The Garden Club of Grand Cayman recently hosted a 50th Anniversary celebration at Government House under the patronage of HE, the Governor, Stuart Jack and his wife Mariko Jack. Current President of the club Lois Blumenthal was one of the speakers that evening.

Ms Blumenthal told those in attendance that the club is a partner in the Darwin Initiative to save Cayman’s rare plant species and also explained that the Garden Club is a significant sponsor of the new edition of ‘Flora of the Cayman Islands’ by Dr George R Procror, which will be coming out soon.

She went on to list some of the club’s accomplishments this year.

“In just this year alone, our anniversary year, we have: landscaped the Seafarer’s Hall using native trees of historic & cultural significance; We’ve also contributed to St George’s Anglican Church; George Hicks High School; West Bay Fire Station; The Mission House in Bodden Town; Heritage Beach, and Fort George.”

She explained that the club has also been asked to be involved in the landscaping of the new National Gallery, working with Margaret Barwick.

“With a new awareness of the importance of using Cayman native trees and plants, which I know is shared by Ms Margaret, I look forward to a very worthwhile and positive outcome there.”

Ms Blumenthal also touched upon aspects of the club that make it enjoyable to be a part of.

“Fifty years of friendship, service, learning, fun and flowers. The meetings are a happy, light-hearted respite from the daily grind. The Garden Club has been a shining example of all that is best in human nature.

“The love of flowers and the outdoors, the community spirited projects, including putting on a yearly birthday party at the Pines Retirement Home, the outpouring of help and understanding when a member suffers illness or loss – and the steady, stalwart, good women and men who, over the years have become like a family. These are, very simply put, nice people.”

Special thanks were given to Selma Silva, the club’s Vice President. She said that thanks to Ms Silva the Garden Club was delighted to present a flower arranging demonstration at the Ritz-Carlton by the world famous Frank Laning.

Ms Blumenthal also gave thanks to the club’s secretary and librarian, Lucinda Cruickshank for producing the minutes and newsletters and for coordinating the replacement of the Garden Club’s library, which is dedicated to Dickie Black.
One particular person was also signaled out for a special ‘President’s Award’.

“I’m sure we all agree on who is our hardest-working and most reliable member – a past president who can always be counted on to be there with shovels, dirt, manpower, fertilizer, hoses, buckets and a wealth of experience and knowledge.

“Indeed, our landscaping projects would be very different altogether without his involvement. To acknowledge his extraordinary contribution, this year, I’ve decided to give a special  ‘President’s Award’ to the undisputedly most deserving member of our club –Rob Bennett.” Mrs Jack was also presented with a token of appreciation.

“We have another award winner tonight. On behalf of the Garden Club of Grand Cayman, I’d like to present our Patron, Mariko Jack who is not only a wonderful hostess, but also a gifted flower arranger in her own right, with this beautiful painting, done by Selma Silva’s highly talented mother, Elza Oda,” Ms Blumenthal said.

The Garden Club of Grand Cayman was established in 1957. Some of the aims of the club include the promotion of gardening and all things related to the enjoyment of the natural beauty of the Cayman Islands. For more information on the Garden Club contact President, Lois Blumenthal at 916-6784/947-2248.