By Kathleen Edge, Publicity & Website Chair
Sixty members and guests enjoyed a picture-perfect meeting day at one of Walton County’s most beautiful locations, Eden Gardens State Park.
Butterflies in Motion is a program of the Santa Rosa County Master Gardeners Association. Jenny Weber and Chris McLean brought the mobile house to the Park and provided a fabulous educational program about butterflies complete metamorphosis.
In 2026, GTGC was able to increase scholarship awards to the highest level in their 70- year history. Generous donations and fund-raising projects supported by members and the local community have allowed GTGC to present two $2,000 college scholarships plus $1,500. each to 4H Youth Camp Timpoochee, E.O.Wilson Naturalists’ Camp and Westonwood Ranch. College scholarship winners are Kaelynn Green, University of West Florida and Cali Caravello, University of Washington Seattle.
Members and guests also toured the fully renovated Eden Gardens Butterfly Garden. The centerpiece of the Garden, the beautiful fountain, is now in perfect operating condition surrounded by a brick border and butterfly-attracting flowers and bushes have been planted. Green Thumb unveiled a granite marker showing the Club’s support for the Garden since 1990. Long-time member, Barbara Young, a Walton County Master Gardener, presented the inspiring history of the Butterfly Garden.
Last year’s Board of Directors were honored, and next year’s Club Officers were inducted. 2026/2027 Officers are Lori Echols, President; Barbara Gahagan, Vice President; Kathleen Edge, Treasurer; and Kathy Bilello, Secretary.
Next year will kick off with the September 2026 member meeting. Details about how to join Green Thumb Garden Club, the 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.
