Submitted by Debby Walters, BBBGC
WAUKESHA, WI – At the recent Wisconsin Garden Club Federation (WGCF) convention, the Botany Belles and Beaus Garden Club (BBBGC) which is made up of members from Baldwin, Woodville and surrounding areas received several awards. The most prestigious being the Garden Club of the Year award. This award is given to the club that promotes the objectives of WGCF which are to promote and share the love of gardening, floral design, and be involved in civic and environmental projects. The club does that through monthly meetings, community gardening projects at Windmill and Creamery Parks and the Woodville Rain Garden.
Community involvement is important. The club sponsors the activities for youngsters during Syttende Mai and Windmill Days, worked with the Baldwin-Woodville High School for Art in Bloom, sponsors a Nature Photography contest during Chili Fest, coordinates tree plantings in Woodville, and much more. Currently the group is working with the Baldwin American Legion Post 240 and Auxiliary Unit 240 on installing a Blue Star Memorial honoring everyone who has served. The Memorial will be at Windmill Park.
Besides recognition, the Garden Club of the Year award also comes with a $250 check.
In addition to the Club of the Year Award, Botany Belles and Beaus also received the Knox Garden Club Visibility Award based on the community activities that it provides. This is also a monetary award.
No organization can be successful without the active participation of its members. WGCF has the “And Then Some Award” to recognize those members that put in that extra time and effort needed to make the club a success. Ruth Anderson who serves as Botany Belles and Beaus treasurer is always one of the first to volunteer to help out at events, is leading the fundraising for the Blue Star Marker memorial, organizes food for events, serves on many committees including the Community Garden Tour, and is a positive example to us all and she was this year’s recipient of the “And Then Some Award” from the St. Croix District.
If you are interested in gardening and community service, the Botany Belles and Beaus might be the organization for you. Meetings are generally held the third Tuesday of the month at the Baldwin Town Hall and our schedule is posted on botanybellesbeaus.org or follow us on Facebook.
