Calendar
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PLANT SALES & GARDEN TOURSGardening season is rapidly approaching and with it plant sales and garden tours abound! WGCF's garden clubs sponsor both. Plant sales provide new varieties for our gardens at reasonable prices and tours inspire us. Check out WGCF's garden clubs sponsored sales and tours. If your club is sponsoring either, share the info for posting to this site.
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Fox Point's May Market.
This year held on May 9th.
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TRI-COUNCIL SUMMER TOUR: JULY 28th
To Register
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The mission of the WGCF Tri-Council is to provide continuing education to its members and to support them in sharing their knowledge of gardening, landscape design and environmental awareness. Every member of WGCF is invited to participate in these opportunities as well.
We plan to visit the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station (CWES) in central Wisconsin. This is a 200-acre teaching and learning center located 17 miles east of Stevens Point on glacial Sunset Lake. CWES provides hands-on learning experiences that inspire environmental stewardship, foster a connection to nature, and promote sustainable practices. After lunch at CWES, we’ll visit the Schmeeckle Reserve in Stevens Point. In addition to hiking trails it has a nature center and gift shop. Both of these institutions are affiliates of UW-Stevens Point, a nationally recognized leader in natural resources education. Please consider attending this event. All the details and the registration form may be found in the registration flyer. (You crafting buffs – might also want to stop at Herrschners Outlet Store in Stevens Point. A not to be missed craft and hobby business at 2800 Hoover Road. People come from far and wide to visit their only retail store.) |
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KEYSTONE PLANTS: HELPING ALL SPECIES THRIVE
Friday, August 7th - Rassbach Museum, Menomonie, WI
Registration Deadline July 26th
Artwork by Mickie Schmaltz
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Keystone plants, the natives that support more of the food web than any other, are the focus of this year's workshop hosted by the St. Croix District at the Rassbach Museum in Menomonie, WI. For $30 ($32 if registering on line), you will hear two speakers, have your questions answered during a Question and Answer session, have lunch and walk away with free native plants. Two native plant suppliers will also have natives to purchase.
REGISTER ONLINE REGISTRATION BROCHURE |
IN MEMORY OF PEGGY GRUBBS
The initial phase, the raised annual plant bed is completed.
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Willow River Garden Club hosted the St. Croix District meeting at the new New Richmond Public Library in June. What a lovely facility which will be further enhanced by a garden in memory of Peggy Grubbs, WGCF President from 2017 to 2019. Peggy was active in many aspects of the New Richmond community and was a constant promoter of the Willow River Garden Club. Her president's project was the installation of a Blue Star Marker at the trailhead of the St. Croix Loop Trail near Hudson.
Willow River is raising $25,000 for this project which will be completed over the next couple of years. For more information and to contribute |
"250 YEARS OF TRADITION" THEME OF WISCONSIN STATE FAIR FLOWER SHOW
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Floral Designers of Wisconsin is celebrating "250 Years of Tradition" at its Wisconsin State Fair Flower Show. The NGC Patriotic Standard Flower Show is set for Aug. 13 to 16 in the Grand Champion Hall. All Wisconsin garden club members are invited to enter floral designs and horticulture.
To enter a floral design, contact Liz Murken by July 15. Plan to enter your horticulture at the fair from 6 to 9am on Thursday, Aug. 13. This year, the Wisconsin State Fair's theme is "Rooted in Tradition." Everyone is invited to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the fair and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. |
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ENVIRONMENTAL SCHOOL: Oct. 23 & 24
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The next Environmental School will be held on October 23-24, 2026 at Maywood Environmental Park in Sheboygan, WI. It is course 4 in the series and will cover Water and Related Issues. Cost to attend is $80, which includes both days. On-site lunch is available at an extra charge of $14 each day. Those working towards the Environmental Consultant accreditation, who will take the exam, or those refreshing their existing accreditation pay an additional $5 fee. REGISTRATION BROCHURE ONLINE REGISTRATION |
Town & Country Petite Flower Show Celebrates Gimbels
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Town & Country's one-day, all petite flower show was held May 15 at ThriveOn King. The show celebrated Gimbels Department Store which closed in 1970. The 4-story department store building has been redeveloped as ThriveOn King, an inclusive community hub.
Designs included the Tea Room, Sweet Shop, Home Goods, Window Displays and the Dressing Room. Botanical arts featured the Hat Shop, Cosmetic Department and gift boxes.The two educational exhibits explored how to restore habitat for the endangered Rusty Patched Bumblebee and how the Harambee neighbood is becoming an ECO Neighborhood to reduce environmental impacts. There were 65 entries in the horticulture division. Judges and floral designers were from Wisconsin and Illinois. Town & Country thanks everyone for helping to make the show a success. |
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2026 Lydia Shafer Award Goes to
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ONLY IN THE SPRING - WGCF's 98th SPRING CONVENTION
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Many thanks to the Fox River Valley District for hosting the 98th Spring Convention. The best part of any convention is reconnecting with gardening friends from throughout the state, enjoyable speakers and sessions are an added plus.
Anita Carpenter has been quilting for 24 years. All of her quilts are original detailed nature scenes with hidden secrets.
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Brian Pribbenow from U Bloom shared container design techniques.
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Bronze Award Winner, Dick Nicolai, has been instrumental in supporting purple martins in Wisconsin.
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Migrating birds are returning to Wisconsin and Bill Volkert provided many insights about them.
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Save the Date: Flower Show School – Course 2 Set for Aug. 29 and Sept. 2 to 4
Mark your calendars for Course 2 of the National Garden Clubs (NGC) Flower Show School. The 2-hour procedure lecture will be by Zoom at 9am on Saturday, Aug. 29 followed by all day, face-to-face design and horticulture presentations on Wednesday, Sept. 2 and Thursday, Sept. 3. The exam for students taking Course 2 for credit toward Nationally Accredited Judges Certificates will be held Friday (Sept. 4) morning.
Course 2 is being sponsored by WGCF and the Wisconsin Judges Council and hosted by Milwaukee District Garden Clubs at ThriveOn King, 2153 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Milwaukee.
According to Kitty Larkin who is WGCF’s Flower Show School Chaiman, there were 23 garden club members from Wisconsin and Illinois who attended Flower Show School – Course 1 in April.
She says, “We’re excited to continue the NGC Flower Show School series by offering Course 2. We’ve got some great instructors coming to teach us about miniatures and table designs and marigolds and mums. Everyone is invited to attend Course 2 to continue learning and improving their skills.”
Course 2 instructors include Barbara May from Massachusetts who will teach flower show procedure and Anna Burns from Georgia who will teach design. Anna is the author of “Guide to the New Petite.” Terri Ewers from Iowa will return to teach horticulture.
Kitty pointed out that current judges may want to attend as a refresher because of the many changes in the NGC Handbook for Flower Shows.Contact Kitty by text at 262-295-2922 or by email at [email protected] with questions.
Course 2 is being sponsored by WGCF and the Wisconsin Judges Council and hosted by Milwaukee District Garden Clubs at ThriveOn King, 2153 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Milwaukee.
According to Kitty Larkin who is WGCF’s Flower Show School Chaiman, there were 23 garden club members from Wisconsin and Illinois who attended Flower Show School – Course 1 in April.
She says, “We’re excited to continue the NGC Flower Show School series by offering Course 2. We’ve got some great instructors coming to teach us about miniatures and table designs and marigolds and mums. Everyone is invited to attend Course 2 to continue learning and improving their skills.”
Course 2 instructors include Barbara May from Massachusetts who will teach flower show procedure and Anna Burns from Georgia who will teach design. Anna is the author of “Guide to the New Petite.” Terri Ewers from Iowa will return to teach horticulture.
Kitty pointed out that current judges may want to attend as a refresher because of the many changes in the NGC Handbook for Flower Shows.Contact Kitty by text at 262-295-2922 or by email at [email protected] with questions.
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THE EXPO'S DESIGN CHALLENGE Such fun to watch! Participants were given a basic grocery story Valentine's Day bouquet and went to work. Thank you to everyone who participated and was willing to put their design skills to the test. |
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Madison District Flower Show Flights of Fancy
PBS Garden and Green Living Expo February 13-15, 2026
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Madison District hosted A Standard Flower Show Flights of Fancy (focusing on birds) February 13-15, 2026 at the PBS Garden and Green Living Expo in Madison. The event had a record number 17,317 attendees. Designers from Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota participated with bird inspired themes that included Winged Beauty, Taking Flight, All Aflutter and On the Wing. Education exhibits included From Your Window: Identifying Wisconsin Birds and Nectar Source for Hummingbirds. Special Thanks to the Judges who shared their time and insights at the show.
Many attendees spent time at the flower show discussing designs, educational exhibits and horticulture. Attendees particularly welcomed the opportunity to provide their input for the Viewer's Choice Award given each day. ( Look for the photos with the Bird Awards). Madison District has 181 members and all clubs participated in the show. Thank you Madison District Members, it takes a community to make the event a success! |
One of the most popular attendee events at Expo is the Designers Challenge on Saturday with attendees picking the winner. This year four members of the Wisconsin Floral Designers Guild were given a store bought floral bouquet and similar containers. Additional plant material included curly willow, red twig dogwood and an extra bucket of flowers that could be added to the designs. Designers talked about their design process during and at the conclusion of the design. A few Valentine's themed surprises were added along the way and helpful design hints were given to attendees by emcee Gerianne Holzman.
Central Region Convention
WGCF hosted the 2025 Central Region Convention at Elkhart Lake in October. There were excellent speakers on a variety of topics, a CR photography contest, and hands on workshops. The windchime workshop was well-attended and everyone came away with a windchime that was similar, but unique.
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PREPARING FOR THE SEASON: Lake Shore Garden Club's Porch Pot Classes
Lake Shore Garden Club held it's annual wreathmaking and porch pot making classes November 21-22 at Maywood Environmental Park in Sheboygan. An additional class was added this year due to popular demand. Almost 75 community members took advantage of this opportunity and enjoyed the event. All registration proceeds were donated to Maywood. Thanks to WGCF for the grant that helped provide the additional fresh greenery needed to support this event.
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ENVIRONMENTAL SCHOOL - A SUCCESS!
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Another successful Environmental School took place on September 26-27 at Maywood Environmental Park in Sheboygan. This was Course 3 in the 4 course series and the overall theme was air and related issues.
We learned about air and how air pollution forms and affects people and animals. We heard from an expert on rain forests who regularly takes his students to the remote rain forests of Belize. Another presenter covered endangered plants and animals and reasons why this is occurring. We got insight into environmental ethics and the different views people have on how the earth is to be used. These are just some of the topics covered.
For our field trip, we visited the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center where we got insight into farming and what farms are doing to prevent pollution of our air and waterways. We even saw a just born baby calf.
I hope that you will consider joining us for Course 4, coming in 2026. It will focus on water issues.
We learned about air and how air pollution forms and affects people and animals. We heard from an expert on rain forests who regularly takes his students to the remote rain forests of Belize. Another presenter covered endangered plants and animals and reasons why this is occurring. We got insight into environmental ethics and the different views people have on how the earth is to be used. These are just some of the topics covered.
For our field trip, we visited the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center where we got insight into farming and what farms are doing to prevent pollution of our air and waterways. We even saw a just born baby calf.
I hope that you will consider joining us for Course 4, coming in 2026. It will focus on water issues.
Contributing to Boerner Botanical Gardens
Left to right: Judy Strampe, Mary Kozlowski, Joyce Grimmer, Judi Wisla, Laura Skoff.
Hawthorn Garden Club contributed a weeping redbud to Boerner Botanical Gardens and then toured the gardens. Boerner is preparing for their upcoming China Lights starting Sept. 12th.
Boerner Botanical Gardens are located in Hales Corner. The gardens are named for Alfred Boerner, who designed the original five formal gardens in the 1950s.
Boerner Botanical Gardens are located in Hales Corner. The gardens are named for Alfred Boerner, who designed the original five formal gardens in the 1950s.
Diggin' It at the 2025 Wisconsin State Fair Flower Show
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Floral Designers of Wisconsin Garden Club had everyone "Diggin' It" at the 2025 Wisconsin State Fair Flower Show. Designers from across the state participated in the Aug. 7 to 10 show in the Grand Champion Hall on the fair grounds in West Allis. Garden club members entered 117 horticultural items. This was a National Garden Club Standard Flower Show.
Carol Catlin, the show's co-chairman, thanks everyone for participating. "We had some great designs and educational exhibits. The horticultural entires were amazing." She pointed out that this was a great opportunity to show case garden clubs and what we do with more than 1 million people attending the fair. |
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TRI-COUNCIL TOUR: West of the Lake Gardens and More
On Friday, July 25th Tri-Council members and others had the pleasure of visiting the Manitowoc/Two Rivers area. The Tri-Council organized a wonderful tour of West of the Lake Gardens. West of the Lake Gardens was designed, planted and maintained by Ruth West. She was active in local garden clubs, the district and served as WGCF's president. The current gardens follow her design and gardening philosophy. The guide was very interesting and knowledgeable. A visit to the Mariners Trail was next where the group learned about the gardens along the trail and the volulnteers that maintain it. Lunch followed and then on to Woodland Dunes Nature Center which preserves unique wetland habitat and provides educational experiences. Many thanks to the Tri-Council and the efforts of Karen Merlau for organizing this tour.
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HILARY GRACE HEALING GARDEN FOLLOW UP
On June 27, 2025 Southern Wisconsin Judges Council met for a meeting and a tour of the Hilary Grace Healing Garden located at the UW Health East Madison Hospital. This rooftop garden was the state project of the former WGCF President, Gerianne Holtzman. Our group enjoyed seeing how this area is used by the staff and patients. It was nice to see the results of a previous state project; and how Madison club(s) continue to support it. It is a beautiful, relaxing area and spending time there was a joy. If you are ever at the hospital, please visit the garden. You will be glad you did.
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Hawthorn Garden Club Celebrates 100 Years!
As part of Hawthorn Garden Club's 100 year celebration, the club served as Grand Marshalls for Hales Corners parade yesterday! It was fun ride in a trolley. We all made hats and their theme was “Red, white & Bloom." Hawthorn also added a tree to the village hall's grounds to commemorate the occasion. Congratulation on 100 years!
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Garden Clubs Making a Difference
Sixteen members of the Lake Wissota Garden Club recently met at Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls to add to the Wildflower Sanctuary they have established there. This year they spent 3 hours planting 350 additional native sedges, grasses and flowering plants. The Chippewa Falls Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department recognized their contribution to the city on their Facebook page.
Please share what your WGCF club is doing so your contributions can be acknowledged.
Please share what your WGCF club is doing so your contributions can be acknowledged.
Honoring Veterans and Those Who Gave Their Lives
Blue Star Marker Memorial installed in Windmill Park by the Botany Belles & Beaus Garden Club in cooperation with American Legion & Auxiliary Post 240 was dedicated on May 15th with Chuck and Linda McCafferty in attendance.
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Lake Wissota Garden Club added a Gold Star Marker to the Lafayette Veterans Memorial at Ray's Beach Park. It was dedicated on May 15th and Chuck and Linda McCafferty, Wisconsin's Blue Star Chairs were in attendance. The Gold Star marker recognizes the ultimate sacrifice that a service member has made and the family.
Lake Wissota also added a Blue Star Marker at the Lafayette Town Hall. |
The Milwaukee District installed a Blue Star By Way Marker on the Hank Aaron Trail west of the State Fairgrounds in West Allis. In attendance were: Mayor Dan Devine (West Allis), Diane Olsen (MDGC District Director) Nancy Gregory
(MDGC Blue Star Chair) and Roberto Ayala (DNR) |
2025-2027 Officers Installed
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The lady with the fascinator (President Linda McCafferty) has transferred her duties to Joe Powelka. Joe was installed as president by Gerianne Holzman, NGC 2nd VP. Installation of WGCF's 2025-2027 officers took place during WGCF's 97th annual convention "Conversations on the Chippewa" in Eau Claire, WI.
The officers are: Diane Peterson, Membership Secretary.- Karen Merlau, 2nd VP.- Nancy Gregory, 1st VP.- Joe Powelka, President.- Linda McCafferty, Treasurer.- Lynne Ehnert, Parliamentariain.- Gerianne Holzman, NGC. Thank you, Linda, for your service and looking forward to the guidance Joe will bring to the organization. |
Member Resources from NGC
The National Garden Club provides many resources for affiliated clubs. Membership Mondays occur the first Monday of each month at 1:00 EST. These are virtual events that can be attended live or recorded sessions on found on the NGC site. NGC also a variety of webinars on various gardening topics; to receive notices of upcoming ones, sign up for the National Gardener. Take advantage of your membership's benefits.
Moving into the Future!
WGCF's Strategic Planning Committee is always looking to the future, but it now has a subcommittee: The Futures Committee. This subcommittee is actively exploring how WGCF can implement NGC's goals
of RECRUITING, RETAINING and REVITALIZING its membership and is more than willing to share their
findings with WGCF's clubs. In fact they made a visit at to the Milwaukee District to share their findings.
The committee has a list of RESOURCES to help clubs accomplish this. Check it out!
of RECRUITING, RETAINING and REVITALIZING its membership and is more than willing to share their
findings with WGCF's clubs. In fact they made a visit at to the Milwaukee District to share their findings.
The committee has a list of RESOURCES to help clubs accomplish this. Check it out!
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Path of Success:
Wisconsin is helping it grow! Roughly 1/4 mile long, the Path of Success will be a walking path located on the grounds of NGC's headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri and will link to the Missouri Botanical Gardens, spreading more awareness of NGC than ever before. This project will also serve as an educational platform, showing the rich history and mission of NGC. To find out how your club or district can contribute to the Path of Success. |
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NGC's AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Ginger Wieman, Debby Walters, Susan Wallace receive NGC's Award of Excellence from WGCF's President, Linda McCafferty.
Wisconsin Garden Club Federation was presented with National Garden Clubs, Inc. Award of Excellence Award at the recent NGC Convention held in Denver.
"Your Garden - A Bird's Paradise" a daylong workshop which earned the award was held in Menomonie, WI last year was coordinated by the St. Croix District clubs. The workshop was designed to meet the needs of people who don't have the time or resources to attend an NGC school. It was attended by 106 people from across the state: WGCF members, Tri-Council members, and people from outside of the WGCF organization. It featured 4 speakers, tours of three gardens featuring native plants, educational displays, and four free native plants for each attendee. 94% of the participants gave the workshop top ratings.
"Your Garden - A Bird's Paradise" a daylong workshop which earned the award was held in Menomonie, WI last year was coordinated by the St. Croix District clubs. The workshop was designed to meet the needs of people who don't have the time or resources to attend an NGC school. It was attended by 106 people from across the state: WGCF members, Tri-Council members, and people from outside of the WGCF organization. It featured 4 speakers, tours of three gardens featuring native plants, educational displays, and four free native plants for each attendee. 94% of the participants gave the workshop top ratings.
IRVINE PARK FERNERY - CHIPPEWA FALLS
The Irvine Park Native Wildflower Sanctuary is a 1/2 acre native plant sanctuary established in 2010 by Lake Wissota Garden Club. It features over 225 species of Wisconsin native flowers, ferns, sedges, grass and shrubs. The 2024 project is a 1250 square foot fernery which will feature swaths of 12 plus native fern species and over 40 species of flowering plants. The funding for this project comes from a Community Foundation of Chippewa County grant.
If you are in the area, free tours are held the 2nd Saturday May through September. Single sheets of "What's Blooming" are always available in the Sanctuary to help you locate what Wisconsin native species are currently in bloom. The address of the sanctuary is Irvine Park, 125 Bridgewater Ave., Chippewa Falls, WI.
If you are in the area, free tours are held the 2nd Saturday May through September. Single sheets of "What's Blooming" are always available in the Sanctuary to help you locate what Wisconsin native species are currently in bloom. The address of the sanctuary is Irvine Park, 125 Bridgewater Ave., Chippewa Falls, WI.
Spring Seed Sharing - Waushara Gardeners
A team effort is needed to prepare packets of seeds for distribution through seed sharing events. An enthusiastic crowd had their pick of 76 different varieties of seeds including flowers, herbs, grasses, and vegetables. Seeds were donated by various garden companies, and af-
ter individual seed envelopes were packed, there were over 1300 seed packets to share with other gardeners. The extra seed packets are available available at the Leon-Saxeville Library in Pine River and at the Wautoma Library. What a wonderful outreach to the gardening community.
ter individual seed envelopes were packed, there were over 1300 seed packets to share with other gardeners. The extra seed packets are available available at the Leon-Saxeville Library in Pine River and at the Wautoma Library. What a wonderful outreach to the gardening community.
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Your Garden - A Bird's Paradise
On July 21st, 106 people participated in a workshop designed to help them create habitat for our feathered friends in their home landscape. Four speakers addressed the issue. Attendees were encouraged to include native plants, plant in layers (trees, shrubs, and lower vegetation), and garden a bit messy. Registration included free plants from Dragonfly Nursery and tours of three gardens featuring native plants.
The event was hosted by the St. Croix District and also supported financially by a WGCF grant and others. Thank you.
The event was hosted by the St. Croix District and also supported financially by a WGCF grant and others. Thank you.
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Federation Field Dedicated!
On July 14th, Federation Field was dedicated at the International Crane Foundation near Baraboo. The restoration of Federation Field was WGCF's 2021-2023 President's Project initiated by Laura Skoff. The restoration/growth of this field connects the original 1980 planting to the new exhibit area with a corridor of native grasses and flowers.
THANK-YOU to all the members, clubs and districts that donated to the project!
THANK-YOU to all the members, clubs and districts that donated to the project!
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Cups of Cheer
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Garden clubs exist to learn and serve together plus have fun while doing so. Recently Western Acres Garden Cub (of the Milwaukee District) put together "Cups of Cheer" to donate to a Brookfield nursing home. They used cups from Goodwill and fresh flowers to create some Easter floral arrangements. The residents of the nursing home were so appreciative of our efforts.
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The Wisconsin Garden Club Federation founded in 1928 is a charter member of the National Garden Club organization. As an organization, we are proud of our heritage of developing relationships with fellow gardeners, learning, and gardening for good in our communities.
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