Hatcher Happenings Newsletter - Fall 2009
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Chairman's Report | Executive Director's News | Horticulturist Page
Report from the Chairman - Mr. Doug Nash:
As you will see from the following reports, there are a lot of things going on at Hatcher!
So much, in fact, that I'm having trouble keeping up!
One of the most exciting things we are doing is our Granite Bench Project. We have now installed 20 Granite Benches made from granite curbing used in the streets of Spartanburg in the late 19th century – the ultimate in recycling! These benches have been placed in tranquil settings throughout the Garden. We have already had 15 of them sponsored for naming opportunities as personalized honorariums and memorials. Three of the remaining available benches are along a new winding pebble path in the large open green space, in the front of the Garden, which we have named “The Park at Hatcher Garden”. Come and see!
On Saturday, September 12, about 60 volunteers, sponsored by the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and joined by Community Services for the City of Spartanburg, USC-Upstate Impact, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, and AmeriCorps, mostly young people, ready to work. Mayor Bill Barnet was there to welcome these wonderful volunteers and give them a charge... as only the Mayor can do. Jeff Hall and Peggy Henderson, Hatcher Garden Horticulturists, aided by two of our key Garden Volunteers, Bill Steller and Stephanie Nicholson, had everything organized. Hundreds of plants were set out where they were to be planted and multiple wheelbarrows of mulch were ready to be spread. A great team effort resulted in the creation of many new and beautiful vistas within the Garden. We are very appreciative of their generous donation of community volunteer hours and look forward to working together again next year to continue building more beauty into Spartanburg’s Public Garden.
Garden News from the Executive Director - Ms. Robin Vollmer:
If you have not visited the Garden in the last couple months, you need to plan a fall picnic followed by a scenic garden walk to view our beautiful new additions! The Spartanburg Garden Club Council Butterfly Garden is continuing to blossom with a variety of colors and is a serene and peaceful setting showcasing a new Brick Patio offering naming opportunities to honor or memorialize a loved one. The Robert Lawrence Odom Hosta Friendship Garden has flourished this summer with the planting of over 250 hostas. Intermingled with the hostas are a variety of plants, with some being evergreen, giving beauty throughout the year. On September 17th, over 100 guests enjoyed our 2nd Annual Fall for Hatcher, a Gourmet Garden Walk, sponsored by local restaurants and businesses.
Fall Plant Sale!Don’t miss this year’s event-Oct. 17th, from 9AM to 3PM. New this time, in addition to “Jeff’s best picks” of unique flowers and plants for sale, we have partnered with Krispy Kreme to have doughnuts and coffee available, first come, first served! Please check out our Fall 2009 Plant Sale List and e-mail or call with any questions. Local garden writer and speaker, Mrs. Linda Cobb, will be our Master of Ceremonies and explain the different plant groupings on display, for especially themed gardens, that you can purchase as a bundled set or individually.
As we begin planning for the upcoming year, we are creating new community partnerships to mutually plan and develop programs and activities which will provide new, enhanced benefits for improved health and well-being of our local residents. Soon you will be receiving a packet about our plans for next year and also our recently enhanced membership benefits in grateful appreciation for your funding support of the Garden. The financial support you give every year with your Annual Fund and Membership donations is crucial to the success of the Garden. Your gifts provide 35% of the dollars needed to keep the Garden growing and ever-changing with beauty for all to enjoy as they visit and spend time in the Garden.