Kirby Holt isn’t opposed to incorporating spray paint, hot glue or even a faux flower or two to create floral arrangements to please demanding clients.
A seasonal flower demonstration by Holt, owner and lead designer at Blossoms, a Chipley floral and gift shop, launched the Seagrove Garden Club’s 2026-27 season on Sept. 9 at Watersound Fountains.
The club’s new president Debbie Schneider said she looks “forward to fostering a welcoming and positive environment for all our members.”
Holt created several floral arrangements with the help of his son, Brad, who also shared with members examples of his latest passion: songwriting.
For an arrangement with fall color not naturally found along the northwest Florida coast, Holt sprayed everyday foliage with a heavy layer of buttery yellow spray paint, followed by pops of paprika. He added fake gourds, yellow and orange flowers and short grass for texture.
Holt will share his designer tips at his 30th annual Holiday Decorating Showcase Oct. 22 at the Washington County Ag Center in Chipley. The event is a must for anyone interested in creating dramatic holiday decorations in a short amount of time. Holt donates part of each $20 admission ticket to the club. For information on tickets, message the club on its Facebook page.
The 63rd Seagrove Garden Club season continues in October with a program about tropical plants by horticulturist Karen Dowd of Nature’s Way Farms. Club members will hold the annual Gifting & Giving fundraiser in November. In 2025, the club distributed more than $11,000 to local charities to benefit children and families.
After the new year, chef Gary Serafin of Emerald Coast Catering/Gourmet to Go will share his story in January. Guardians of the Summer Meadow will be the subject of the February meeting with Joshua Criss with the University of Florida Extension Agency. In March, Kurt Cox of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will discuss invasive creatures. In April, the club holds its annual plant swap and will learn about mosquito management from the South Walton Mosquito Control District. The season wraps up with a local garden tour in mid-May.
Schneider is beginning a two-year term as president. Carolyn Dzelzkahns returns as treasurer. Vice president duties will be shared by Linda Cox, Sheri Allen, Kathy Askew and Ashley Brammer. Patsy Powell will take over as club secretary. Past president Marie Spafford is the club parliamentarian. Cora Brettel will continue to spearhead the club’s Charity of the Month effort.
Visitors to Ascension Hospital Emerald Coast in Santa Rosa Beach, the nearby Ascension Cancer Center, Genesis Care and residents of three assisted-living facilities enjoy the weekly handiwork of Seagrove Garden Club members who create dozens of arrangements with donated flowers.
Organized in 1963 in South Walton County, Seagrove Garden Club is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit. The club’s early focus on sharing the culture of coastal flowers and experiences has evolved into a mission of giving to the community through flowers and monetary support. Since becoming a tax-exempt organization in 2019, the club has raised more than $86,000 to support charities in Walton, Bay and Okaloosa counties. For more information on Seagrove Garden Club activities and membership, visit the group’s Facebook page.
