News from Lendonwood Gardens
1308 West 13th Street (Har-Ber Road), Grove, Oklahoma 74344
918-786-2938
Feb. 16, 2010 – LENDONWOOD LAUNCHES 2010 MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN
Contact: Pauline Hale, 918-786-8375
Lendonwood Gardens, a primary tourist attraction in the Grand Lake area, has launched a campaign to expand membership and community support for the public botanical garden. The campaign includes personal letters and other contacts aimed at potential members.
Memberships are the primary funding source for the non-profit garden, said Jim Corbridge, president of Lendonwood. “We depend heavily on financial support from members, whose contributions help us maintain this beautiful treasure in Grove,” he said. Memberships help pay for utilities, plant replacement, insurance, gasoline, paint, tools, brochures, and other needs.
Corbridge noted that, in the past year, Lendonwood has replaced trees and plants lost through disease and ice damage, improved labeling, and installed additional lighting. In addition, the floral display along the front fence was renovated and a tiled pathway was installed at the entry.
“In 2010, we want to do even more to improve Lendonwood,” Corbridge said. “For example, we hope to expand the number of paved pathways and improve access to the beautiful azaleas and rhododendrons west of the main garden displays.”
Memberships are available at five levels, including “individual” starting at $30, “family” at $50 and up, “friend” at $150 and up, “sponsor” at $500 and up, and “corporate” at $1,500 and up. Information on becoming a member is available by calling Lendonwood at 918-786-2938 or by picking up a membership form in the garden’s gatehouse just inside the entrance.
Corbridge said that some membership contributions may be matched by the individual’s company. “People becoming members should check with their respective companies to see if matching opportunities are offered,” he said.
Besides supporting Lendonwood, benefits of membership include varying levels of unlimited visits, guided tours, discounts on garden rental and events, and others.
Highlights at Lendonwood Gardens include:
• The largest collection of rhododendrons in the Southwest
• Twenty-five varieties of dogwoods
• One of the largest collections of chamaecyparis (false cypress) in the nation
• Five hundred varieties of daylilies, 75 varieties of Japanese maples, 70 varieties of hostas
• Angel of Hope statue
• Japanese Pavilion overlooking a koi pond
Lendonwood is open to the public during daylight hours year-round. There is no admission charge, although donations of $5 per adult visitor are encouraged to help maintain the Gardens.