The 2023 Garden Club of Denver Annual Meeting was held on June 13 in the All American Select Garden at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Attendees braved cold and rainy conditions, but the spirit and camaraderie were warm at this final get together for the year.
Starting the event was judging for bench shows in photography, horticulture and floral design. The three classes were filled to capacity with quality entries. Voting on the winners was challenging with so many beautiful and interesting entries to choose from.
GCD President Cindy Scott gave opening remarks about a very busy and productive year and welcomed new apprentice members. Read Cindy’s year-end report by clicking on this link: .GCD CYS Year End report 2023
Garden Club of America Awards
Linda Roberts Zinn has been a member of Garden Club of Denver for 25 years, and Garden Club of Denver recognizes her exceptional service to Denver Botanic Gardens and Lainie’s Cutting Garden.
Genie Waters has been a member of Garden Club of Denver for 30 years, and Garden Club of Denver recognizes her artichokes and brilliant sense of humor.
Rhondda Grant has been a member of Garden Club of Denver for 50 years, and Garden Club of Denver recognizes her humor and focus on conservation.
The 2023 Garden Club of America Conservation Award is given to Suellen White. “For exceptional leadership in conservation, Suellen challenges our members providing education, motivation and the issues of our time.”
The 2023 Garden Club of America Medal of Merit is given to Lindsay Dodge. “For her leadership, generosity, and commitment to guiding and inspiring our members.”
Garden Club of Denver President’s Awards
Spirit of 2006 Award: In honor of the spirit of 2000, this bowl is awarded to a committee of the Garden Club of Denver which has performed extraordinarily well for the Club.
And the award goes to: Elizabeth Weigand, Lisa Duke and Marth Veldcamp – for the Floral Design Committee
Florence Martin Cup: In 2012, a footed, silver urn was discovered at Waring House by Denver Botanic Gardens Staff. It bears the name of Florence Martin, a past member of the Garden Club of Denver. The Inscription reads:
“To Florence Martin from a few of her many friends in Denver.” On the back it also notes “New Friendships come, old friendships stay, which is stronger is hard to say. Love is not measured by the time that has passed. Florence is treasured, whether first or last.”
So beginning in 2012, The Florence Martin Cup will be awarded annually to a long- serving member of the Garden Club of Denver who has demonstrated unstinting generosity in the sharing of her friendship and her life’s store of knowledge with all members of the Club.
This award goes to: Debbie Davis for generously sharing her knowledge with club members and attending nearly every event we have had! Debbie has been an invaluable member of the team as the Co-Chair of the Membership Committee.
The Conservation Award: In 2000, a silver bowl was given to the Garden Club of Denver by Linda Roberts Zinn to be presented yearly, if appropriate, to a member or members for outstanding contribution to conservation.
The 2023 Conservation Award goes to someone with extraordinary dedication to conservation and very effective advocacy work: Lynn Dolven
Walker Tears Tureen: In 1939, a silver tureen was given to the Garden Club of Denver by Mr. Irwin Tears in memory of Mrs. Hepburn Walker and Mrs. Daniel Tears. In 1941, it was voted that the tureen be given each year to the member who does the most outstanding work for the Garden Club of Denver for that year.
This year the award goes to someone with wonderful dedication to the club. She worked very hard to make this year’s Open Meeting a wonderful success and is just overall an invaluable member of the Executive Committee: Amy Mower
Flower Show Winners
Horticulture
Horticulture: first place, Marilyn Wilson; second place, Nina Sisk; third place, Missy Eliot and Janet Manning; and honorable mention, Bonnie Grenney.
Mary Kountze Knowles Horticulture Award 2023: Marilyn Wilson
In 1991, a silver cup was given to the Garden Club of Denver by Nancy Kountze Mitchell (Mrs. John C. Mitchell, II) in memory of her sister, Mary Kountze Knowles. The cup belonged to their mother, Louise Bulkley Kountze, and it was thought to be a wedding present, about 1907. It is awarded for excellence in horticulture at the Annual Meeting Flower Show, selected by a vote of the members.
Photography
Photography Single Stem: Honorable Mention, Sarah Alijani; third place, Meg Nichols; second place, Amy Dadmun and Genie Freyer; and first place, Holley Sanford.
Photography Still Life: Honorable mention, Holley Sanford; third place, Amy Mower and Suellen White; second place, Liz Walker; and first place, Mary Fowler.
Photography Bowl 2023: Mary Fowler
In 2004, a GCA Anniversary Bowl, once belonging to Mrs. Alonzo Lily, was given to GCD by her granddaughter. It was decided in 2007 that the bowl be presented at the Annual Meeting Flower Show to the best of show in photography.
Floral Design
Floral Design Centerpieces: first place, Nan Procknow; second place, Nina Sisk and Missy Eliot; third place, Nancy Jones and Leslie Liedtke; and honorable mention, Kelly Stava and Martha Veldkamp.
Floral Design Miniatures: first place, Suzanne Mackenzie and Dodie Jackson; second place, Elizabeth Weigand and Patty McConaty; third place, Bonnie Grenney; and honorable mention Caroline Rassenfoss.
Ada Welborn Cup 2023: Nan Procknow
In 1936, a silver cup was purchased by the Garden Club of Denver, to be awarded for expertness in flower arranging to an exhibitor at the Annual Meeting Flower Show, selected by a vote of the members. It is named for Ada Welborn, one of the Founders of the Garden Club of Denver.
