Surprised by Simplicity: Gardening Greener
Ongoing Projects & Contributions
Over our thirty-five year history LIGC has been involved in countless projects to better our community and educate our citizens. The Club has garnered many awards over the years for sponsorship, as well as providing the programs that keep these projects going. They are a part of the history of our Club and the legacy for our future.
Tree Walk Project (New 2007-2008)
Our club has initiated the Beaufort Tree Walk in the Historic Old Point, in co njunction with our designation as a „Tree City USA‟ . We have identified and mapped thirty five significant specimens, assembled an informative brochure and given the first invitational Beaufort Tree Walk in May 2008. In the Autumn of 2008 we will start invitational walks with various youth groups including school groups and the Boys & Girls Club. Visitors will be able to obtain a copy of the Walk at The Historic Beaufort Foundation, Beaufort City Hall, Beaufort County Library, or the Beaufort Planning Board.
The SC Historic Landscape Initiative (New)
The identification of historic gardens, a project of GCSC is something our club will be able to participate in simply because our Tree
Walk uncovered three historical gardens that are on our Walk! We 20 are going to be involved in documenting, cataloging and educating members, owners and the public about these three „hidden historic treasures‟.
The South Park Project (New)
Beaufort Jasper Water & Sewer Authority has given the city of Beaufort a 40+ acre site. A former waste water treatment facility, the parcel has been cleaned up and is now in the process of landscape designs and usage designations. Several civic and private organizations are involved in this project. As part of the BCGC,our Club is involved in designing garden areas of native plantings around a gazebo which will be set in the middle of the public part of the park. This is a new and on going project in its‟ earliest stages.
Hunting Island State Park -- Sea Oats Planting Program
This is a continuing environmental program in which members assist in the planting of Sea Oats to help reclaim the eroding dunes for endangered Sea Turtle nesting grounds, and to slow the continual erosion of the beaches by storms and tides. Our area council (BCGC) considers this an on going project.
The Blue Star Marker
We helped erect the original Blue Star Marker at the Lady‟s Island – St. Helena Fire Station on Sea Island Parkway, several years
ago, and led in its refurbishment recently.
Thanksgiving Tray Favors
A community project the Club has done throughout its' history, unique tray favors are created by members at a special meeting
designated entirely to producing 200-275 favors for area hospitals, nursing homes and residential care – assisted living facilities. (See detail under Club History section).
Mother's Day Corsage Project
A multi-club BCGC project to honor women in assisted living environments & nursing homes in our area. Members gather with other
clubs in the Council in an intense workshop that creates miniature floral arrangements in just one day. We call this “Women honoring Women!”
CAPA Christmas Gift Program
Each December members “gift” new sleeping apparel for children in domestic violence shelters in the Beaufort County area.
Area schools
The Club has, over the years, worked with area school children in planting of trees for Arbor Day, and starting gardens around their
respective schools to beautify the areas. Most recently – under the Program – 'Gardening with our Youth', the Club has sponsored a Carolina Fence Garden at Lady's Island Middle School, which is part of our on-going youth endeavor. The LI Middle School Secret Garden Project is our next challenge. The Junior Master Gardener group will also be invited to an Invitational Tree Walk Tour in the Fall.
Boys & Girls Club of Beaufort
As part of the BCGC Program, our Club has worked with the children at B&GC to beautify the area around their building, while
learning about gardening and how it20helps their environment. A special “Beaufort Tree Walk” event is planned for the youth this Fall.
House Tours in the Beaufort Area
As a Club we continue to provide floral and other natural composition arrangements for homes on tours that benefit: ---
The Historic Beaufort Foundation and the Beaufort Arts Council.
Floral Shows
We have put on juried flower shows, the most recent being the Camellia Show in January 2005.
Financial Support
We give additional financial support to the following:
- Blue Star Marker
- Camp Wildwood
- CFG/Highway Habitats
- Teaching Kate
- Beaufort Open Land Trust
- Friends of Hunting Island (State Park)
- Low Country Habitat for Humanity
- Lady‟s Island Middle School (LIMS)
- Hidden Garden Project
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