2000 Fall BOG: Fauquier and Loudoun

February 21, 2022

The eighty-first Board of Governors meeting was hosted by Fauquier and Loudoun Garden Club on October 10-12, 2000, at the Middleburg Community Center, chaired by Daphne Cheatham and Linda Newton.

The Board of Directors met on Tuesday, October 10, 2000, at Loretta, the Warrenton home of Dootsie Wilbur. Business included ideas from member club presidents for additions to the website; the possibility of turning Flower Arranging School into a one-day event with the exam portion being moved to the Kent-Valentine House; personnel updates; equity in Register distribution and a policy for the disbursement of funds generated by the Conservation Forum, Horticulture Field Day and Flower Arranging School (later amended to include Other Special Events).

Attendees spent time that afternoon at the historic Goose Creek Stone Bridge, learning of its history while sipping punch with floating nasturtium blossoms. Cocktails and Dutch treat dinner followed at Oak Hill, the historic home of Gayle and Tommy DeLashmutt. Former home of James Monroe and one of the only privately owned early presidential residences in the country, the 1,200-acre estate was purchased by the DeLashmutt family in 1948 and has been home to three generations of DeLashmutts who have dedicated themselves to caring for the property.

Mina called the meeting to order Wednesday morning and introduced Fauquier and Loudoun Garden Club President Elaine Burden. Elaine welcomed guests and called upon club historian Millicent West to provide a brief history of Fauquier and Loudoun.

Mina summarized summer and fall activities — Horticulture Field Day in Harrisonburg, Lily Show in Roanoke, summer board meeting in Virginia Beach, luncheon for member club presidents at the Kent-Valentine House, Conservation Workshop, Flower Arranging School in Richmond and the Rose Show in South Hill. She then gave a preview of upcoming GCV activities — GCV Speakers Series in January, plans to refurbish and add to the Kent-Valentine House library, new investment policies and new website activity.

Admissions Committee Chairman Margaret Moring reported that her committee has been asked to offer support for any membership concerns, in addition to researching new member club requests. Conservation and Beautification Chairman Sue Cecil presented legislative updates concerning waste imports, preservation of wetlands and urban sprawl. Flower Shows Chairman Carolyn Jones was “dumbfounded by the mystery many found the judging procedure,” and reported the new Flower Arranging Handbook was scheduled for publication in early 2001.

Following a Common Wealth Award Committee slide presentation and an update of the Williamsburg Garden Club’s 1999 Common Wealth Award, “Discovery Garden for Williamsburg’s Children,” the meeting was adjourned for the day.

Attendees enjoyed an afternoon of self-guided tours of gardens at Cold Crick Farm, Highland Spring and Seven Springs Farm.

The awards banquet was held at Middleburg’s Red Fox Inn, where pre-dinner cocktails were served on the patio. The 2000 Common Wealth Award was presented to the Franklin Garden Club for the Chamber Walk. Second place was awarded to the Albemarle Garden Club for Washington Park.

Committee reports continued Thursday morning. Horticulture Chairman Rosemary Wallinger reminded attendees that horticulture cannot be practiced successfully without looking at the environment that sustains it. She added, “Where there are no bees, there is no fruit. When water is insufficient, plants wither and die. Without the proper predators, pest populations explode.”

Mary Lou Seilheimer reported for Kent-Valentine House Chairman Nancy Bowles that the KVH stayed open during summer months for the first time. Journal Editor Clarkie Eppes and committee member Rosemary Wallinger announced an upcoming workshop with Professor Wallinger dressed in cap and gown, handing out pop quizzes to attendees. Restoration Chairman Lucy Ellett reported plans for a maintenance workshop to be chaired by Mary Lou Seilheimer and Katty Mears.

Mina adjourned the business meeting and attendees gathered for roundtable discussions about Flower Shows. Helen Pinckney paid tribute to Fauquier and Loudoun, after which Mina adjourned the eighty-first Board of Governors.