LIVING GREEN
GARDENS
59
he year that just ended was an
especially noteworthy one for Garden
Club of Indian River County, which is
more than 80 years old.
Last year marked the10th anniversary of Gardenfest!,
an annual event that has grown like the welltended
gardens it celebrates. It is traditionally held in
Riverside Park, Vero Beach, the first weekend in February,
rain or shine. This year, more than 70 vendors of plants and
just about anything related to gardens will set up their tents
in anticipation of the enthusiastic crowds. Last year, 20,000-
plus nature lovers poured through the gates of the park. Student
volunteers will be at the ready with wagons and carts
to help carry plants and yard art to patrons’ cars, although
visitors are encouraged to bring their own.
GIVING BACK
In keeping with its tradition, the Garden Club will give
back to the community that supports it. Barbara Russell, cochairwomen
with Karen Vatland this year, says, “A portion
of the weekend proceeds from the Gardenfest! event goes to
community outreach and educational programs supported by
the Garden Club of Indian River County.”
She goes on to list just a few of the club’s projects: scholarships
for students majoring in horticultural and environmental
sciences at the University of Florida, Fort Pierce campus;
support of the teaching garden at the Gifford Youth Activity
Center; landscaping of the traffic island on Indian River Boulevard
north of Royal Palm Boulevard, at the Heritage Center
and at the new library at the Mueller Campus of Indian River
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T
Betty Greisinger chairs several Garden Club of Indian River County committees,
including Gardenfest!’s Ask the Experts committee.
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