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During the seventies the growing organization worked toward establishing its
own Garden Center by holding a series of fund raising events such as house
tours, plant and craft fairs, flower shows, and selling books and homemade
goods. Big mahogany trees were planted
at the animal shelter. Bike paths and
picnic areas were added. A plant bank
was established and landscaping courses were taught. The Garden Club took on the fight to stop
the Lethal Yellowing palm tree disease. |
The Marathon Garden Club
hosts monthly meetings the third Friday of each month, October through May,
at 11:30 am. Open to the public, free of charge, a light lunch is served
followed by a brief meeting and a presentation by a guest speaker.
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In the eighties the club’s projects included planting trees along U.S. 1 and Sombrero
Beach Road. The organization became a
founder of the Florida Keys Land and Sea Trust. Trees were planted at Marathon High School
and the entrance to Key Colony Beach was landscaped. Members helped design and install “Welcome
to Marathon” signs, and the “White Heron Award” was established. The White Heron Award is still given to local businesses to encourage beautification projects. It started with roadside cleanups along U.S. 1, and today it features monthly awards to businesses along the highway between the Seven Mile Bridge and Conch Key. Judging is based on the appearance of a business’s building, property maintenance, signs, landscaping, parking, and code compliance. Winners are recognized by the placement of the Garden Club’s Great White Heron display in front of their establishment for a month. |
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The nineties brought recognition to the Marathon Garden Club
when it was awarded the Governor’s Environmental Education Award for its
efforts to save the Queen Conch. The
existing Garden Club Center was purchased and renovated, and today it is used
for a variety of meetings, workshops, exhibits, flower shows, and educational
programs. A kitchen adjoins a large
octagonal function room with a high vaulted ceiling. It is available for the use of local agencies
and organizations, as well as private functions such as wedding receptions. For example, the Island Opera
Theatre, the Keys only traveling repertory company, has performed at the
Garden Club. School classes and other
large groups can be accommodated at reduced rates. The Garden Club Center is also available
for holiday office parties and other functions. |
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Home and garden tours From the 2008 tour: |
In addition to its community
involvement, the club encourages members do their own part by improving the
gardens and landscaping of their own homes and neighborhoods. Classes are taught by local experts on
topics such as floral arrangements, landscape design, conservation, and
orchid growing. The group networks
with other garden clubs and trips are arranged to places like the Dade County
Tropical Fruit and Spice Park. Annual
events include plant sales each spring and fall, a flower show during the
first week of February, and a neighborhood house and garden tour in March. If you were to compare the
Marathon of 50 years ago with today’s city, you might be surprised to learn
that many of the beautification and environmental improvements were due to
the efforts of the local garden club.
A variety of projects continue today, as club members work with local
businesses and other organizations to beautify the area and protect the
environment, through efforts such as improving the roadside appearance along
the Overseas Highway and saving the endangered Queen Conch. |
Water Conservation
FL Keys Green Living & Energy
Education (GLEE) GLEE Expo 2008
(May 9 – 11 at Marathon High School) |
Latest
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Call (305) 743-4971 for more information. 5270 Overseas Highway (MM 50 Bayside)
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Officers
President – Roberta Hearn
First Vice President – Linnea Cunningham Second Vice President – Rosemary Thomas Third Vice President – Cindy Wooten Recording Secretary – Claudia Hamrick Corresponding
Secretary – Fran Spinelli Treasurer – Bonnie Eldridge Assistant Treasurer – Laurie Reeves Directors – Arlene Conklin, Betsy Philipps, Sally Wood, Cindy Wooten |
