I had the privilege of visiting the Garden Club of Indian River County, which included a wonderful tour of their garden. As a newbie to the Garden Club, I couldn’t help but think of all the times I have driven by this property with no clue what was blossoming and thriving on these grounds – and I’m not just talking about plants! These ladies were wonderful and just as beautiful as their flowers.
As soon as I opened the doors, the ladies in Seagrape Circle began introductions, giving me a warm welcome with a lot of smiles and enthusiasm. As a guest of Marion Newbold, she personally introduced me to every single member in attendance and didn’t let me sit down without first equipping me with a bottle of water and a bag of chocolate (women’s other best friend).
As I sat in on their monthly meeting so I could learn more about what this amazing group of ladies do, I learned about their hard work, passion and incredible contribution to Vero Beach and so many lovely events like Gardenfest!, their annual (and very historic) Christmas Ornament sale and Flower Show. I also was treated to a marvelous tour of the grounds.
Florida’s Natural Jewelry
Each month, from what I understand, Seagrape Circle adds a fun component to their monthly meetings. October’s circle event was a special tour of the Garden Club’s garden, focusing on their native plants which included Hamelia Patens, Simpson Stopper, Firespike, Coral Bean, Coral Honeysuckle, Scorpion Tail, Fiddlewood, Southern Magnolias, Wild Coffee and Wax Myrtle, just to name a few.
I also learned the true definition of a “native plant”, which was described as plants already growing before the settlers arrived. One website more specifically defined them as “a species occurring within the state boundaries prior to European contact, according to the best available scientific and historical documentation.”
After we toured the native plant garden, we were introduced to the Garden Club’s back yard, which had a “secret garden” feel with a beautiful variety of flowering plants, shrubs, trees and palms in addition to park benches, winding pathways and iron gates. It is truly a hidden treasure with an opportunity for a new discovery and lesson at every turn (at least for this Garden Club newbie!).
This garden had many of what the University of Florida calls “Florida Friendly” plants – like this Firecracker Flower (left). The color was a sweet tender orange with an ever so slight pink undertone, stealing the show next to the gated entryway. For anyone looking for more Florida friendly plants, I discovered the University of Florida’s wonderful website where you can search all 440 Florida Friendly plants online by plant type, flower, color and conditions. (Click HERE to explore!)
While I toured the garden in the fall, there were still so many beautiful flowers and unusual plants to marvel over. Here are a few photos I took today.
Thank you for the wonderful morning ladies! I not only thoroughly enjoyed beholding nature’s jewelry but I also learned a lot too! – Bonnie Pfiester
Flowers On Display
Every month a circle displays a beautiful plant or flower. This month’s feature was provided by the Bougainvillea Circle.
Seagrape Circle 
Wow Wow Wow, is all I can say—what beautiful pictures, comments and accolades. Thanks Bonnie for all hard work; we have to get this widely distributed and we will be welcoming more members than we can hold I think! Nancy Richards
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