The Florida Federal of Garden Clubs Announces Local Resident as District 1 Director

All things related to gardening and floral design are near and dear to Joyce Waters-Smith. Her passion and inspiration have resulted in Joyce’s appointment as the District 1 Director of the FFGC, effective Spring 2021.

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener since 2007, Joyce is a past president of the Destin Garden Club and prior member of the Tri-County Horticulture/Environment Studies which she co-chaired for six years. Joyce created the committee that continues to provide the beautiful landscaping at the Destin Library. She has made over 100 home visits to solve lawn and garden issues for local homeowners.

The members of the Green Thumb Garden Club have also greatly benefited from Joyce’s expertise. Serving as First Vice President of GTGC for two years, she planned the monthly educational presentations, chaired two Basic Floral Design Series as well as the American Pride Landscape Committee.

In Fall 2019, Joyce co-chaired the GTGC’s first Tour of Tables in Grand Boulevard. The community event received the Public Community Award from the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs and has allowed the GTGC to continue financial donations to local non-profit organizations. She planned the landscaping at the John Horton Senior Center and directed the installation of the plants that were donated by GTGC. In 2020/21, Joyce will chair the Club’s scholarship program.

Joyce achieved a long sought-after goal in 2020 when she became a national flower show judge. She started on this journey ten years ago, beginning with the basics, moving into a floral design study group and winning numerous ribbons and awards along the way. Four cities, 14 class days and 12 tests later, Joyce’s dedication paid off when she became a judge.

The members of the Green Thumb Garden Club wish Joyce great success in her new role as the District 1 Director of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs.

The Green Thumb Garden Club’s mission for over six decades has been the on-going beautification of Walton County. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and a member of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs and the National Garden Club Deep South Region.

GTGC meetings are the third Wednesday of each month, September through May. Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, virtual meetings will be held until further notice.

New members are welcome at the Green Thumb Garden Club. For membership inquiries, contact Jan Shuttleworth at jan.shuttleworth@cox.net. For additional information, please contact Kathleen Edge, edge.kathy@gmail.com or Lisa Ermini, President, gtgclisaermini@gmail.com.