West Sandhills In the District
IN THE WEST SANDHILLS DISTRICT
In the heart of our state of South Carolina is the West Sandhills District. We are proud to be the seat of our state government where on the capitol grounds during the Christmas season is erected a gigantic 40 foot tree where branches glitter with 11,000 lights. Here in the city of Columbia next to the Governor’s Mansion is the only Memorial Garden to be on the National Registry. A popular place for weddings and receptions, these gardens were established in 1944 in honor and in memory of those who served in World War II and has continued to be under the care of Garden Club of South Carolina.
The new Farmer’s Market is situated in Lexington County with access from Interstate 77. There are many vendors with beautiful flowers, fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables. Many state and district garden club meetings are held in the Phillips Market Pavilion which is on site.
Our most easterly county, Calhoun is noted for its fields of cotton and reminds us of our past heritage when cotton was “king”. Clubs in the area will often use open cotton bolls to enhance floral designs.
Moving to the west and north is Camden, the county seat for Kershaw with beautiful historic homes, lovely gardens, shops, and cafes. The Camden Cup is held every spring and the Colonial Cup in the fall. The town bustles with preparation for balls, the steeple chase, polo matches, and the run for the roses.
Home of Ten Governors, Edgefield County boasts of the Red Coat Shrine, Oakley Park, where enactments are staged. “The Ridge” runs from Trenton through the heart of Johnston and over into Saluda. Here peach trees flourish and make South Carolina the second largest producers of peaches in our nation.
Historical roots run deep in Fairfield County for the part played in both the Confederate and Revolutionary Wars. Established in 1785, according in one version, Fairfield County is named for Lord Cornwallis’s exclamation, “What fair fields!”
West Sandhills District theme for 2025 – 2027
Celebrating Butterflies and other pollinators
Since the Garden Club of South Carolina’s theme centers around butterflies and June is National Pollinator Month, let’s begin to celebrate and protect the vital role of pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These creatures are essential for the reproduction of flowering plants, including many of the fruits and vegetables we eat, and contribute to the health of our ecosystems.
- Identify common pollinators: Bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, and even some bats and beetles are important pollinators.
- Understand their role: Pollinators transfer pollen, enabling plants to produce seeds and fruits.
- Recognize threats: Habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and invasive species are major threats to pollinator populations.
2. Create a pollinator-friendly garden:
· Plant native flowers:
Choose a variety of colorful, nectar-rich flowers that bloom throughout the season.
· Provide water:
Offer shallow dishes with rocks or a birdbath for pollinators to drink and cool down.
· Leave some areas wild:
Allow some areas of your garden to grow naturally, providing shelter and nesting sites.
· Avoid pesticides and herbicides:
Try to utilize organic gardening practices to protect pollinators.
3. Engage with the community:
- Visit local gardens: Explore botanic gardens, arboretums, and public pollinator gardens.
- Attend events: Many organizations host events during National Pollinator Week and throughout the year to educate and celebrate pollinators.
- Spread the word: Share information about pollinators with friends, family, and neighbors.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure a healthy future for pollinators and the vital role they play in our world.
King Alfted Garden Club
Kershaw, SC
The King Alfred Garden Club held a “How To…” at their October meeting and the photo shows some of the beautiful arrangements made by Club members.
Pine Garden Club
Pine Garden Club honored departing member June Metts with a picnic lunch and tour of Landsford Canal where the famous Spider Lilies were in bloom. After a brief walk on the trail to see the spider lilies, the Pine Club members enjoyed a picnic at the park and presented June with a special silver spoon. June has moved to Murrells Inlet; we are sure she will continue her interest in plants, herbs, and gardening.
Pictured from left to right: Jane Barnhill, June
Metts, Peggy Fitts, Pat Chapman, Linda
Bartone and Peggy Crouch
Country Gardeners of Trenton, SC
The Country Gardeners dedicated a Blue Star Highway Memorial Marker on Nov. 2, 2017.
From L to R: Senator Shane Massey, Betty Gourdin, GCSC Blue Star Highway Marker Chairman, JoEllen Barbare, Country Gardeners Treasurer and Blue Star Marker Chairman, Trish Bender, GCSC First Vice President, Jimmy Lee, Purple Heart Recipient, Yvonne Jordan, GCSC 2nd Vice President and Congressman William Clyburn.
