Did you know that Padgett Garden, the small garden at the base of the Bridge and Ocean Boulevard, was designed by late members Martha and Perrian Padgett? This poem was read at the dedication.

The next time you are stopped at the bridge take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication our former and current members take to care for the gardens and beautify our island. The garden is replanted with annuals each season and perennials as needed, fertilized, mulched, weeded, and watered.

The Holden Beach Beautification Club is featuring Pocket Park located at 628 Ocean Blvd West, Holden Beach for the April 2025 Garden of the Month.  The small park has a variety of colors . There are blooming iris, spiderwort, hydrangeas, as well as palm trees, pansies, and more.  The park also has a bench, a bike rack, bird houses and a wonderful marsh view.

The Holden Beach Beautification Club welcomed Paul Soltero to speak on pruning. Paul spoke on understanding the importance of trimming and shaping our landscape trees and shrubs, explained the optimum months to do pruning for each plant, and how to select the best equipment to get the job done. He gave a demonstration with a rose bush that needed a trim before spring and showed us his pruners. Our hostesses provided hot cider, sandwiches, meatballs, and other goodies for us to enjoy.

The Holden Beach Beautification Club has selected the stunning home and gardens of Jon and Jane Hart.  Their home is located at 143 Seagull Drive.  Jon and Jane have chosen native plants to create the lovely space.  Various grasses and palms and ginger along with nice statuary and several seating areas to view the marsh, the ICW and the pool make for a wonderful home. 

How many Monarch butterflies can you count? There were four in this photo and more fluttering around waiting for a turn. The milkweed in the gardens is blooming and the butterflies and other pollinators are visiting it. You can enjoy watching them at Pocket Park (628 OBW) and at Butterfly Garden beside the fire station.

The Beautification Club took delivery of over 1300 plants for the gardens today. Most of these were flowering winter annuals such as Pansies and Snapdragons along with ornamental Kale and Cabbages. We will be planting them this week in Padgett Garden at the base of the bridge and OBW, Town Hall, the Boat, Butterfly Garden at the Firestation, and Pocket Park at 628 OBW. The other gardens we care for, such as along Jordan Blvd. and Halstead Park will also receive some fresh color. Thanks to our members who came out today to help and to those who will be planting later this week. These gorgeous flowers will brighten everyone’s winter days!

The Holden Beach Beautification Club is pleased to feature the garden of Bob and Janette Kendall of 222 Lois Avenue.  The  “Welcome Fall” banner and pumpkins along with pretty flowers make for a cheerful space.  There are marigolds, pansies, vinca, geranium, “Holden Beach daisies”, rosemary, nandina and palms.  They share their home “Sounds Good” with sweet kitty Gracie. 

The Holden Beach Beautification Club welcomed Beth Green of Sea Biscuit Wildlife Shelter and her guest Benson, a Barred Owl. Beth talked about the mission of the shelter and how they care for birds on a day-to-day basis.

Join us for our next meeting on October 9 at 1:00 PM at Town Hall to hear next month’s topic “Right Plant, Right Place”. Gardening on the island can be difficult for even experienced gardeners but proper plant selection and placement is key! Everyone is welcome to attend! Please note that the meeting will be at Town Hall in October.

The Holden Beach Beautification Club has selected the garden of Bert Brown and Mary Vail Ware for the September 2024 Yard of the Month.  Their yard at 109 Crab Street is lovely with a well tended variety of plants, hardscape, and whimsy.  There are  palms and geraniums, dianthus, oleander, caladiums, gerbera, lantana, even some lily pads in an old bathtub.  Inspiring design!