2023 is the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Loveland Garden Club. Members gathered at Lauritzen Gardens to celebrate and look back at the history of the club.

In honor of our 40th Anniversary, the club presented a to Rose Mary Lebeda at the Garden’s Holiday Brunch check for the Lauritzen Garden Lecture Series sponsored by Loveland Garden Club.

July’s meeting was a garden walk. Thanks to Mariana, Bea, and Kathy G. for opening their beautiful gardens to LGC members. Everyone enjoyed the experience and many met afterwards for lunch at the Market Basket.

Jim McGee gave an historical presentation about Memorial Park that is celebrating its 75th Anniversary. Here is a link to his presentation*-passcode is found in June minutes. Members then walked over to the park to visit the new plaza and traveling art piece “Embracing Peace” and rose gardens.

May 16, 2023-Thanks to all the members and other Master Gardner Rotating Crew members who came to plant, weed, trim and water! A particular shout out to Patti Banks who worked with the Omaha Parks Department to provide the plant material. A few weeks later, signage created by provisionals Jane and Susan was added.

The Annual Meeting Brunch was held May 25, 2023. Two provisionals were accepted into membership. The provisional project was shared with the membership. They created plant signage for Pacific Preserve. Four provisionals for 2023-24 were introduced.

Thanks to the Loveland Garden Club on Monday, April 3, 2023, Nebraska Governor James Pillen signed a proclamation designating April as “Native Plant Month.” This is an initiative of the Garden Club of America to “promote native plants by formally establishing a Native Plant Month in all fifty states. Led by the Conservation, Horticulture, and National Affairs and Legislation committees, volunteers from across the country worked towards the goal of increasing recognition of the critical role native plants play in supporting a healthy environment, thriving wildlife and pollinator populations, reducing use of pesticides and fertilizers, cleaning air and water, and so much more.” The club members presented Gov. Pillen with three natives including milkweed(!)that were delivered to his residence.

The Horticultural Committee met to plant blue sage seedlings to give to members at the annual meeting. Members learned about potting soil, containers, care and watering and the best timing for planting. Thanks for Patti B. for hosting this event!