History
Every garden begins with a single seed–and so did the Palmetto Garden Club of Mount Pleasant. On September 22, 2022, a small group of friends and gardening enthusiasts came together with a shared vision: to create a space where community, learning, and friendship could grow.
By December 2022, that vision took root at our first full Club meeting; since then, each gathering, project, and shared moment has nurtured connections that continue to flourish.
In April 2023, we proudly became a Federated Club under the National Garden Club and the Garden Club of South Carolina, marking a milestone in our journey.
As we enter our fourth year, we celebrate the friendships we’ve built, the knowledge we’ve shared, and the joy of gardening together. Whether you’re a founding member or just joining us, welcome to a community where roots run deep—and every member helps our story grow.
Club Organization
Board Members
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| President | Darla Oathout |
| Vice President | Ruth Hurley |
| Secretary | Cheryl Keller |
| Treasurer | Joanne Lingerfelt |
Committees
| Awards, Yearbook, Grants | Oversees award submissions and the annual Yearbook for regional, state, and national garden clubs. |
| Bylaws | Creates, maintains, and updates the club’s operational rules. |
| Communications | Publishes monthly newsletters and manages all communications, public relations, and social media. |
| Community Projects | Identifies and supports community projects aligned with the club’s mission, such as the Wando Library, ECCO Community Garden, and Respite Care. |
| Events & Programs | Plans speakers, workshops, field trips, and other enriching activities. |
| Flower Shows | Encourages and promotes participation in flower shows and guides members with entries and competing. |
| Hospitality | Welcomes members and guests, and provides refreshments at meetings. |
| Membership | Manages new member applications and communications, voting, and maintains records. |
| Sunshine Committee | Provides care and support to members through cards, care packages, and other assistance. |
| Ways & Means | Develops and manages fundraising initiatives. |
| Website | Manages the club’s website and social media, shares updates and event highlights. |
We are proud members of the following:
Community Projects
At The Palmetto Garden Club of Mount Pleasant, our hands are in the soil, and our hearts are in the community. Through seasonal beautification efforts, educational outreach, and partnerships with local organizations, our members bring color, care, and creativity to the spaces we share. These meaningful projects reflect not only our passion for gardening but also our commitment to service, friendship, and civic pride as we continue to beautify and educate our community.
Wando Library Reading Garden & Planters Beautification Project
This project began with the goal of restoring and enhancing the Reading Garden at the Mount Pleasant Wando Library. Club members and local vendors came together to raise funds and donate plantings, bushes, and supplies. Thanks to these efforts, the garden was refreshed in early 2024 and continues to thrive today as a welcoming space for all who visit.
Seasonal Decorations at the Wando Library
Each holiday season, our members join hands to transform the Wando Library with five themed displays. Thoughtfully designed and beautifully arranged, these decorations bring warmth, beauty, and cultural richness to the space—spreading cheer to patrons of every age. We are excited to carry this tradition forward and remain grateful to all who help us create such a joyful atmosphere.
All Saints Community Vegetable Garden Supporting East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO)
Through teamwork and dedication, members of the Palmetto Garden Club of Mount Pleasant, together with All Saints Church, provide fresh vegetables for the clients of East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO). Each week, our volunteers tend the garden while church volunteers handle harvesting, with Garden Club members lending a hand as needed. We rotate crops based on past successes to ensure abundant harvests throughout the year. This project has cultivated not only nutritious food for local families but also lasting friendships—making it a partnership we look forward to continuing for many years to come.
Respite Program
Now in its second year, our partnership with Respite Care Charleston (RCC) continues to be a meaningful part of our outreach. RCC is a non-profit, non-denominational organization that provides care for individuals with memory challenges. At their Mount Pleasant location, hosted at All Saints Lutheran Church, our members share garden- and nature-inspired activities designed to spark conversation, foster social connections, and inspire a sense of accomplishment. These moments of joy ripple outward, uplifting not only participants but also their families.
Butterfly Garden
In alignment with the Garden Club of South Carolina President Betty Jackson’s theme—“Butterflies… Come Flutter with Me”—we are excited to begin establishing a Butterfly Garden filled with native, pollinator-friendly flowers. This vibrant new space will support butterflies and other pollinators while offering beauty to the community. We will host a Butterfly Release at a future date at the Wando Library Butterfly Garden.
Awards & Recognitions
Over the years, our club has been honored with numerous awards that recognize our impact, creativity, and dedication. Each recognition is a celebration of the collective spirit that blooms when we come together with purpose and joy. We are proud and honored to have received these awards during our brief but impactful history.
🌸 2025 Charleston Flower Show
Educational Exhibit Award – Plastics in our Waterways, Second Place
Design – Art in Bloom, Honorable Mention – Kathy Murphy
Design – Breakfast Setting, Yellow Ribbon/Third Place – Pam Somers
Horticulture Awards – Blue Ribbon/First Place – Kathy Murphy (2), Donna Thielen (1), Darla Oathout (2)
Horticulture Awards – Yellow Ribbon/Third Place – Lisa Hone (1)
Horticulture Awards – White Ribbon/Honorable Mention – Kathy Murphy (1), Darla Oathout (2)
🌿 2024/2025 Club Year
East Low Country District
First Place – Membership Growth (Clubs with 45–69 Members)
First Place – Yearbook Award (Clubs with 30–44 Members)
Honorable Mention – Meeting 2024 Award (Clubs with 45–69 Members)
Garden Club of South Carolina
Second Place – Yearbook Award (Clubs with 30–44 Members)
First Place – Plant It Pink (Medium Club)
Third Place – Juried Arts, Mixed Media – Kathy Murphy
Honorable Mention – Juried Arts, Mixed Media – Tracy Doyle
Council of Garden Clubs of Greater Charleston
Second Place – Outstanding Education Program Award
🌼 2023/2024 Club Year
2023 Charleston Flower Show
Jani Gunsaulus Appreciation Award
East Low Country District
First Place – Membership Award (Clubs with 30–44 Members)
Honorable Mention – Yearbook Award (Clubs with 20–29 Members)
Garden Club of South Carolina
Second Place – Juried Arts, Mixed Media – Kathy Murphy
2024 Charleston Flower Show
Educational Exhibit Award – First Place/Top Exhibit & Blue Ribbon, led by Ellen Bourscheid
Horticulture Awards – Blue Ribbon/First Place – Ruth Hurley (1), Kris Barlow (2)
Horticulture Awards – Red Ribbon/Second Place – Pam Somers (1), Kris Barlow (2), Donna Thielen (2)
Horticulture Awards – Yellow Ribbon/Third Place – Kris Barlow (1)
Horticulture Awards – White Ribbon/Honorable Mention – Donna Thielen (2), Ruth Hurley (2)
Floor Design Awards – Blue Ribbon/First Place, Exchange Club Award; Yellow Ribbon/Third Place – Kris Barlow
