Much To Celebrate For The Garden Fund

In spite of the hard economic realities that have waylaid many non-profits of late, the Community Garden Charitable Fund is moving forward with great momentum. This 501(c) (3) charity was founded to help renovate and polish Pinecrest Gardens, the botanic jewel in our community. The group has been making tremendous strides in that direction after only two and a half years in operation.

Lynn

This dynamic corps of dedicated activists saw a need, and they have worked ever since to fill it. When the Village of Pinecrest purchased the old Parrot Jungle property in 2000 it was overgrown and in disrepair, and in spite of the steady progress that has been made ever since under the direction of horticulturist Craig Morrel, Garden Fund members wanted to help further the process along even more quickly while providing the Garden with some extras along the way.

With monies raised from private individuals, family foundations, and their yearly Soiree in the Garden, they have funded several completed projects there, including the purchase of hundreds of orchids which are being installed in the tree canopy, the purchase and planting of Royal Poinciana trees adjacent to the Community Center, and the renovation of the colonnade area which lines the meadow. Approval has recently been granted by the Village Council and the Historical Review Board, and work is about to begin on their latest undertaking, a lushly landscaped new pathway and seating area in the hardwood hammock section, which, up until now has been an overgrown and inaccessible jungle. It will afford visitors a peaceful place to reflect while giving them a rare glimpse into a preserved bit of ancient history.

Because of their rapid growth, the Garden Fund had been in need of an official place to call their own. Members of the board of directors had been using their own homes as meeting places and temporary offices, but this was quickly becoming too difficult to oversee. The solution lay just around the corner.

The Whilden-Carrier cottage was built in 1932, and it had been home to the Whilden family from the time of the Great Depression to the early 1970’s. It was designated an historic site in 2000 and in 2003 it was moved from its original location on Ludlam Road to the northwest corner of the Garden amid tall trees and much greenery. It had been sitting empty ever since, and Garden Fund president Karen Mashburn requested, and Mayor Lerner and the Village Council generously agreed to rent the cottage to the Fund for a nominal fee. It turned out to be a perfect fit, and on Thursday, September 24th Fund board members welcomed approximately forty guests to an afternoon reception and celebration at their new headquarters. There was much to be grateful for, and they wanted to share their good fortune with those who have supported their work.

Now that they have a home in the place where they focus their efforts, Fund members feel that they can more efficiently accomplish their goals. “This historic cottage has been entrusted to us, and it’s such an honor to be able to work here,” says Mashburn. “Being only steps away from the splendor of this Garden inspires us to do even more to make every corner of it shine.”

Plans are well underway for the Community Garden Charitable Fund’s annual Soiree in the Garden, which will take place on Friday, February 26, 2010. This greatly anticipated event is their largest fund raiser of the year, and it will feature dinner, drinks, a silent auction and a very special concert by Grammy award winning artist Nester Torres. This is one of the few opportunities for the public to experience this magical Garden in a nighttime setting during the most beautiful time of the year, and all funds that are raised will go directly to the Garden for the benefit of the entire community.

Involvement in the Community Garden Charitable Fund is open to all who appreciate and want to enhance the great treasure that lies only steps from our own backyards. For information about the upcoming annual Soiree, to make a donation, or to become a member, visit www.gardenfund.org or call the office at 305-669-1028.

Patsy Rodriguez, Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner, Jerry Mashburn, Pat Vandenberg and Cecilia Prahl

Recent Posts
Contact Us

We're not around right now. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap.

Start typing and press Enter to search