Springfield Garden Club receives state awards

The Springfield Garden Club earned several awards at the state level, which were presented during the Federated Garden Clubs of Vermont 2018 annual meeting. Springfield club members received recognition over and above 16 other garden clubs that make up the Federation of clubs from Vermont.

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Springfield Garden Club receives state awards October 13, 2018 Springfield Garden Club members plant it pink at Memorial Garden. Photo provided. SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – The Springfield Garden Club earned several awards at the state level, which were presented during the Federated Garden Clubs of Vermont 2018 annual meeting. Springfield club members received recognition over and above 16 other garden clubs that make up the Federation of clubs from Vermont. One award was for the program/yearbook, which was recognized for the quality and clarity of its presentation. This informative communications tool is published annually and members receive their copy at the club’s annual meeting in May. Many hours of labor go into the production as various committees coordinate data, as well as email, address, and phone number updates in order to produce an accurate booklet that serves its purpose in a cost-effective way. garden Elaine Pomeroy awarded Golden Trowel. Photo provided. Annually, the Federated Garden Clubs awards a “Golden Trowel” to deserving members who have contributed considerably to their club’s efforts. This year, Elaine Pomeroy was granted this award for her efforts in leadership and teaching, which were as natural to her as gardening. She had been a member of the club since 1970 when she moved to Springfield with her family. She served for six years as club president during the ‘80s and chaired many committees over the years all the while sharing her knowledge. Sadly, Elaine passed away Aug. 24, 2018. She will be missed by all who knew her. Another award was for ongoing work in civic beautification, which included the club’s efforts planting and maintaining the downtown planters and gardens as well as for two very special garden projects: the Adult Day Care “Patio Garden” and the “Plant it Pink” Garden, which lies within the Iron Bridge Memorial Garden. The award also recognizes the contribution to a new design in front of the theater in the center of town, in conjunction with the town manager and Springfield On the Move, to add 18 large pots of colorful annuals as well as perennial shrubs. For the holiday season, SGC contributes funds toward the purchase of downtown wreaths along Main Street. Club members added pink perennials and annuals to the Iron Bridge Memorial Garden located on the Toonerville Trail bike path as part of the National Garden Club’s “Plant It Pink” initiative in support of breast cancer awareness and research. The site, which is an overlook of the Black River, contains two viewing benches. Memorial pavers create a path to the viewing area. The Springfield Garden Club has worked with the staff and clients of Springfield Hospital’s Adult Day Care to design and maintain its patio garden for over 17 years. This garden won an award from state for “best ongoing project with merit.” Ninety seedlings of flowers and vegetables are planted in containers each spring, which can be easily accessed by both wheelchair and ambulatory clients throughout the growing season. Garden Club members work with the staff to plan and prepare the containers while planting them takes place with client assistance. The center’s director makes sure that all clients get to help with the planting, deadheading, weeding, clipping, and with the eating of the fresh vegetables throughout the summer.