncheon planned, and the Mayor of Adrian will be presenting the club with a proclamation.
The Bedford Garden Club will be hosting their first Fall Meeting at the Bedford Library on September 25th. The club takes care of the grounds surrounding the library and they do a spectacular job.
Yes, 2026 will be exciting!
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I am learning from each of our garden clubs as I travel to meetings.
I have found each club is busy with plans for their sales, flower shows, youth programs and other activities. This excites me as a DD. I am learning so much from my travels. I will be planning a few more trips before I get to the summer months.
Meridan Garden Club is in the midst of planning our fall D2B meeting. Reviewing the space and ideas being generated has sparked the planning committee to get the program moving along. The team has great ideas and plans to pull it all together.
Our garden clubs working with youth groups is starting to make plans for the summer. It is coming sooner than we think. Our two garden clubs that have youth programs are Webberville and Mason Sycamore Creek. Each program is unique and has many youths involved.
READ MORE
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Despite the havoc wreaked by winter weather storms across Michigan and other states, we remain optimistic and eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring. In response, we are actively planning a biannual flower show, spearheaded by the Kalamazoo Council. Our District 3A meeting will be held in conjunction with this flower show.
The primary objective of meeting at the same time and location is to inspire members to participate and allow them to experience the beauty and ingenuity of a flower show. It’s disheartening to note that many members have never attended a show, considering the time and effort invested in making such an event possible. We aim to change that. However, I am pleased to report that there are a record number of flower shows across the state this year, which is a positive development. Many clubs are also inspired and are actively planning more youth events that align with the Michigan Garden Club’s goals. READ MORE
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Hello, From District, 3B!
River Valley, one of our garden clubs, will host the Michigan Gardening School, course 3. It will be on April 17 and 18th, Friday and Saturday, in Hobart Michigan. The 4th course will be in September. Please see Migardenclubs.org, under the ‘Schools’ tab for more information.
Our speakers will be from Western Michigan University with topics such as: Plant Growth, Plant Development, Container Gardening, and much more! I hope to see you there! It is a fun time with a great group of people!
But our district has 12 strong clubs. Some took a break during the last month or two, some met each month.
During our next few months, clubs are planning plant sales, propagation events, food preservation, garden walks and even flower shows. We are a busy
district!
So, as I write these words, no matter what the weather, think about this,
Mark Twain's words from Tom Sawyer,
“Right now, is spring fever. That is what the name of this is. And when you got it, you want – oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so"!
From Detective ,1896.
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After a long Michigan winter, the first hints of green remind us why we garden – and why we gather.
District 4 is kicking off spring with our Celebrating Red, White and Blue – Bold Stripes and Bright Stars Spring Conference on April 15th. Tri-Cities Garden Club has planned a wonderful program with a variety of speakers to inspire us!
Our clubs are busy planning their spring and summer activities. They are sharing the bounty of their gardens through seed exchanges and plant sales. Each club continues to enhance their communities and serve others through their projects. Blue and Gold Star Markers will feature red, white and blue flowers in recognition of our country’s 250th anniversary.
Mark your calendars and invite a friend to join us for flower shows, garden walks and a horticultural show. Our clubs have a busy summer planned.
• May 5-8 Tulip Time Flower Show, Holland Garden Club
• June 20 Garden Walk, Tri-Cities Garden Club
• July 11 Historic Gardens Garden Walk, Holland Garden Club
READ MORE for Calendar shows and walks.
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Planning continues for the Fall district meeting to be held on September 10, 2026.
The theme will be “Celebrating the Gifts of the Garden”. It will be held at the Great Lakes Center for Arts in Petoskey. We plan to have two speakers, a light breakfast, lunch, an activity, silent auction and vendors.
You won’t want to miss our 2026 District 5 meeting. The venue is amazing with outdoor space to sit and have your lunch overlooking the Bay or walking around the quiet beautiful area visiting the specialty shops.
This is a good opportunity to see the inside of the Great Lakes Center where wonderful programs and stars come to perform. I have a couple of special summer club visits on my calendar already.
Sweetwater Garden Club has asked me to join them on July 21 for their 7pm meeting. On August 27, I will join the Mason Garden Club for their 100 years celebration. READ MORE
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We will welcome spring in District 6 with a Spring Leadership Meeting April 30 in Frankenmuth.
The end of April is a beautiful time to be in Frankenmuth with all of their streetscape tulips and daffodil plantings. We're looking forward to a fun day!
Our MGC Annual Conference June 7 & 8 is in Ann Arbor. District 6 will contribute a full-page ad in the conference brochure. Thank you to Michele Filipiak, President Lakeshore Garden Club (Lexington) for her creative talents in designing our ad. District 6 will also participate in the MGC Annual Conference Flower Show with our District 6 Display. Thank you to Bethany Goodman, President of Midland Garden Club and MAAJ District 6 Rep for all her help in organizing our display. We are looking forward to seeing everyone in person at the annual conference.
Our District 6 Presidents Meetings are the third Monday of each month at 10am via Zoom. We share ideas and hear MGC news and updates you won't want to miss! READ MORE
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The Benefits of Hosting Club Workshops
by Sally Gray Meridian Garden Club
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A few years ago, our leadership team began to ask how we might better serve members who can’t attend our regular meetings because of weekday obligations. The goal was to provide a weekend opportunity to participate in club activities. We decided to offer Saturday workshops at least twice a year. Members may invite guests to the workshops, which introduces our club to prospective new members.
Since 2023, we have offered workshops on floral design, pruning trees and shrubs, designing holiday table arrangements, making fabric flowerpot covers, and making pressed flower cards. Most of the instruction has come from our own members; however, some expertise has been pulled from outside. For example, Ron Perry, former chair of the Horticulture Department at MSU, demonstrated pruning of shrubs and trees in the Meridian Historical Village, where we tend the public gardens.
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When there is a cost, the club pays half and the member pays half. These events provide hands-on experience that we may not be able to offer in presentations at club meetings. In searching for workshop ideas, other clubs have offered good advice. As an example, the Williamston Red Cedar Club provided the name of a nursery owner who could instruct us in making pumpkin floral arrangements. Last fall, she conducted our workshop at a minimal cost, providing the pumpkins from her nursery already hollowed out and the blooms ready to fill them.
We will continue to search for ideas for workshops so that we can keep this valued format going. This, alongside our regular meeting presentations, and opportunities to venture out to see other gardens in the state through our summer Gallivanting Gardeners Program, significantly adds to our programing throughout the year.
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Garden City Garden Club
by Patricia Mckarge
The 1st Annual Garden City Garden Club, Beyond the Bloom Conference was held on Saturday, March 17. The event included food, raffle baskets, door prizes, a vendor show and five speakers.
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Club members did a wonderful job organizing and supporting the program.
85 people registered for the event,
35 club members who participated and 248 people who visited the vendor show. The club learned a lot and is excited to start planning the 2027 Conference.
Participant surveys were very positive and encouraging. The club appreciated the support of Michigan Garden Club, Inc., for helping us get the word out.
| | | Meet Our Corresponding Secretary! Beth Kozik | | |
Beth Kozik is honored to have been asked to join the MGC Board for the 2025-2027 term. She plans to contribute greatly to the success of Michigan Garden Club and be fully engaged in fulfilling the duties of Corresponding Secretary.
Possessing a great passion for gardening, Beth has enjoyed planting and landscape design for many decades. She has been an active member of the Deeplands Garden Club since 2023 and holds the positions of Recording Secretary and Historian. She loves learning from gardening-focused lectures. She also leads a newly formed children’s outreach program for Deeplands. When not busy tending to her yard, Beth adores spending time with her husband, two grown children, and beloved dog, plus likes decorating, yoga, playing Mah Jongg, and trying new restaurants. Beth also owns a small business and teaches card making in her home studio and in the community. She is also an active member of several local groups and has run a craft club for many years.
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NEW MGC BOARD MEMBER 2025-2027
Chris Kosal - Michigan Consultants Council
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MCC is a specialized group within MGC.
It is a state-level organization dedicated to gardening education and civic improvement.
Chris has had a love of gardening all her life, beginning with her parent’s small vegetable and flower gardens surrounding their home on the east side of Detroit.
Chris served as Secretary and President of Eden’s Garden Club in Monroe and District Director for District 2A.
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She also was on a committee to revise the President’s Report and was appointed to the Michigan Consultants Council in 2024. As a retired teacher and speech pathologist, Chris is passionate about learning and a strong advocate for the MGC schools.
She is currently a Gardening Consultant and a Provisional Environmental Consultant. Chris hopes you attend one of the three schools being offered this year by MGC.
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MGC 1 VP Report
By Ronnie Dush
GREETINGS Fellow Gardeners:
Well, this 2026 winter sure has been an interesting one. Extreme cold, snow, power outages and everything that mother nature has bestowed upon us. Now that the sun is trying to shine, we’re starting in the mud and pothole season. Through all of this we gardeners have been busy going through all the garden seed catalogs picking out our seeds and ordering for this year’s gardens.
My activities as MGC 1st VP have been centered around meeting and working with the 8 District Directors. I can say that it has been wonderful being with them. MGC is very fortunate to have these dedicated leaders. Sharing and working with them and with each other has made my job easier. Lately, I have been involving MGC Executive and
appointed members to our monthly Zoom meetings.
This is helping them to help their districts clubs Presidents work through and resolve issues. Currently, most are working on Spring District meetings. A few have started on fall district meetings. District 6 is working on 2027 fall district meeting. Bay City Garden Club will be celebrating 100 years in 2027! READ MORE
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MGC Wearables
Available on Michigan Garden Clubs online Marketplace
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MGC "wearables" are an excellent way to identify club members at activities and events with matching shirts, aprons, bags or hats! Visit "Shop" on the MGC website!
Send pictures of your club models and watch for them to get some attention on social media or our newsletter!
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Loda Lake Celebrate
75 Years Working with USFS!
by Heather Palmer and Nancy Ryan
Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary is a 72-acre natural area within the Manistee National Forest in west-central lower Michigan.
Loda Lake has been and continues to be the only wildflower sanctuary that is part of the National Forest System. Making an association between “wild flowers” and “native plants” helps to link the ideas of protecting native habitat with protecting our native pollinators.
Our partnership with the US Forest Service was established in the 1940's and a contract was signed in 1950.
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Each year we work together to identify projects for site improvements and help fund them. Improvement projects have included a new entrance road, improved signage, protective fencing, a rebuilt boardwalk and a beautiful gazebo!
In 2025 MGC and the US Forest Service involved two local youth groups Youthwork and SEEDS to create two new gardens at the entrance planting almost 3,000 natives! All were carefully planted with help from Kent GC, Dirt Daubers and Big Rapids GC members. For the remainder of the summer they were watered and liquid fence applied to keep critters at bay!
In 2026 a projected budget of over $8,000 as been submitted to the MGC Board for approval to use funds from the Loda Lake donor restricted account. Read more for those who made donations to the Loda Lake project. READ MORE
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National Garden Clubs Plant America Grant Winners!
Nancy Ryan, NGC Plant America
Grant Committee Member
Congratulations to Charlevoix Area Garden Club who received a $1960 NGC Plant America grant to improve the city’s Community Vegetable Garden. They maintain one of the 24 plots in the garden and included these comments on their application:
“The Charlevoix Area Garden Club created the Community Vegetable Garden in 2024 as a part of the “Plant America – Feed America” initiative and the Michigan Garden Clubs’ “Gardening with Purpose” initiative. The vegetables that are grown in the garden plot are all donated to the Charlevoix Community Food Pantry.
Our club has been working with the City of Charlevoix Department of Public Works and with other community members (who currently garden on the adjacent plots) to organize the construction of permanent deer fencing surrounding a section of the city’s garden plot area.
Our goal is not only to produce more fresh vegetables for the Community Food Pantry – we also want our Community Vegetable Garden to serve as a model and as an educational resource for those who wish to start their own vegetable garden”.
READ MORE
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MGC Grow and Share Small Grant Program
by Pat Kelly, MGC Grow and Share
Grants Administrator
The MGC Grow and Share Small Grant Program offers clubs the opportunity to apply for small grants of up to $200 to support projects that embody the Michigan Garden Club's mission: “to provide education, resources and networking opportunities for its members to promote love of gardening, floral design, landscape design and civic environmental responsibility.”
As spring approaches, clubs that have taken a break during the winter months will soon resume meetings. Now is the perfect time to brainstorm and plan new initiatives. Consider applying for a grant if your club is planning to refurbish or expand an existing garden, create a new garden, or repair gardens impacted by natural disasters. Projects that collaborate with civic groups, local schools, scouts, or 4H organizations are highly encouraged.
Grants are not designed to fund ongoing projects or gardens typically supported by your club’s annual operating budget. Instead, funding can assist with flower shows, and the installation or revision of Blue Star By-Way Markers and Gold Star By-Way Markers. Clubs are awarded $200 for general project ideas and up to $600 for Blue Star and Gold Star projects.
Grant Program section under Member Resources on the MGC website. Questions and applications can be directed to pkelly@migardenclubs.org.
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Legislative Report
by Jeanette Myer Legislative Chair
There has been no activity to report regarding the Black Swallowtail bill (HB4308). I have contacted a Senator in hope that he will introduce a bill in the Senate. My hopes are that if he were to do so, it would get the ball rolling once again.
I have recently been contacted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to let me know that there is progress on bill drafting for the compost bills. The topic is being discussed in the House Agriculture Policy Committee which is chaired by Rep. Jerry Neyer. It may be important for MGC members to contact their legislators to support adequate standards.
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Gardening with Purpose
by Debbie Glasstetter
MGC Gardening with Purpose is an Initiative for our MGC garden club members to have a part in reducing food insecurity in the state of Michigan.
Our efforts include produce donations, nonperishable food drives and cash donations. We reach out to our MGC clubs, individuals, Master Gardeners, and community gardens. These donations are made to food pantries, soup kitchens and food banks. 2025 was a great success! MGC Districts participating- 100%
Produce & nonperishable food donations- 33,305.95 pounds, Cash donations - $2,475
2026 Getting To Work
*Reviewing our district food pantry/food bank/soup kitchen District Directories.
*Preparing outreach tools bookmarks, flyers, presentation talking points, and MGC website resources.
*Seeking opportunities to share information about our MGC Gardening with Purpose Initiative at MGC president’s meetings, MGC spring and fall meetings, community farmers markets and community gardens
READ MORE *2026 How to Get your Garden Club Involved and Who are the MGC Gardening with Purpose District Reps?
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MGC SCHOLARSHIP 2025-26
by Kathy Miller Scholarship Chair
MGC has awarded 16 scholarships this academic year to amazing students. These students’ education goals support the mission of MGC.
MGC awards a $1500 scholarship to a student at each public university in Michigan. In addition, there are six named scholarships. The named scholarships are funded by individual garden clubs.
A garden club member acts as an agent to each university. These agents communicate with a university faculty representative to identify a student meeting the criteria for the award. The university selects the student, MGC is not responsible for vetting the scholarship winners which allows MGC to meet the IRS compliance.
The agents participation in this process is essential. Many thanks to these devoted volunteers:
Marilyn Deromedi - Central Michigan University
Sue Rantz - Eastern Michigan University
Alyce Doss - Grand Valley State University
Nancy Lewis - Lake Superior State University and Northern Michigan University
Karin Maupin - Michigan State University
Mary Pulick - Michigan Technological University
Rob Kushler - Oakland University
Cheryl Weeks Rosten - Saginaw Valley State University
Teresa Short - University of Michigan
Mary Bugeia - University of Michigan-Dearborn
Nancy Smith - Wayne State University
Cynthia Addison - Western Michigan University
Peggy Brown - Michigan State University
Next time you see these agents, make sure to thank them for their work. READ MORE
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WHAT’S YOUR GARDEN CLUB ELEVATOR SPEECH?
By Jean Horrocks, MGC 3rd Vice-President
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Do you know how to sell your garden club to the people or organizations you meet? You need an elevator speech. It’s a clear, brief, and persuasive message that is used to introduce yourself and your club. The name comes from the idea that the message should be delivered in the time it takes to ride an elevator- roughly 30 to 60 seconds.
To prepare, think about what you would want to highlight. Your speech should have the club name and town, activities/projects, and what excites you about being a member. If you are unknown to them, be sure to introduce yourself and tell how long you have been a member. If your club has a web site or face book page, be sure to mention that at the end. So, now that you are prepared, what’s YOUR elevator speech?
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NGC Schools
Hosted in Michigan
| Landscape Design School Series 24 Course 1
Traverse City Michigan | |
Hello, Deb Plichta here! I am the current MGC Landscape Design School Chair. I would like to provide you with an overview of NGC Landscape Design School Courses and encourage you to take the upcoming Courses. Courses do not have to be taken in any order. Taking a course (2 days) is the way to refresh your LD Consultant status.
Landscape Design School, Series 24, Course 1 is being hosted by Friendly Garden Club of Traverse City on April 23 & 24, 2026 at The Boardman River Nature Center. With Course 2 being held on October 8 & 9 at the same location. Courses 3 & 4 will be held in the Traverse City area as well in 2027. Registration is open now, go to: www.michigangardenclubs.org to find the Brochure and links to register.
NGC’s Landscape Design School Courses provided me the opportunity to build on my acquired knowledge in landscaping and design by learning from professionals in the area. Completing the 4 courses, passing each course exam, becoming a Landscape Design Consultant was huge for me.
As a budding new home owner with a blank landscape canvas to develop I felt a reward gaining this knowledge. I find ways to share my knowledge and excitement with friends and contribute to my community by volunteering on Township planning committees and participating in special restoration and beautification projects. I present to garden clubs Landscape Design topics: Color in your Landscape; Apply Landscape Principles to your Design and How to create Outdoor Spaces you Love. The outdoor spaces at my home have become master pieces that reflect my own uniqueness in design, function, and creativity. READ MORE
Design projects and creating your own Home Garden Landscaping Plan.
If this has piqued your interest. Registration is open
www.michigangardenclubs.org to find the Brochure and links to register.
For more information contact: Debra Plichta, MGC LDS Chair. dplichta@michigangardenclubs.org
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Central Region
by Lisa Robinson
Central Region News
CR Awards:
Central Region awards are offered to recognize outstanding projects, clubs and members that advance the goals and objectives of Central Region and NGC. These awards are designed to inspire, motivate and encourage our members.
The Award Year runs from September 1st to August 31st of the given year, with Applications due to the CR Awards Chairman by September 10th. Late entries will not be judged. There are no more Yearbook Awards given by Central Region. Awards are given at the Central Region Convention Meeting.
For more information, visit https://www.ngccentralregion.com/cr-award-guidelines
CR Annual Convention:
Held in October of every year and hosted by a rotation of the 7 Central Region States.
2026 Central Region Convention will be a Virtual event hosted by Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. October 5-6. Watch for more information in the MGC Summer Newsletter.
Are you interested in joining the planning committee?
For more information, contact - lisarobinson@migardenclubs.org
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NATIONAL GARDEN CLUBS, INC.
2026 CONVENTION
“MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, WHERE THE RIVER BENDS AND THE ARCH REACHES THE SKY!”
MAY 4 – MAY 6, 2026
BLAST #2: KICK-OFF & KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Click her for updates. https://gardenclub.org/events/2026-national-convention
Our KICK-OFF SPEAKER can relate to our Convention theme, especially “Where The Arch Reaches The Sky!” After you have enjoyed the “Smokehouse Picnic” Kick-off Luncheon meal, our guest speaker Ryan McClure, Executive Director of The Gateway Arch Park Foundation, will amaze us with the tale of reinvigorating the Gateway Arch as a National Park and invite us to visit the Arch on this trip or the next time you “Meet Us in St. Louis!”
Continuing our discovery of all things St. Louis and Missouri, our KEYNOTE SPEAKER will take us on a trip to the Missouri Prairie. After you have enjoyed our “From The Hill’ Luncheon buffet, Keynote Luncheon speaker, Carol Davit, Executive Director of the Missouri Prairie Foundation, will show us all how her organizations’ extraordinary efforts to reclaim the Missouri Prairie can be translated into landscaping in our own gardens. READ MORE for the Registration and Schedule
| | Send Us Your Garden Gate Photo! | | |
Your photo may be featured in a future issue of MGCs Thru the Garden Gate!
Please submit to:
Nola Hogge
Include your name and club
when submitting.
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Article Submission Guidelines
We look forward to receiving your submissions
Can't wait to hear from you!
Please submit here to Nola Hogge
Keep your news “short and snappy” for our readers enjoyment. Try to limit the word count to no more than 400. Hey, we know it may be difficult; however your efforts will cut down on our editing out something you feel is important.
Thank you! Newsletter Editorial Team - Nola Hogge, Terry Such, and Lisa Robinson
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