The National Garden Clubs, Inc. sponsored National Garden Week on
June 5-11, 2022. NGC encouraged local garden clubs across the country
to celebrate noting, “This week is an opportunity to encourage pride in your
community, interest new members, and work with other groups to be part of
those efforts.” The Gonzales Garden Club and the Gonzales Mayor
planned a brief ceremony to recognize the week.
GGC Civic Involvement Chairman Janis D’Benedetto organized a
dedication of flower arrangements for the occasion plus a book donation.
Members of the club gathered at City Hall with Mayor Barney Arceneaux on
June 6 to formally proclaim the week of spreading the love of gardening.
He signed a proclamation stating that gardening helps instill an
appreciation of nature and respect for the environment while bringing
beauty into our everyday lives.
Chairman Janis then called Library Director John Stelly forward to accept
four hardcover copies of Raised-Bed Gardening for Beginners by Tammy
Wylie. Director Stelly thanked the club and expressed, “The library has an
appreciation for all the years the club has been donating books, and we
look forward to the flower show to be revived next April.” Donating books
pertaining to NGC objectives to the library is a continuing club project.
After the ceremony, club members fanned out in the parish and delivered
flower arrangements for public display to focus attention on gardening.
Gifts ranged from Dale Bowman’s homegrown zinnias to Conchita’s potted
Impatiens Super Plant. Arrangements were brought to the City Hall
reception desk, the Clerk of Court Office, the Gonzales Library, the
Dutchtown Library, Azalea Estates Retirement Community, Our Lady of the
Lake Hospital, and Charlie’s Place Activity and Respite Center. Those who
enjoyed the flowers were hopefully inspired to grow their own garden
blooms.
