Written by: Antonio Martin
Sometimes it’s the little things that can make a person’s day brighter. At Windy Hill Foundation we want to highlight one of our partners that works hard to make our residents’ days better by providing enrichment activities involving beautiful flowers, the Middleburg Garden Club, a local non-profit! We had the opportunity to ask the current co-chairs of the Middleburg Garden Club’s Community Services Committee, Susan Robeson and Carol Busey, some questions about what they do and how they support our residents.
The Middleburg Garden Club started in 1938, when a group of local ladies decided to beautify the town. Since then, the Club members have continued to make the town a beautiful place, from planting flowers and creating signs at the entrances to town, to developing several landscaping projects at the Firehouse, Community Center, and Middleburg library. Club members learn and teach each other the wonders of plants and flowers, which they then eagerly pass on to our residents. One resident shared with us that education is integral to each Garden Club visit. “Every plant has a story, and the Garden Club teaches us about each one. “
The programming that Middleburg Garden Club hosts for our residents is a consistent, brightening experience. Each month an email is sent to Club members to advertise volunteer opportunities, and they then bring their snippers, fresh flowers, and vases to help residents make their own bouquets. “They get together and help us make arrangements, they’re just so lovely,” says one resident.
The Middleburg Garden Club has worked with Windy Hill Foundation for several years. “They’ve been here since Bob (Dale) was here, and they’ve always been wonderful,” says Shirley Rhoads, a resident and frequent attendant of the Garden Club programs. Another resident shares that the Garden Club was one of the loveliest aspects of their new tenancy when they moved to Levis Hill House in 2023. “The flowers they bring are beautiful, and they are so kind and wonderful to talk to.”
Windy Hill Foundation greatly values the partnership with Middleburg Garden Club, as it allows residents to be creative and expressive, not just in their homes but also with their friends and family. “One of my favorite things they did was give advice on making floral centerpieces. I’ve gotten so much better at them, I’ve made some for my daughter and mother,” says Michelle Kay, a resident who has also been coming to Garden Club meetings for years.
Susan and Carol love spending their time with our residents. “Members of the Garden Club enjoy participating in friendly floral arranging and connecting with residents of Levis Hill House, and together, beautiful bouquets for their apartments are created,” says Carol.
Thank you to the Middleburg Garden Club for helping to create an enriching experience for our residents, one lovely bouquet of flowers at a time. Their engagement with the community helps keep residents engaged not only with our wonderful partners, but also with each other.
