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||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND GARDEN CLUB |||

Leadership Smoothie

Welcome to another flavorful smoothie! You’ll hear not only from the presidents but also other leaders within the club. They’ll share their personal stories, values, perspectives or updates. We don’t know what to expect but like a smoothie, these messages will be a delicious concoction of random ingredients that surprisingly work together. We hope you find these articles to be satisfying, healthy and rejuvenating. We hope to be that positive element that boosts your mood! Are you ready? Grab your favorite morning beverage and settle in for some delightful reading!
A message from Perri Gibbons, a super volunteer involved in just about every aspect of the club…

Giving Thanks for 20 OIGC Years

When I moved to Orcas twenty years ago, the first thing I got was a mailbox key. The second was a library card. And the third was membership to the Garden Club. Relocating from Indiana proved a vastly different growing environment, from frigid winters with hot and humid summers, to a maritime climate. Then, too, my interests had evolved from mostly flower beds to a three thousand square foot food-based garden.

My daughters, grandson, and I at the 2026 OIGC Garden Club Tour.
 

Garden 2018 – Kohlrabi? Parsnips? Kale? Never heard of them, much less have any idea how to grow them.

Surprise! First time growing tomatillos.
 

Planting with my intern 2018.
 

Thank goodness for my education through the garden club. Presentations were a tremendous help and I always learned something, even those I wasn’t sure I’d like. Jesssi Bloom on permaculture, Cass Turnbull on pruning, Debby Hatch on tomatoes… and, oh my, I do love my tomatoes. 
A bonus has been the additional activities I’ve been able to share with my grandkids because of the Garden Club. We’ve cleaned mason bee tubes together, shared a mushroom growing log and made pressed flower bookmarks because I attended those workshops.

My pumpkin carved with the OIGC emblem 2021.

In 2010, I reached out to learn about joining the OIGC Board. Betsy Louton was the outgoing Secretary, and I asked her what exactly happened at meetings. When she said, “we have fun!” I admitted to being a bit skeptical. Betsy was right. Serving in and out of different positions on the Board has been an enriching and delightful experience.

I’ve served under ten presidents and although their style has been different, it’s empowering to see strong leadership at work. Their guidance has directed the club toward the inclusive, community-oriented club we have today.
So, I’m thankful to the OIGC for the education, experience, and support enabling me to be a better gardener. Even more, I value the friendships and connections made in a passionate group united by a common mission. Joining the OIGC is one of the best decisions I’ve made on Orcas. Perri
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