By Kathleen Edge, Publicity & Website Chair
Since 1990 – for 36 years – Green Thumb Garden Club has maintained the Eden Gardens State Park Butterfly Garden and is proud to support the much-needed 2026 renovation. The centerpiece of the Garden, the beautiful fountain, has been removed, repaired, repainted and reinstalled along with the hardscape and mulch around the fountain. Next, the butterfly-attracting flowers and bushes will be planted, and a dedication celebration will be held at the member meeting on May 20, 2026 with the unveiling of a granite marker. Eden’s Butterfly Garden restoration is supported by Friends of Eden Garden, Florida Federation of Garden Clubs and Green Thumb Garden Club. A Park tour will be offered to anyone interested.
Generous donations and multiple fund-raising projects supported by members and the Walton County community have allowed GTGC to increase scholarship awards from $7,000. in 2025 to $8,500. in 2026. We are very excited to present awards to Mercer college scholarship winners, Westonwood Ranch, 4H Camp Timpoochee and E.O. Wilson Biophilia Naturalist Camp. The awards will be presented over the next several months.
May’s meeting on the 20th will be held at the Eden Gardens State Park Pavilion, 181 Eden Gardens Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Check-in time is 9:30 am; cost is $30. cash, $32. credit card with lunch included. Attendees will also see a live Butterfly exhibit and presentation. 2026/2027 Club Officers will be inducted. Casual clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen are highly recommended.
Details about how to join Green Thumb Garden Club, programs, projects and more can be found on the website at www.greenthumbgardenclubinc.org or email greenthumbgardenclubinc@gmail.com
The Green Thumb Garden Club, Inc., located in Walton County, Florida, is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to stimulate interest in the beautification of Walton County, furthering the education of its members and the public in botany, community beautification, conservation of natural resources, environmental awareness, floral design, gardening, horticulture, and nature studies and instill in our youth the love of gardening and respect for the environment. Please note: Programs are subject to change
