Lendonwood Gardens – President's Update
June 29, 2008
Dear Friends of Lendonwood Gardens:
I am delighted to report that Lendonwood Gardens is looking spectacular these days, thanks in large part to our hard-working volunteers. If you have visitors this summer, you should take them immediately to visit the Gardens. You, and they, will see plenty of improvements, in addition to the colorful flowers and trees that have made the Gardens such an asset to our community.
Our volunteers have worked hundreds of hours and various organizations have helped financially to keep the Gardens “going and growing.” Special events have brought increased support and involvement by area residents as well.
Perhaps the most visible change is the new gateway, built and installed with volunteer help and contributions. Built by students at Northeast Technology Center in Afton and installed by local volunteers, the new gateway provides a welcoming and positive first impression to visitors.
You also will see new electrical lighting in the garden, extending the available hours for special events and weddings. The floor of the Japanese Pavilion has had a “facelift,” creating an attractive space for gatherings. We also are distributing colorful brochures, funded by the Walton Family Foundation in Arkansas, to help tell Lendonwood’s story.
This year, we have had a number of special events at Lendonwood, drawing a wide range of visitors from young children to senior citizens. Art in the Garden, held May 3, was a resounding success. For the first time, the event emphasized young artists from schools throughout the area.
Lendonwood’s “Summer Soiree” drew nearly 100 people for a fun evening of food, music and a silent auction of Grand Gourmet Parties. Thanks to Sharon Houck and her committee, we were able to raise much-needed funds for the continued maintenance of Lendonwood.
We are showing off the Gardens to several tour groups this summer, ranging from MENSA to the American Rhododendron Society to the Ponce City Senior Circle. Lendonwood also is becoming ever more popular as a beautiful backdrop for weddings and vow renewals. Our wedding gazebo, located in the American Backyard Garden, provides the perfect focal point for the ceremonies.
I can’t say enough about our Volunteer Gardeners. In good weather and bad, they gather weekly to do everything from spreading topsoil to dividing perennials to pulling weeds to picking up limbs. Already this year, this group has contributed at least 1,000 hours to improving the Gardens. Coordinated by Master Gardener Linda Moore, they make a tremendous difference in the beauty of Lendonwood. Quite simply, the Gardens could not exist without their dedicated hard work.
We all know Lendonwood Gardens is important to our community. Lendonwood helps attract tourists, who add to our economy, and it provides local citizens a beautiful space to enjoy and attend special events. I want to extend my appreciation to all who contribute their time, effort, and financial support to ensure that Lendonwood Gardens remains a top asset for our community.
Come see us soon!
Sincerely,
Cynthia Reynolds
President
Lendonwood Gardens, Inc.