Locust Valley Garden Club honored by state organization

The Locust Valley Garden Club was honored by the Federated Garden Clubs of New York State for its 75th anniversary of joining the organization. The announcement took place at The Hamlet in Commack at the organization’s annual meeting Thursday, July 24.

The Locust Valley Garden Club was founded in 1947, as part of the Locust Valley Women’s Club and joined the state organization in 1950.

The state organization’s director and the luncheon’s speaker, Elizabeth Walsh, announced its new Pollinator Pathways Project, which aims to provide 600 native plants throughout the state within the next two years. Native plants allow pollinators like bees, butterflies and
hummingbirds to find food and shelter, the club said.

The state organization is encouraging members to plant for pollinators in public spaces and schools, the club said. The club said that through partnerships with garden centers, the project will educate the public about the importance of pollinators and their habitat.

“As the new president, it was a pleasure and an honor to accept the 75 year award on behalf of the Locust Valley Garden Club. Over the many years of the club’s existence it has served the community in various ways. We look forward to working with the FGCNYS on the Pollinator Project,” said club president, Sallie McNeill.

Anne Gronan, the state organization’s North Nassau section chair, said that when creating a native plant garden in the public view that it be designed to look intentional and not neglected, taking into account the current expectation of having grass lawns in front of our homes.

“Create pathways, a raised bed or surround a tree to incorporate native plants into your garden,” she said. The aim being to reduce
the area that needs watering, fertilizers and mowing.”

The Locust Valley Garden Club meets on the third Wednesday of the month at the Locust Valley Library, at 10 a.m. for a program and buffet luncheon for a donation of $15. For information about how you can join us in serving our community, please contact Membership Chair Larraine Tassis at 516-759-5694.