SUSTAINABLE GARDENING: The Quiet Beauty of Winter

December invites gardeners to take a step back and appreciate the quieter side of the landscape. One key sustainable practice this month is to leave your perennial plants standing with their seed heads, dried flower stalks, and grasses intact. These natural structures provide essential shelter and food for birds and beneficial insects that overwinter in your garden.

Cutting everything back too soon removes valuable habitat and can disrupt the lifecycle of pollinators preparing to emerge in spring. Plus, the frosted seed heads and swaying grasses add texture and visual interest during the colder months when gardens tend to look bare.

Maintaining these natural winter features supports local wildlife and helps your garden stay healthy year-round — a simple but powerful way to garden sustainably in December.

Crofton is looking festive once again, thanks to the efforts of the Holiday Decorating Committee led by Project Chair Tracy Backus. Tracy hosted a wreath workshop in her home, where committee members helped add festive bows to fresh wreaths.

Once prepared, the wreaths were delivered and displayed throughout the community—including the Village Green, local public schools, the Blue Star Memorial at the Crofton Community Library, the Gold Star Memorial located at the main entrance to Crofton, and Town Hall. Members of the committee contributed in different ways, whether by assisting at the workshop or delivering the wreaths to the various locations.

A warm thank-you to Tracy Backus, Cindy Hare, Diane Gallow, Angela DeLuca, Jane McClanahan, and Diane Smith. Your time and teamwork helped spread holiday cheer throughout Crofton!

Project Co-Chairs Trish Lilek Demers and Margo Antonelli hosted a cheerful wreath-making workshop at Trish’s home with committee members Diane Smith, Lauren Toomey, Paulette and Paul Heward, Peggy Smail, Rosa Johnson, and Heather Marken. As part of an annual tradition, CVGC contributed wreaths alongside other area garden clubs to help decorate the Maryland State House and State Circle for the holiday season.

Members donated a beautiful assortment of evergreens: thread cypress and juniper from Nancy Percivall; mixed greens and Nellie Stevens holly from Diane Smith; and loblollies and pinecones from Paulette Heward. The variety made each wreath unique and full of seasonal charm.

After the wreaths were completed, Trish delivered them to Renee Little, Naval Academy Garden Club and State Circle Chair, at State Circle and East Street—continuing a meaningful tradition that brightens Annapolis each year.

Each year, the Crofton Village Garden Club joins other District II clubs to decorate State Circle and the Maryland State House with fresh evergreen wreaths.

This season, members Diane Smith, Project Co-Chair Trish Lilek Demers, and Rosa Johnson gathered a mix of greens to prepare for the wreath-making effort. Their teamwork marks the start of a cherished tradition that brings natural beauty to Annapolis each holiday season.

Crofton Village Garden Club received the Flower Show Achievement Award from the National Garden Clubs (NGC) for our 60's Flower Power Standard Flower Show held in May 2024. This award, represented by a large purple ribbon, is given to member organizations that present a well-executed Standard Flower Show, achieving a combined score of  95 points or more from an evaluating panel.

The 2024 show captured the lively spirit of the 1960s through thoughtful floral designs and careful planning. Several members of the Flower Show Committee were present to be photographed with the award, representing the many club members whose efforts made the show possible.

We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this event and to the visitors who shared in the enjoyment of the show. This recognition reflects the dedication and collaboration of our entire club.