At the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland (FGCMD) Annual Meeting at Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, Crofton Village Garden Club (CVGC) member Diane Smith was honored with an Award of Citation for her exceptional dedication and contributions. Recognized as an "Invaluable Club Member with talent, energy, and planning skills—A Super Member!"

The award was presented by outgoing FGCMD President Susie Middleton and National Garden Clubs (NGC) President Brenda Moore. Diane’s recognition was undoubtedly influenced by her willingness to step up and embrace the responsibilities of her new role as First Vice President/Programs. Her leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment continue to strengthen CVGC, and the club is thrilled to celebrate this well-earned honor.

Congratulations, Diane!

FGCMD President Susie Middleton presents the Member Award of Honor to CVGC member Nancy Percivall for the creation of the Stonegate Nature Trail. Nancy took an abandoned woodland and turned it into a community nature trail. Her conservation efforts inspired the members of her club and neighborhood community to participate in restoring and protecting this woodland habitat. The Nature Trail not only provides habitat to pollinators and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, it benefits the community as a useable outdoor recreational area.

FGCMD President Susie Middleton and CAR-SGC Director Monica Hansen present the Award of Achievement to CVGC member Lauren Toomey for the Pollinator Pathway along the WB&A Trail. At the conclusion of Lauren’s studies as a Watershed Steward, she proposed a creation of a pollinator pathway of native pollinator plantings along the WB&A Trail. Under the umbrella of Pollinator Pathways, Lauren was able to get assistance from her garden club members, Bee Lab, Watershed Stewards of Anne Arundel County and Master Gardeners resulting in the planting of 2,700 plants in 2022 and 4,700 plants in 2023!

Lauren was not in attendance and the award was accepted by Littany Hollerbach, CVGC Awards Committee Chair.

Crofton Village Garden Club members Carol McNemar, Diane Gallow, Sally Moore, and Marcia Richard created twelve stunning table designs for the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland (FGCMD) pre-dinner at Turf Valley, held in conjunction with the State Annual Meeting. Each arrangement reflected the creativity, skill, and dedication of our talented design team and added a vibrant touch to the evening’s festivities.

In addition to contributing these beautiful floral designs, Crofton Village Garden Club was recognized for having the most attendees at the event—a proud moment that highlights our club’s strong spirit of participation and community engagement.

Below are the arrangements created by our talented design team.

Crofton Village Garden Club members Marcia Richard and Margo Antonelli served as hostesses for the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland, Inc. at the Maryland Home and Garden Show held at the Timonium Fairgrounds on Sunday, March 6th. They were joined by Joyce Griffin from the Mt. Royal Garden Club, District IV, who also contributed her time as a hostess for the event.

As part of the show, each District was tasked with designing a floral mask using fresh or dried plant materials. These creative designs showcased the artistry and skills of Maryland’s garden clubs, highlighting the beauty of nature through unique, plant-based expressions. The event provided an opportunity to connect with the community and share the talents of garden club members with visitors.

The Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland Annual Meeting was held yesterday at Turf Valley Resort and Hotel in Ellicott City. New board members were installed by NGC President-elect Mary Warshauer.