Connecting with Nature at the Best Place to Retire: The Flourishing Citrus Hills Garden Club
The Citrus Hills Garden Club, led by the dynamic Dr. Delphina (Del) Hopkins Gillispie, has been a vibrant part of the community since January 2022. Dr. Gillispie, who recently relocated to Florida’s Premier master Planned Community, The Villages Of Citrus Hills from Solivita in Kissimmee, Florida, quickly immersed herself in the local scene, engaging with various clubs and activities. The Garden Club’s mission is to encourage resident involvement and facilitate knowledge-sharing on topics such as horticulture, landscaping, water conservation, and more. Open to all Citrus Hills social club members, the club has grown from a modest 12 members to approximately 160 members.
A Growing Community of Garden Enthusiasts
One of the Garden Club’s most significant achievements is its Speaker Series, which features knowledgeable experts in various fields related to gardening and environmental stewardship. This series has been instrumental in sustaining the club’s momentum and accommodating its expanding membership. Notable events include presentations on frost-proofing plants, spring planting, and winterization, as well as field trips to places like the Butterfly Museum in Gainesville. Each session offers valuable insights and practical tips, making the club a hub of learning and community engagement.
My Experience with the Garden Club: Ethnobotany and Herbal Medicine
As an integrative health and wellness enthusiast, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Garden Club about ethnobotany and herbal medicine. My presentation, “Roots to Plates: Exploring the Past and Present of Southeastern Native Plants in Medicine and Cuisine,” was a wonderful opportunity to share my passion with an eager audience. The members were incredibly engaged, asking thoughtful questions and sharing their own experiences with using plants for health and wellness. This interaction highlighted the club’s commitment to learning and its members’ genuine interest in holistic living.
Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Successes
Dr. Gillispie shared how the club has overcome various challenges through collaboration and dedication. One notable example was organizing the Earth Day Expo, which required meticulous coordination with organizations like the University of Florida Agriculture Extension Office and the Butterfly Museum in Gainesville. This event featured diverse booths and presentations on horticulture, wildlife, waste management, and more, showcasing the power of community collaboration. The success of the Earth Day Expo underscored the club’s ability to bring together experts and enthusiasts for a common cause.
A Community United by Passion and Purpose
The Citrus Hills Garden Club is more than just a gathering of gardening enthusiasts; it’s a thriving community dedicated to environmental stewardship and lifelong learning. With Dr. Gillispie’s leadership and the active participation of its members, the club continues to grow and evolve, offering enriching activities and fostering connections among residents. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious newcomer, the Garden Club invites you to join in cultivating not just gardens, but a sense of community and shared purpose. Together, we enhance the beauty of Citrus Hills and nurture our collective passion for the natural world.
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