Random Acts of Kindness Week
Although we often witness kindness is our community we hope you will help us cultivate kindness; plant kindness seeds and watch them grow! What can you do make a difference? Want to know more? Visit
FVGC Random Acts of Kindness Facebook page for ideas or resources. We were so pleased our downtown businesses embraced the ideas with many great kindness window paintings done by Rachel Cornett of Find Her in Flip Flops. Her talent shines and countless ideas, creativity and work are an inspiration!
FVGC Random Acts of Kindness Facebook page for ideas or resources. We were so pleased our downtown businesses embraced the ideas with many great kindness window paintings done by Rachel Cornett of Find Her in Flip Flops. Her talent shines and countless ideas, creativity and work are an inspiration!
Entryway Awards
Over the past five years the club recognized residents who have eye-catching entryways. A committee of Garden Club members would rotate seasonally through Fuquay-Varina neighborhoods to spot a household with outstanding seasonal interest and color. We have enjoyed visiting with the entryway winners and celebrating their creativity.
Field Trip To Chatham Mills Pollinator Garden
The club attended a tour of the Chatham Mills Pollinator Garden in July of 2022 when Debbie Roos delighted them with her knowledge, tips and garden wonders. The tour was well attended by a large group that braved the 90+ temperatures. They were pleased to see lots of pollinators and even a green lynx spider eating a bee. Many ate lunch in town so...all enjoyed this pollinator tourism!
Assisting A Nonprofit With Beautification
Community and beautification go hand-in-hand within our club's mission statement. Recently many club members jumped at the need to help provide some TLC around The Chamber of Commerce grounds. Over a few weeks of hot, humid mornings they weeded beds and trimmed the Crape Myrtles. In addition, Nick at Caspar's Landscape stepped up to the challenge of removing large, diseased rose bushes and other overgrown shrubbery. Sincere thanks go out to all involved in making a difference at this important location.
Congratulations to the 2023 FVGC Scholarship Winner
Congratulations to the 2023 FVGC Scholarship Winner
Congratulations to Noah Mathew who received a FVGC Scholarship Award at the FVHS Awards Ceremony in June of 2023.The club offers this to high school seniors who pursue higher education in a field related to Garden Club goals.
* Agricultural Engineer
* Animal Science
* Environmental Fields
* Forestry
* Landscape/Design
* Parks and Recreation
* Agribusiness
* Botany or Plant Pathology
* Floriculture
* Horticulture
* Naturalist
* Resource & Development
Since 2007 FVGC has given thousands of dollars to dedicated and deserving students. Thank you to everyone who supports our club fundraisers. Funds from these events allow us to provide scholarships
and to participate in community and school projects.
Congratulations to Noah Mathew who received a FVGC Scholarship Award at the FVHS Awards Ceremony in June of 2023.The club offers this to high school seniors who pursue higher education in a field related to Garden Club goals.
* Agricultural Engineer
* Animal Science
* Environmental Fields
* Forestry
* Landscape/Design
* Parks and Recreation
* Agribusiness
* Botany or Plant Pathology
* Floriculture
* Horticulture
* Naturalist
* Resource & Development
Since 2007 FVGC has given thousands of dollars to dedicated and deserving students. Thank you to everyone who supports our club fundraisers. Funds from these events allow us to provide scholarships
and to participate in community and school projects.
Supporting Lincoln Heights Elementary School's Pollinator Garden
Club members continue to work at LHES to provide advice and assistance with the gardens and grounds. We enjoy working with the pollinator beds, where we may discover tiny monarch caterpillars. The lead instructor for this facet of Lincoln Heights’ environmental program emphasis is Laura Wood who has many ongoing projects involving the students that help educate them about the earth and climate change. She had received grant money to install a beehive visible inside the building, and when we were there the bees were active coming and going through the building’s wall; sadly, when visiting the school a few weeks later the beehive was empty, having succumbed to some ailment that is being evaluated before inviting a new hive. Our members enjoy working with the school and their pollinator beds. We also look forward to assisting them with a maintenance plan that would involve students and a variety of volunteers.
Town Dedication Of Hilltop-Needmore Park Clubhouse and The Mayor's Tree |
May 17th the Town of FV held a Dedication for the Hilltop-Needmore Town Park & Preserve Clubhouse and The Mayor's Tree for John W. Byrne. The tree was purchased by The Fuquay-Varina Garden Club to honor John Byrne for his twenty years of service to his community.
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Composting Is Easy: The Growers Market
In May we enjoyed educating people about composting and worm composting (vermicomposting). We explained easy three methods to compost; Freezing fruit and vegetable scraps and then taking them to the Wake Landfill to compost, Using a container such as the Earth Machine, or The Three Bin Method. We had a lot of interest from adults and children. Want to know more? NC State's composting website has an abundance of information waiting for you to partake and help reduce food waste and methane gas that contributes to greenhouse gases. Also, during the month of May, Wake County is offering 1/2 off the Earth Machine. We look forward to repeating this on August 27th.
Happy Holidays!
The Magic of Christmas was celebrated with a Christmas Gathering at the new Cleveland Draft House early in December. The turnout was great as was the service and food. Later in week a large group again met up to take in lights throughout the area. It was festive and fun. This may have to be an annual event!
Blue Star Memorial Markers Dedication
On November 10th The Fuquay-Varina Garden Club partnered with The Town of Fuquay-Varina in dedicating two
Blue Star Memorial Markers. The Blue Star Memorial Marker Program began in 1945 to honor the men and women serving in the Armed Forces during WWII. The program has grown to include all men and women who have served, are serving, or will serve in the Armed Forces of the United States. Sincere thanks to all the organizations and people who participated in this memorial day. One marker is placed in Fuquay at Highway 401 & Academy and the other is placed in Varina near the flag parking lot facing Tsuru Sweets and Coffee.
View event photos: docs.google.com/presentation/d/1mWVDlsX3_xfyS3Zz6il7LZ6QOl2F3SQLbTIEl8Ydzss/edit?usp=sharing
Blue Star Memorial Markers. The Blue Star Memorial Marker Program began in 1945 to honor the men and women serving in the Armed Forces during WWII. The program has grown to include all men and women who have served, are serving, or will serve in the Armed Forces of the United States. Sincere thanks to all the organizations and people who participated in this memorial day. One marker is placed in Fuquay at Highway 401 & Academy and the other is placed in Varina near the flag parking lot facing Tsuru Sweets and Coffee.
View event photos: docs.google.com/presentation/d/1mWVDlsX3_xfyS3Zz6il7LZ6QOl2F3SQLbTIEl8Ydzss/edit?usp=sharing
Town Dedication to FVGC Donated Sculpture 'The Guardian'
Recently the Town of Fuquay-Varina held Dedication for our club's donated sculpture. One of our Garden Club objectives is “beautification”. As a 501-c non-profit organization, we pondered what gift we could give our fast-growing community. We considered contributing a garden although we noted that the ongoing upkeep on growing plants may not be much of a “gift” in the long run. A committee was formed to search for a type of art sculpture we could purchase. We found an intriguing steel sculpture by world-renowned sculptor Sam Spiczka. The steel seems to invoke the industry and railroad that supported this community as it began. The organic flow and open design remind us that we have fluidity and openness, as well as the strength to face our future. This art piece is titled “The Guardian” and we are thrilled that the Fuquay Varina Police Department has accepted this sculpture and installed it by the entrance to their new building.
FVGC continues to make a difference in the lives of our community, be it young or seniors. Calendars were taken to the Raleigh Meals on Wheels office which were put into gift bags for the Fuquay-Varina MOW recipients.
FVGC continues to make a difference in the lives of our community, be it young or seniors. Calendars were taken to the Raleigh Meals on Wheels office which were put into gift bags for the Fuquay-Varina MOW recipients.
Eleven members and four guests enjoyed visiting The MacCallum More Historical Home & Garden located in Virginia on March 7, 2020. Following the visit and lunch they also visited The Pine Knot Hellebore Festival.
https://www.pineknotfarms.com/hellebore-days/
February 8th, 2020 seven members attended the free Second Saturday Tour at the North Carolina Botanical Gardens in Chapel Hill. Winter gardens were the topic of the day but it was interesting to learn this location is one of the premier conservation gardens in the US.
Club members visited J.R. Raulston Arboretum January 18, 2020 to take in a presentation on winter Woodland Treasures. After the informative talk we headed outside to discover some of these plants in the arboretum gardens. It was a cold day but we had a warm group to huddle with as we spotted the various beauties. Thanks to Marybeth for organizing the trip and a great lunch at Neomonde.
Many Hands Make Light Work
Members from all over the Fuquay Varina community came together October 6, 2019 to help beautify the front of Fuquay Varina Elementary School (FVES). The school was awarded 50 Azalea plants as part of WRALs 34th Azalea Celebration. The volunteers worked together to plant the Azaleas and spread 50 yards of mulch in the front of the school. The beautification would not have been possible without all the volunteers coming out. FVES would like to thank the FVES families, FVHS Key Club, FVMS Beta Club, FV Garden Club, Boy Scout Troop 75, Kappa Alpha Theta NC State, Southern Wake Academy, and the FV Police Department for making today possible.
On the road again...
A group of us went to Niche Gardens and Camellia Forest Nursery on Saturday, March 30th, 2019. Five of the travelers were members, two were spouses and two were last month's guests who plan to join.
We started at Niche Garden. It was a joy to shop there. Everything was very organized and each plant was very well labeled with cultural requirements and special remarks. They have non natives as well and If you don't see it...ask about it...they are happy to check the stock greenhouses. There were some that had not yet come up but they were happy to show you the roots so that you knew you were buying a live plant. The prices were good. We all left with something.
After lunch at a local Mexican restaurant, we quickly arrived at Camellia Forest Nursery. There were a lot of camellias in bloom! Every color, doubles, singles, fragrant, some more tree like, different leaf color...get the picture? They also have ornamentals but on a smaller scale. It was worth the trip!
A group of us went to Niche Gardens and Camellia Forest Nursery on Saturday, March 30th, 2019. Five of the travelers were members, two were spouses and two were last month's guests who plan to join.
We started at Niche Garden. It was a joy to shop there. Everything was very organized and each plant was very well labeled with cultural requirements and special remarks. They have non natives as well and If you don't see it...ask about it...they are happy to check the stock greenhouses. There were some that had not yet come up but they were happy to show you the roots so that you knew you were buying a live plant. The prices were good. We all left with something.
After lunch at a local Mexican restaurant, we quickly arrived at Camellia Forest Nursery. There were a lot of camellias in bloom! Every color, doubles, singles, fragrant, some more tree like, different leaf color...get the picture? They also have ornamentals but on a smaller scale. It was worth the trip!
This past February members of the club took a field trip to Seagrove to visit The North Carolina Pottery Center and Seagrove Orchids. The Pottery Center is a shop and museum featuring the history of pottery in the area. It included some Native American pieces as well. There is a small fee to tour. Our next stop was a shop that included a number of artisans in one stop. From there, each car traveled to individual potters that were of individual interest. We met up for lunch at the newly opened Salt and Pepper Family Restaurant. From there we traveled to Seagrove Orchids where we were met by Linda, the owner who spoke to us about the general needs of orchids and even diagnose some problems members were experiencing with their own orchids. we started the hunt for the orchids that we had to have in our homes. Most of us left with orchids as we assured her that her orchids could not have found better homes.
In early December ten club members ventured to Richmond, VA to take in interesting sights, gardens, and holiday lights. We began at The Maymont Mansion where our first guide provided the family history as we toured this inviting, warm home. From there we had a second tour of the grounds which were equally as impressive. We can't wait to go back during another season. In the evening we were enchanted at The Louis Ginter Holiday Lights Display. Strolling through gardens of twinkling color with wondrous eyes of exciting children put us all in a festive mood. After a fun brunch the next day some members took in The Hollywood Cemetary and the eclectic area of Cary Town but then had to rush off before the threatening snow storm dared us to drive. It was a memorable weekend. Kuddos to Sandy A. who planned an outstanding trip!
In early July, members took a field trip to visit Lavender Oaks Farm located in Chapel Hill. What a beautiful environment and venue! We look forward to returning next year.
Some club members are putting their creative talents to work at The NC State University Craft Center. They spent the weekend learning how to make and design clay items for garden Totem Poles. They have one more day of work before they will be completed. I'm sure the experience and totems will be priceless!
Congratulations to our two 2018 FVHS scholarship recipients! Thanks to our hard-working club members and many supporters two students received a $1500 scholarship towards a Horticultural, Agricultural, etc. degree.
FVGC Strikes Again! Each year our club works with a school to assist in the beautification of their courtyard or grounds. Over the past year we have been working with Brie Arthur doing foodscaping at Herbert Akins Elementary School. Garden Club Members work with teacher, Kelli Jackson, and students to weed, mulch and plant food students grow and eat. Each grade level has a raised bed which will be planted and they also have a butterfly garden, rain barrels and a beautiful courtyard which is enjoyed by all! Thank you to garden club members who have chipped in to make a difference at this school.
On Sat Nov 11, fifteen FVGC club members attended a talk at Atlantic Garden Company in north Raleigh. The lively and informative "Winter Evergreens" lecture by Dr. Bryce Lane included a taste of Winter Berries (yum, wintergreen-minty flavor). As much as any gardener may THINK he/she knows about the winter garden, Dr. Lane once again came up with a few surprises. He gathered a great selection of conifers and other evergreens for a great "Show and Tell" presentation that highlighted size, foliage colors, texture and yes, fragrance. No common items in this showcase! Afterwards, club members scrambled to purchase their favorites.
On Sat Nov 11, fifteen FVGC club members attended a talk at Atlantic Garden Company in north Raleigh. The lively and informative "Winter Evergreens" lecture by Dr. Bryce Lane included a taste of Winter Berries (yum, wintergreen-minty flavor). As much as any gardener may THINK he/she knows about the winter garden, Dr. Lane once again came up with a few surprises. He gathered a great selection of conifers and other evergreens for a great "Show and Tell" presentation that highlighted size, foliage colors, texture and yes, fragrance. No common items in this showcase! Afterwards, club members scrambled to purchase their favorites.
Willow Springs Elementary School has been gardening with students for 10 years and has an impressive 100' x 40' garden. Students are involved in every stage of the growth. Students get to taste the results of their work and then the produce is donated to The Food Pantry. Garden club members were asked to help out in May of 2017.
Our BBQ Scholarship Fundraiser was a huge success due to many contributing factors. Our goal was to raise enough funds to provide two FVHS AG students with a $1500 scholarship and we surpassed it! Thank you to The Garden Hut for hosting the event and to The Hook & Cleaver Market who cooked & donated proceeds for the BBQ. Our Silent Auction was spectacular thanks to over 35 businesses or individuals who made generous donations. Of course we also must express our gratitude to the community and our members who supported our event.
FVGC members rotate seasonally through Fuquay-Varina neighborhoods in search of such appealing front yards. It doesn’t matter if your “style” of décor is rustic, whimsical or elegant; we are looking to award one household for a display of Southern Hospitality with seasonal interest and color.
FVGC joined other District 10 members at The Governor Morehead School for the Blind to plant bulbs in The Margaret Franck Fragrance Garden. We made a small dent in the 700 bulbs to be planted.
Our club continues to monitor and clean up the courtyards at two local elementary schools and also assisted in the FV Middle School Fall Clean-Up Day. After sprucing up the elementary courtyards we donated and planted pansies for some winter color.
Cody of Troop 320 has been working on his Eagle Scout Project since March to install our remaining 16 Brown-headed nuthatch boxes throughout the community. As part of the project Cody organized the building of five additional boxes and the installation of the 21 boxes. We thank and congratulate Cody for his diligence and hard work.
Lincoln Heights Elementary School Table Decorations
In September the school requested centerpieces for a fall function. A group of creative members rose to the occasion using primarily greenery and some flowers from their gardens to create 25 nice arrangements.
Tis the holiday season so our club collaborates with Walmart to bring cheer to the Meals on Wheels recipients in our town.
Thank you Walmart for your support and contribution to folks in our community!
Thank you Walmart for your support and contribution to folks in our community!
Our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of our 2014 Garden Party. We greatly appreciate the attendees, the hard work of our members, and the generosity of the MANY local businesses who made our amazing raffle possible. Fundraisers such as this one provide us the opportunity to give back to our community.
School was just around the corner so Lincoln Heights Elementary was busy getting ready for the first day. Our club dropped in to see if their courtyard needed any TLC. In a few short weeks club members ,the school community and a few, local church volunteers helped us transform two very overgrown and neglected areas. FVGC members worked to weed, trim, and mulch to beautify the areas making them more inviting for students, staff, and parents. Thank you to the members who donated time and effort on such short notice. We are also grateful for our partner, Home Depot, who donated some of the mulch for this project.
The Garden Club joined forces with the Fuquay-Varina Museum Park to replace and dedicate a tree for Arbor Day in 2014. The F-VGC was proud to present the “Ashworth Dogwood” in honor of Frances Ashworth Senter to the Historical Preservation Site. Frances was instrumental in moving the old school house to the site in 1993 as a member of the Fuqay Spring Questers. The Squire Ballentine School House is part of the F-V Historical Museums Complex. A dedication plaque was placed inside the school house so the next time you are at the Museums (Open 2-4 on Wednesdays or on Fuquay Festival Days) stop in to see it. Frances is pictured here with her two daughters.
One of our recent and ongoing projects is the beautification of the cafeteria courtyard at Fuquay-Varina Elementary School. Members have helped to powerwash, trim trees and bushes, and make plans to create some areas of interest. Contact [email protected] if you'd like donate time, funds, or materials to our cause. A HUGE SHOUT OUT to HOME DEPOT who donated and delivered 130 bags of mulch to the school. Interested in seeing more photos from this project?
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Ginny's Posse heads out twice a year to do their part in preserving FV's beautiful roadsides. Donning neon orange vests they collected items along Angier Road and met for lunch after they finished. Want to join the Posse? Sign up to help in the Spring or Fall. It only takes an hour when we have a team of eight. |