Garden Club members from the six states of the Deep South Region, National Garden Clubs, Inc., gathered in Tunica, Mississippi in March for their annual Convention.
The Grand Casino Resort and Convention Center was the setting, and our hosts, The Garden Clubs of Mississippi, under the leadership of President Carol Bullard, really rolled out the "red carpet" and gave new meaning to the phrase, "southern hospitality".

Deep South Region Director Bonnie Borne kicked off the Convention by presiding over a DS Regional Council Board meeting and dinner on Sunday afternoon. A Garden Study and Landscape Design Refresher was held prior to the meeting, featuring landscaping and gardening experts, Suzy Askew and Kevin Ward.

Conducting business was the order of the day, but there was time also for having fun, shopping, skits, attending workshops, and renewing old friendships while making new friends. A thrill for the group was a cruise on a riverboat on the Mighty Mississippi. As Mark Twain put it, "And then you have the shining river, winding here and there and yonder, its sweep interrupted at intervals by clusters of wooded islands, threaded by silver channels....."

Imagine an event set in the legendary Delta, near the banks of the majestic Mississippi, an area rich in history, with a beauty all its own.

THE CONVENTION GETS UNDERWAY ...
Monday began with the Formal Opening of the Convention, following by the Business Meeting. The Junior Air Force ROTC of Rosa Fort High School, under the direction of Master Sargeant Jerry Thomas, created a moving moment with the Presentation of Colors. Nancy Moon led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America. Senator Nolan Mettatal of Mississippi welcomed the group, and Carol Bullard, President of The Garden Clubs of Mississippi, also extended a Welcome Address. The Response was given by M. E. DePalma of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, the Deep South Webmaster.

On Monday morning, during the Business Meeting, following the reports of Officers, the NGC Habitat for Humanity Chairman Jo Williams had a surprise for everyone ! To promote the upcoming WALK-A-THON, to be held during the NGC Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a group of intrepid performers, gave a SKIT to advertise the Walk-A-Thon. The Walk-A-Thon has been planned by Jo as a fundraiser for the numerous projects that the Garden Clubs are involved with for homes built by Habitat for Humanity volunteers around the nation.

A zany skit, "Don't Let The Parade Pass You By" was enacted, complete with a Drum Major, Cheerleaders and imaginary "Walk-A-Thon" participants. Everyone laughed uproariously and, with good humor, members were encouraged to participate. NGC President June Wood and NGC PastPresident Deen Day Sanders, seated in the front row, seemed to particularly enjoy the skit. There were joggers, power walkers, and even a "rollover" - that's someone who just rolls over, goes back to sleep, and simply sends in her CHECK !! Since the Walk-A-Thon will be held EARLY in the morning in Milwaukee, we bet there will be some "rollovers" ! The rollover gal tossed snuggy teddy bears and ducks to the audience as part of the Finale - and everyone is now inspired to contribute to this very worthy cause. The cast included: Lilly Craig, Melanie Gousset, Jaydee Atkins Ager, M. E. DePalma, Jan Sillik, Carol Hall, Cinny O'Donnell, Gwen Herrington and Phyllis Wood. Say, is Hollywood calling ???

Rick Pudwell, Director of Memphis Botanical  Gardens

"Color My Garden" was the theme for the day on Monday after the Business Meeting, with outstanding reports from the DS Region Officers. A Workshop on "Plants of the Bible" was given by Rick Pudwell, Director of the Memphis Botanical Gardens. He gave a thorough and well-researched presentation on this interesting topic, with hands-on plant materials to pass around, and even floral designs featuring the plant types he covered.

Lynn Libous-Bailey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Southern Weed Science Research

A delicious luncheon followed the Workshop, highlighted by an outstanding program on "Colorful Daffodils", featuring Lynn Libous-Bailey, of the United States Department of Agriculture, Southern Weed Science Research Division. A slide show served to illustrate the spectacular beauty and variety of daffodils. Beautiful fields of breathtaking daffodils were evident in the area around Tunica, and throughout Mississippi to those who drove to the Convention, or who rode around in the area, so this was an excellent and timely choice of topic for a program !

For the adventurous, an afternoon cruise on a paddlewheel boat, the "Tunica Queen", was the order of the day ! Sailing from the Tunica Riverpark, the "Tunica Queen" offered a pleasant way to while away the afternoon. The Captain's commentary on the amazing history of the Delta and the Mississippi River ecosystem, was fascinating. We learned that the Mississippi River is best known by the following names: The Father of Waters; The Mighty Mississippi and The River That Made America. After a leisurely cruise, watching huge tugboats pushing barges lazily along the river, everyone toured the Museum and Interpretive Center before returning, refreshed and renewed, for the evening's activities. To view Photos see Sightseeing on the Tunica Queen –

Keith Carpenter, Chalk Artist

The highlight of the evening was a Reception, in the Convention Center Lobby, honoring JUNE WOOD, National Garden Club President, and BONNIE BORNE, Deep South Regional Director. Dinner was a time to continue enjoying the company of friends. Our theme for the evening was "Color My Garden" and the lovely table design exemplified the theme. Sunday evening's entertainment was unique, as attendees were treated to a performance by Keith Carpenter, Chalk Artist, with stirring choral and orchestral music played as the artist drew a magnificent mountain scene. Keith also owns Bean's Ferry Pottery in Fulton, MS

Mary Parish

Spectacular DUO designs graced the lobby......all six were created by Mary Parish of The Garden Club of Mississippi. The dramatic "Duo's" attracted much attention as members enjoyed mingling with friends, old and new, from around the Deep South Region. Note: A Duo design is created in one container, but has TWO designs back-to-back, with some form of "screening" in between. These designs are viewed as two completely separate designs, and judged by two different panels of judges in a Standard Flower Show. They are tricky and challenging, but very dramatic and interesting. View Designs by Mary Parish  Invitational Designs

The Business Meeting was re-convened on Tuesday, and a highlight was the Reports of the State Presidents. The many achievements and projects that take place around the Deep South during the year, are AMAZING and IMPRESSIVE ! View President's Reports

"Follow Me To Tennessee" was the theme of a spirited and fun-filled Skit given to invite Deep South members and guests to next year's Convention. (also see photo below) The 2006 DS Region Convention will be held in Chattanooga, and will be holsted by The Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs. From the Engineer to the Caboose, we were entertained by our very own version of the "Chattanooga Choo Choo" - complete with sound effects and a "train" of participants ! What fun ! Convention 2007 will be held in Savannah, and will be hosted by The Garden Club of Georgia. We look forward to attending, and will enjoy being in that lovely old southern city. An invitation to this special event was given by the gals from Georgia.

Ken Hackman	Gardening for the Birds Workshop  "Gardening For The Birds", a topic dear to the hearts of Garden Clubbers, was the subject for the morning Workshop on Tuesday. The subject was well-presented and covered by Ken Hackman , a biology teacher from Madison, Mississippi, who's been a serious "birder" for 18 years. Ken says he's become a "gardening birder" rather than a "birding gardener". His passion and expertise were readily apparent, and his slides(taken by Ken) were marvelous ! Ken shared some of his favorite birding places with us. A wonderful birding area is in Dauphin Island, Alabama. Serious bird watchers from around the US visit the Coastal Birding Trail during the annual migrations. The entire island is designated as an official bird sanctuary. This is a nationally know migration route for lots of types of birds, and even butterflies, as they head to Central and South America. There is an Audubon Bird Sanctuary on Dauphin Island, with 160 acres of beautiful natural beauty, and miles of walking trails. For more information, contact: the Dauphin Island Foundation at (251) 861-3800, or e-mail the Dauphin Island Chamber of Commerce at dauphinisland.cc - the Dauphin Island Chamber of Commerce can also be reached by calling (251-861-4499). For a free copy of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail Guidebook, call 1-877-226-9089, alabamacoastalbirdingtrail.com/. Around Labor Day, in Rockport, Texas, there is a fantastic hummingbird festival, a "Hummer Bird Celebration" and to learn more about this not-to-be-missed event, call the Chamber of Commerce in Rockport. Ken told the audience that he has NINE hummingbird feeders. Hummers can't walk, he said, as they have only feet, no legs. The "calliope" is the smallest hummer in North America - and we could see one of these amazing hummers in one of Ken's slides. He recommended dewberries, hollyberries, beautyberry, rudbeckia, sunflowers, thistle, native honeysuckle, bee balm, coneflowers, pokeweed and salvia as some of the plants you want to have in your yard for our feathered friends. And, we should always have some form of moving water. DO NOT USE RED FOOD COLORING in your hummingbird feeders, and it is best to prepare your own by using 4 pts. water to 1 pt. table suger. It's not necessary to boil it if you are using distilled water. Ken says to "plant a dead tree", or leave a dead one in place in your yard - great for the cavity nesters.
	"Visions of Green" was the theme for the luncheon on Tuesday, with Norman Winter, Noted Author, Columnist and Horticulturist as the special speaker. Norman is a syndicated columnist for Knight-Ridder Publishing, and holds a Master's Degree from Texas A&M. His books include: "Mississippi Gardens Guide", "Paradise Found" and "Tough As Nails Flowers for the South". "New Colors for Spring and Their Captivating Combinations" was the theme of the presentation by Norman Winter. His slides were breathtakingly beautiful, and he used them to illustrate the "3 Colors Scheme" from the Color Wheel as the best way to plan your beds and landscaping. Norman said, "Use Mass Plantings to stop traffic and don't let your neighbors out-phlox you ! " More Photos and commentary from Norman Winter
Lloyd Turner, Owner of Amazing Vase, Batesville, MS.	Dinner was a time to continue enjoying the company of friends. The theme was "Vintage Colors" and a marvelous floral design program was presented, featuring Lloyd Turner of the "Amazing Vase" Floral Design Shop, in Batesville, Mississippi. Everyone came away inspired to reach new heights with our floral designs ! The beautiful table designs for the evening just capped it off, and were provided by the Natchez Trace District, led by Delores Feldman and Susan Gibbs. Veiw more Designs by Lloyd Turner

The evening brought a lovely reception honoring incoming Deep South Regional Director, Annette Stanbery, and the fun and frivolity were evident with everyone happy to welcome Annett to her new duties. She will be formally installed at the National Garden Clubs Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in May. Floral creations and delicious food pleased everyone, and afforded an atmosphere of gracious hospitality Awards - Show Your Colors! The Awards Dinner followed the Reception, as Awards continued to be announced andthe various Presidents of the six Deep South States proudly received the awards won by their states. A time of suspense and friendly competition, members waved banners and applauded boisterously when their state won. This offers "braggin' rights" for the coming year, and just inspires us to create our Books of Evidence, and to apply for those awards. An address was given by outgoing Director, Bonnie Borne, and as we did the evening before when we were addressed by NGC President June Wood, we learned more about garden clubbing, and about our wonderful organization. All to soon, our Convention came to an end, and members prepared to return to their respective states.....reinvigorated and excited about next year, with the new challenges it will bring. On Wednesday, the new Board for the DS Region met to begin planning for the upcoming administration, and we will have new challenges, with new ideas, so that we continue to grow and to learn. The nicest folks in the world are Garden Club members, and we will all ook forward to next year, when we gather again in Chattanooga. Known for hospitality, the six states of the Deep South really know how to throw a party ! Thanks, Mississippi ! SEE YOU NEXT YEAR !

Educational Displays

Receptions

Great Table Designs

Super Shopping!

The Educational Exhibits and the Awards Room exemplify what the world of Garden Club is all about - and this is a great way to inform as to the wonderful projects and accomplishments of our members and clubs. Everyone made it a point to stop by and visit this area, and we marveled at the wonderful displays there.

Hopping on and off the shuttle buses, as we made our way from the hotel to the convention center, provided lots of fun, and opportunities to promote Garden Clubs, as we answered questions such as "What Group are you with? What do your Name Badges mean? Where are you all from?" That was our opening to talk about Garden Clubs in general, and in the Deep South and our own states specifically. We were always having so much fun, and laughing so much, the other Shuttle riders just had to ask us questions !

The Vendors were a source of temptation, and shopping was a draw as we dashed into the Boutique room during every break in the activities to examine the neat "stuff" and to buy, buy, buy ! The Opportunity Drawing items were exceptionally nice, and everyone enjoyed later as the winners were drawn, seeing who won. The lucky recipients of prizes received some great items !

EVERYONE, and we mean EVERYONE, who attended the Convention received a Door Prize ! That took a lot of work, and a lot of wrapping, as each was beautifully wrapped and MOST APPRECIATED ! What a marvelous gesture by the Convention Committee ! Our Hospitality Bags that we received upon registering were also a nice gesture, and filled with "neat" goodies.

Habitat Skit Perform it for your Members Get the skit

Kids Count

Stop what your doing and Take the Train to Chattanooga for the Next DS Convention

Annette Stanbery	Annette's Angels (L-R)Viola Harrison, Mississippi; Dollie Harper, Georgia: Joan Ochs, Florida: Annamary K. Miester, Lousiana ; Kay Lee, Tennessee; Jackie Quisenberry, Alabama

The dedicated Convention Chairman, Cindy Allgood (left) with her two hard-working Vice-Chairmen, Mildred Moore (right) and Margaret Fancher, deserve accolades fo a job well-done !The entire Convention team did an outstanding job, and a hearty THANKS go to each and everyone who served on the Committee and assisted the Chairman in any way. Our thanks also go to the teams of design-savvy gals who created the stunning table designsthat graced our tables at meals. The following deserve our gratitude: Tombigbee Valley District, led by Lucy Phillips Southern Pines District, guided by Helen Gough Natchez Trace District, under the guidance of Delores Feldman and Susan Gibbs Spanish Trails, led by Brierley Acker Hills and Delta District River Road District, under the leadership of Mary Lynn Powers

Convention write-up by Jan Sillik, Internet Chairman for the DS Region
Photos and layout by DS Region Webmaster, M. E. DePalma