An engaging evening with renowned author, photographer, and conservationist Michael Forsberg. was held October 15, 2024 at Lauritzen Gardens. He shared insights on his latest project, a long-awaited study on whooping cranes.
On September 4, 2024, LGC members toured two community gardens. The Dundee Community Garden is located at 49th and Underwood Ave. One of the founders, Mary G., led the tour. The DCG has 45 assigned plots, 3 open plots, a small orchard, a shed run by solar power, a composting area, a Little Free Library, and a neighborhood produce donation box. Pollinator plants are spread around the garden, and extra produce is donated to the residents at Underwood Tower across the street.
City Sprouts was one of Omaha’s first community gardens founded in 1995. It is located at 40th and Sprague and is a nonprofit 503(c)(3) volunteer organization. Its mission is to “use urban agriculture as a platform to develop equitable food systems, provide educational opportunities, and build community” Shannon K., manager of the garden, gave an overview and tour of the garden.
Thanks to the Horticultural Committee for arranging this fun and educational event! And, of course, lunch together followed.
The August monthly meeting was held at Lauritzen Gardens. Members toured the just newly-opened Horticultural Center where plants are propagated and the garden’s orchid collection resides.
On July 23, 2024, three LGC members opened their gardens to fellow members. The weather and gardens were lovely. Thanks to Linda L., Joyce M., and Mary D. for their hospitality as well as to Jane K. for the delicious lunch!
Loveland Garden Club hosted GCA Scholar Eric Schwartz at Lauritzen Gardens. We spent an hour and a half hearing about his experience over the past two weeks in Nebraska. Not only did he interview many people for his project research, but he also tubed down the Niobrara, visited Fort Robinson, Toadstool National Park, saw a family of bison, and marveled at the variety of landscape. Eric is very interested in the relationship between people and plants, especially trees. His journalistic approach will result in an interesting monograph about the impact of the Prairie States Forest Project of the 1930’s on the American landscape and the people who lived near the forest shelterbelt.
What a privilege to be part of the GCA that provides these scholarships! This year there are 99 scholars. Take a look at their photos in the recent GCA Bulletin beginning on page 46. See if you can spot Eric on page 56.
Club Appreciation Award
In recognition of her inspiring and steadfast leadership, tireless volunteerism, humility, and invaluable contributions and commitment to Loveland Garden Club and GCA.
On May, 13, 2024, four provisionals and their sponsors met at the Siena Francis House, “Nebraska’s largest provider of services to individuals experiencing homelessness,” to help the residents plant a vegetable garden. Ann A., Linda L., Nancy H., and Cyndee L. planned and coordinated the event. Even though the weather was a bit damp, everyone agreed that it was a rewarding experience teaching others the how to’s of vegetable gardening. and, who knows a few seeds may have been planted in other people’s lives that may lead to a future vocation or avocation!
President Chris W. and Delegate Paula A. represented the LGC at the GCA Annual Conference in Hartford, CT, April 26-28, 2024. “Beyond the Green” was the theme. Almost 600 people (99% women) were in attendance.
They attended a lecture about Connecticut native Frederick Law Olmsted’s work in his home state—which fortuitously took place on what would have been his 202nd birthday! They then boarded busses to visit Wickham Park, an estate that was built in 1896. The landscape was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead. It was donated to the city in 1960. It encompasses over 280 acres in East Hartford. They also toured the University of Connecticut Botanical Conservatory which contains one of the most diverse living plant collections at a public academic institution in the US. That evening, over 250 conference attendees walked five blocks through downtown Hartford to the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art (it was quite a sight) where dinner was served. We were seated with our fellow zone reps.
Attendees participated in a Saturday morning business meeting led by GCA President Marilyn Donahue. There they heard from GCA Scholar Charly Frisk who spoke about “How Seed Diversity Can Protect Our Food as the World Warms.” They also met the 2024 GCA Honorary Members – Southeastern Grasslands Institute Director, Dwayne Estes; San Diego Botanic Garden President, Ari Novy; ethnobotanist and Emory University professor, Cassandra Leah Quave; and Denver Botanical Garden CEO, Brian Vogt. Quave’s message that there is “a vast untapped world of discovery out there,” but that “change doesn’t happen overnight” echoed much of what these medalists said about their longstanding commitment to the environment.
The judged flower show was a big part of the conference. The flower arrangements, and displays were fabulous. I have no idea how the judging works, but it was a wonderful exhibit of the wonders of nature.
Ten new National Medalists were announced at Saturday night’s Awards Dinner and Ceremony. This diverse group included scholar Sir Peter Crane, advocate Lisa W. Ott, plant curator Rick Darke, regenerative ocean farming pioneer Bren Smith, advocate and filmmaker Tom Campion, preservationist Warrie Price, environmental philanthropist Gilbert Butler, advocate and former GCA President Anne “Dede” Neal Petri, and landscape architect David A. Rubin. I found the conference was flawlessly run. The meetings started and ended in a timely manner, the speeches were succinct, and the events well-planned.
The LGC Annual Meeting Luncheon was held May 21, 2024, at Happy Hollow Country Club. Members gathered to celebrate the year end and to honor award winners. Mr. Ennis Anderson, the new Chief Executive officer of Lauritzen Gardens was the featured speaker.