Green Thumb’s Junior Gardener Program is Growing at Butler Elementary School

By Kathleen Edge, Publicity & Website Chair

March 1, 2026

Green Thumb Garden Club’s Junior Gardeners Program was started in 1993 by then President, Margo Yourick. The 2025/2026 program at Butler Elementary School’s is in its fifth year with 40 fourth and fifth grade students participating this year. The program includes class time as well as hands-on projects with five teaching teams. Recently, the students learned that all plants, including Spanish moss and air plants, do not need dirt to grow. Early Spring planting included potatoes and onions along with strawberries. The Junior Gardener program is supported by eight GTGC members, two Butler teachers and one support person plus a student’s Father who helps with cultivation and fertilization of the raised beds. GTGC is very appreciative of all Junior Gardeners program volunteers.

March’s member meeting is Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Westwinds Conference Center in Sandestin. Jeff Talbert, Coastal Dune Lakes project leader at Deer Lake Park, will update attendees on the current state of and future plans for the precious Panhandle Dune Lakes as well as his work at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Yellow fly kits will be distributed by Walton County Mosquito Control District.

The April 15, 2026, Member meeting program, also at Westwinds Conference Center, is Farm-to-Table focused on sourcing local food. There will be a Bake Sale with proceeds benefitting scholarships and other GTGC charities. Members are asked to bring their favorite sweets to support the effort.

The Green Thumb Garden Club, Inc., located in Walton County, Florida, is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to stimulate interest in the beautification of Walton County, furthering the education of its members and the public in botany, community beautification, conservation of natural resources, environmental awareness, floral design, gardening, horticulture, and nature studies and instill in our youth the love of gardening and respect for the environment. Please note: Programs are subject to change.