By Kathleen Edge, Publicity & Website Chair
The Florida Federation of Garden Clubs District 1 Fall meeting, hosted by Green Thumb (GTGC) and DeFuniak Springs Garden Clubs, brought over 70 attendees to Sandestin’s Westwinds Conference Center. Grants and awards were presented to garden clubs across the Panhandle. Green Thumb received an FFGC grant and will match the grant to contribute to the restoration of Eden Gardens State Park Butterfly Garden. GTGC volunteers have helped maintain the Butterfly Garden for 35 years, and we are thrilled to be part of the restoration.
GTGC members were also recognized for their contribution to National Garden Week, which is the first week of June every year.
“Where Every Day is a Celebration” is the theme of the fifth annual Green Thumb Garden Club Holiday Bazaar that showcases unique seasonal décor and other items made by members and other local artists. Special thanks to Cantina Laredo for again allowing the Club to have the event at their Grand Boulevard location on November 15, 2025. Doors open at 9 a.m.
Bazaar net proceeds will fund 2026 scholarships awarded to Walton County horticulture college students as well as participants in Timpoochee 4H Youth Camp, E.O. Wilson Biophilia Naturalists Outdoor Program and Westonwood Ranch programs.
Also in October, Green Thumb members donated over $600 in food and cash to Caring & Sharing to support those in need in our community. Walton County Sheriff’s Santa Patrol will receive gifts and gift cards for young children and teenagers at the GTGC Holiday Party on December 10, 2025, at Bricktop’s Grand Boulevard.
The Club has chosen a well-deserving Walton County family as its 2025 Habitat holiday family. The family will receive monetary donations and gifts to help ensure a great holiday season for everyone. The donations will be delivered to the family in mid-December.
Please visit the Green Thumb Garden Club website to learn about our charitable mission, how to join and details on meetings, activities, and events. The website address is greenthumbgardenclubinc.org, or send an email to 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 gardening ~ horticulture ~ botany ~ floral design ~ environmental awareness ~ conservation of natural resources ~ civic beautification ~ nature studies and instill in our youth the love of gardening and respect for the environment.
