NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
March 28, 2026: 39th Annual Lahr Native Plant Symposium, U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, D.C.
This all-day (9:00 – 4:00) event features a slate of expert speakers who will touch on a variety of topics, exploring themes both new to the Symposium and familiar. Join us for an engaging day of presentations and conversation as we delve into the world of native plants.
This year’s topics include:
- Traditional ecological knowledge and the relationship between people and plants
- The ecological link between native birds and plants at the U.S. National Arboretum
- Regenerative gardening, agroforestry, and supporting a healthy planet
- How to utilize native plants in designing a four-season garden
- The intersection of native plant purism and sustainable horticulture and superior garden performers
Your ticket includes a provided lunch with gluten free and vegan options available. Additionally, the Friends of the National Arboretum Native Plant Sale will happen concurrently outside the Symposium from 8:00am-1:00pm! Come early to the Symposium or leave time during the lunch hour to shop.
Visit the registration page linked below for the full list of speakers and to secure your seat:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/39th-annual-lahr-native-plant-symposium-tickets-1979987980349?aff=usna
Coming This Spring, 2026: New HGC Note Cards
The HGC Ways and Means Committee plans to print new photo one cards this spring with the theme, "Seasons." All HGC members are encouraged to go through your photo libraries, select your very best garden shots, convert them to j-peg form, and e-mail them to Bliss McCord: blissmccord@gmail.com. And while you're looking, don't forget we also have a HGC photo. show in May!
February 4, 2026: Perennial Farm and Manor View Farm Co-Host Educational Seminar
Perennial Farm and Manor View Farm will co-host an educational seminar from 9AM - 4PM at the Valley Mansion, 594 Cranbrook Road, Cockeysville, MD. Cost is $110. Topics will include: Urban Tree Cultivar Development; Creating an Ecologically Rich Garden; Understanding and Tracking Landscaping Costs; Invasive Insects; Knockout Natives; and more. For more information, contact The Perennial Farm.
November 7, 2025: HGC Member, Fran Flanagan, Presented Prestigious Award at GCA Zone VI Annual Meeting and Show
![ZONE VI SHOW IMG_4980[1]](https://hardygardenclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ZONE-VI-SHOW-IMG_49801.jpg "ZONE VI SHOW IMG_4980[1]")
True to form, the Hardy Garden Club (HGC) was well represented at this year's GCA Zone VI Annual Meeting and Show. This year's event was held at the Greenspring Valley Hunt Club in Baltimore County, Maryland and was co-hosted by the HGC and the Greenspring Valley Garden Club who together welcomed members, delegates, and participants from 12 different clubs in the Zone VI area. The show was stunning, reflecting the theme "Treasured and Preserved" in every display and division. Hardy members took home awards in several categories (see below).
Hardy's proudest moment, however, came when our very own longtime member, Fran Flanagan, was awarded the Garden Club of America Environmental Advocacy Award. Fran, a HGC sustainer and 33 year member, was present to accept the award at the November 4th event. The first of its kind, the award - officially titled the Ellen Harvey Kelly Award for Environmental Advocacy -was established in memory of Ellie Kelly (St. George Garden Club) in honor of her courageous environmental advocacy. It was awarded for the first time to Fran for her "exemplary efforts to conserve and protect the environment," particularly her relentless advocacy work in the preservation of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Congratulations, Fran, on a monumental honor, richly deserved. You inspire us with all you do and HGC is so proud of you.
November 7, 2025: HGC Members Win Big at GCA Zone VI Annual Meeting and Show
As stated above, HGC members were well-represented at the GCA's Zone VI Annual Meeting and Show. Not only did Hardy serve this year as co-host of the event with Greenspring Valley Garden Club, but many of our members also volunteered in such roles as delegates, clerks, greeters, guides, and more. Thanks to all who showed up and pitched in. And congratulations to all our winners. At last count, 11 Hardy members won a whopping total of 24 awards in at least 16 categories! Below is a list of our winners. Visit the photo gallery for more photos.
Sally Bauer & Ann Boyce: Water, Water Everywhere - Third
Fran Flanagan: The Ellie Kelly Award
Maureen Flynn: Botanical Arts - First
Pat Gingher: Horticulture Propagation Award; Parent and Child Class - First
Heather Loyd: Horticulture; Flower Arranging; and Education Award for Floral Design - Novice, First, and Third
Beth Purvis: Woody Plants; Single Specimen - First and Third
Donna Reid: Photography - Third
Carolyn Taylor: Photography - Third
Paris Warfield: Photography - Third
Carol Warner: 2 Firsts; 7 Seconds; 1 Third; and an Honorable Mention (in too many categories to list!)
November 4, 2025: The Garden Club of America’s Zone VI Meeting
Greenspring Valley Garden Club and the Hardy Garden Club will host the GCA's Annual Zone VI Meeting and Flower Show. The theme this year is "Treasured and Preserved" and refers to all that makes this region special. Prep is scheduled for November 3rd and volunteers are still needed for both days (11/3-11/4). In addition, there are still entry slots available in the Floral Division category. Please contact Beth Purvis for more information.
November 1, 2025
Maryland Daffodil Society Meeting and Bulb sale will be held in the Greenhouse Classroom at Cylburn Arboretum from 1:30 - 3:30. It's a great time to show support and get "show" bulbs for your garden.
September 24, 2025
There will be a 5-hour Zone VI Judging Workshop held at Elkridge Country Club. For more information, contact: Tracy Swindell, Zone VI Judging Representative at: tracy.swindell@gmail.com
September 9, 2025
Moira Hoen was the guest speaker at our September meeting. Moira demonstrated how anyone can be a flower arranger by using plants and treasures from one's own yard and garden.
September 5, 2025
Beloved member, Gina Dowgiewicz, passed away on this day after a long, hard fought health battle. Gina was a member of Hardy Garden Club for the past 11 years, serving in many capacities, including on the Executive Board as Vice President of Civic Improvement. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her for her sparkling personality, great sense of humor, and her civic engagement. Funeral arrangement details will be forthcoming. Please keep Gina’s family in your prayers.
