By Dana von Rinteln - August 2026
“Wow, I had no idea you did all of that!” That phrase was uttered by two guests at our April Recognition Luncheon: Rob Ranieri, CEO of the House of Hope (to whom we presented our $10,000 donation) and the father of one of our scholarship recipients. My heart swelled a little at that. Yes, our Club HAS made quite an impact on our community! Let me highlight our many achievements and projects on which we worked this past year:
• Urban orchid planting in downtown Jensen Beach, partnering with Martin County Orchid Society and the Florida Native Plant Society.
• Log Cabin Senior Center landscaping refresh with help from JBHS JROTC.
• Installed a royal poinciana tree in Langford Park for Arbor Day.
• Langford Park Entrance Redesign – provided a design and plant material recommendations executed by Martin County.
• Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce Plaza Bed – refreshed and planted blooming perennials to enhance the existing bed.
• Downtown Jensen Beach flowering planters are maintained and watered by a rotation of dedicated JBGC members.
• Ongoing gardening by our Gardening Committee in the three areas of Hoke Library, the Log Cabin Senior Center, and three separate sites within Indian Riverside Park.
• New commemorative plaques installed (donated by Mike Donigan) in two beds and the tiered planter at the Tuckahoe Mansion at Indian Riverside Park.
• Environmental gardening project at Shepard Park with ORCA.
• Complete re-design and planting of the multi-tiered planter (affectionately known as “the Cupcake”) at The Tuckahoe Mansion in Indian Riverside Park.
• Log Cabin Gazebo Design Competition with Jensen Beach High School Students.
• Garden Expo 2026 at its new location in Memorial Park in Stuart.
• Three college scholarships PLUS an ongoing scholarship to a previous deserving recipient.
• Donated over $34,000 to local organizations to help preserve and enhance our amazing way of life and our incredible environment.
So, I think you can see why comments like “Wow, I had no idea you did all of that!” made me proud. Most people think “Garden Club - pretty flowers and whimsical hats.” Well, yes, we do plant pretty flowers and some of us do wear whimsical hats. But you know what else we do? We roll up our sleeves and get stuff done. A lot of stuff. Good stuff. Stuff that matters in our community. Stuff about which we ALL can be proud.
And all of this “stuff” happens against the backdrop of our General Membership meetings. Your Program Committee members have engaged informative speakers at our meetings. Hospitality committee members created inviting meetings where we share friendship, stories, and a bite to eat. Field Trips took us to beautiful gardens and interesting wildlife centers. Our Treasurer has researched and secured an innovative software program that enhances our ability to run reports, manage our expenses, and allow Expo vendors and sponsors to sign up and pay online. Our Corresponding Secretary has her finger on the pulse of the Club and sends out thoughtful cards and notes to our members and generous sponsors. Our Membership Chair welcomes new members and helps them to fit right in. Our Publicity Committee publishes numerous articles throughout the year in local publications and newsletters. Our Gardening Committee is the engine that drives this Club and tirelessly works to make our community more beautiful.
It has been my honor to serve as your president these past three years, and I’m truly looking forward to my final year in this role. I heartily thank the talented and dedicated individuals who serve on your Board. This group is truly dynamic, and I am proud of all they have achieved and will achieve in the coming year. And to all the volunteers who serve on committees and come out to help with projects and events – thank you for giving and for helping make a positive change in our community.
If you would like to get involved in some way this coming year, just reach out to any of us on a committee or the Board, and we’ll find a great way for you to engage and have fun.
Here’s to a great year ahead!



