Magnolia Christmas Party

Our Magnolia Circle enjoyed its Christmas Party on December 8th at the Blackstone Grill.

The ladies enjoyed a Chinese gift exchange, some singing, great food, and a great time of just being together.

Here are some pictures of their event for all to enjoy -

Gingerbread Extravaganza!

Last year a couple of circles went to the Jacksonville Historical Society's Gingerbread Extravaganza.  At the time we considered making one for 2016, but we didn't follow through until we received a plea on October 15th from the Jacksonville Historical Society saying they might not have enough houses to have the event.  The Garden Club Board voted to put in our application and be a Gingerbread House builder.  That meant we had to plan, find all necessary parts, build, and deliver the finished product by November 28th!  It would have never gotten done without the teamwork of the hardworking volunteers - headed up by Stacia Snuggs as our Committee Chairperson for this undertaking.

Thank you to all the ladies who participated and look at the masterpiece they created.  Actually winning the "First Time Builders" award!

Winter Celebration at the Walter Jones Park and Museum

Four members of Mandarin Garden Club decorated the Walter Jones Farm House for the Winter Celebration.

Christmas decorations from the period of the 1800's were used throughout the house. The Winter Celebration is held each December at Walter Jones Park and Museum. Over a 1000 visitors enjoyed a lovely day in the park with hay rides, music, tours, good food, and the joy of being outside on a farm. Thanks to Pat Sams, Gail Cook, Donna Crosby and Betty Waldrep for decorating the farmhouse. A big thank you to Wendy Olson, Publicity MGC, for taking the lovely photographs.

From Left - Donna Crosby, Pam Sams, Betty Waldrep, Gail Cook

Annual Trash To Treasure Sale

Mark your calendars now!

One of Mandarin Garden Club's most attended sales will be Saturday, October 1st - 8 a.m. till 2 p.m.

Our annual Trash-to-Treasure Sale gives you the opportunity to pick up some great treasures in the form of glassware, dinnerware, cookware, electronics, tools, books, crafts, gardening items - you name it - you can find it here.

Don't miss this great event.

Non-Residential Beautification Award--Ackerman Cancer Center

During Mary Clark and Mary Forester's research on outdoor lighting for the garden club, an electrician recommended that they make a night visit to see what type of lighting the Ackerman oncology facility had installed.  It is located next to Walmart on San Jose Blvd.  

While there, they noticed the landscaping of the building which serves cancer patients.  The simplified and minimal landscaping created a peaceful and calming effect on our members.  They felt this was intentional for the patients attending the office during a trying time in their lives.  Hopefully the use of the rocks, the colors of the building, and the plantings set a tone of restfulness in a world of unknowns with the patients and staff utilizing this facility.

 We wanted to honor not only the beautification of this Mandarin building but also their respect for the patients by creating a world of beauty for them. If that much attention to detail is evident on the outside of a medical building, the attention to detail on the inside for their patients must be outstanding.                                          

--Fredi Olson and Mary Forester

Cherokee Rose Goes to the Zoo

The Cherokee Rose Circle Members had the opportunity to enjoy a Garden Tour of the Jacksonville Zoo in May.  We were surprised at the remarkable accomplishment of what only 12 people can do to maintain over 90 acres of gardens with a small budget for plants.

Our 90 minute tour took us down the River of  Color, through the lush Savanna Blooms Garden, and concluded in the Trout River Gardens.  We also enjoyed many animals along the way.

  

Lunch at the Palm Cafe with one of the tour guides allowed for personal time to learn more of the many accomplishments of those tending to the garden.  Our lunch ended with a beautiful Jaguar sitting next to the window for our pleasure and view.

The new 36 member flock of African Greater Flamingos arrived one day before our visit.  We included this photo for your view.  You can also visit the website of the Jacksonville zoo for a peek,  jacksonvillezoo.org  or Facebook.

Please visit the website of the Jacksonville Zoo and possibly enjoy a day there over the summer with your family and friends. 

Cherokee Rose Starts Off Year with a Field Trip

Cherokee Rose Circle began its new year in June with a special home visit to Jeanne and Gale Hendricks.  “A beautiful Mandarin Home Where Butterflies Play.”

BUTTERFLIES:  The morning began with viewing of a Monarch butterfly which had emerged from its cocoon which was released as we began our tour.  One bit of advice we received from Jeanne our Butterfly Expert, “When you think you have enough Milkweed--Plant More.”

GARDEN DESIGN:  Jeanne inspired us with creating an ideal peaceful outdoor retreat.  It was not just about choosing attractive flowers and plants, but creating a serene landscape where you can commune with nature.  One might best describe her back yard as an outdoor space which has been turned into a relaxing haven.

 

GREENHOUSE:  The Hendricks built an incredible Greenhouse mostly from Craig's List and re-purposed/hand-made items which included a cat door.  

GARAGE/MUSEUM:  Jeanne’s talented husband, Gale built his garage/museum last year with lots of fun things to view including automotive collectibles, an antique barber chair, race cars and collector cars.  One project we saw was an antique truck on blocks with a custom-made engine waiting to be installed.

MANDARIN GARDEN CLUB - JUNE YARD OF THE MONTH:  Cherokee Rose congratulates the Hendricks for an eye-catching serene backyard. 

Mandarin Garden Club's Annual Plant Sale

The Plant Sale at Mandarin Garden Club is an annual event the community looks forward to. It is time to make your plans to attend on April 30th from 8:00 to 2:00. As you step into the main hall on the 30th, there will be a room filled with vegetable plants, trees, bushes, annuals, perennials, roses, succulents, native plants, and a whole host of surprises. All of the plants are grown by the club's members and Master Gardeners will be on site to answer your questions.

This will be a special day at the garden club. So gather up your friends and family and stop by for a fun time. There will be a BBQ lunch, baked goods will be sold in the Garden Cafe, free water and coffee will be served, baskets and other gardening tools will be for sale. The Mandarin Garden Club Cookbook will be sold for $5.00. The ladies at the garden club are some of the best cooks in Jacksonville. So you will want to pick up several copies for friends and family.

The Mandarin Garden Club is located at 2892 Loretto Road. There will be plenty of parking available. The beautiful gardens and grounds of the club will be open for your enjoyment. So please stop by and join us on April 30th for this annual event.

Betty Waldrep
President

Mandarin Garden Club Clothing Sale

MANDARIN GARDEN CLUB

ANNUAL CLOTHING SALE

MARCH 4 & 5, 2016

Spring is in the air and Mandarin Garden Club, 2892 Loretto Road,

 will host their annual $1 Clothing Sale on March 4, & 5 from 9:00

 am to 2:00 pm.

 This is a sale that is held each year for the community. Gently used

 clothing for men , women, and children will be on display in the

 main hall of the garden club. Please mark your calendars to stop by the club and browse through the stacks of clothing.

Spring calls for new outfits! The boutique will be filled with fine clothing, purses, hats, belts, jewelry and other treasures. The boutique items will be $10.00 or less. Spring brings proms and parties so stop by and search for that special dress or outfit.

All clothing not sold at the sale will be donated to local charities.

Happy Spring! 

Betty Waldrep

President

Mark Your Calendars

Mandarin Community Club is hosting a We Love Our Community Open House.  The event will honor several of the Mandarin organizations that got there start at the Mandarin Community Club.  The Mandarin Garden Club is one such organization and we will be hosting a table at this event. The invitation to the event is shown below.

                                 


It looks to be a fun event.

Karen Rowe