The AFGC State Convention was held April 27 at the Wyndham Phoenix Airport/Tempe Hotel.
Garden club members from across the state, as well as from Pacific Region states, enjoyed a full day of fun.
Brent Leech, floral design expert, was the keynote speaker and created floral arrangements with striking beauty and design. The annual AFGC meeting was held, with centerpieces created by Tempe Garden Club and favors by Yuma Garden Club.
A memorial ceremony was held honoring garden club members who passed away in 2024.
A variety of workshops were offered for the afternoon: Adapting Seeds for a Warmer Climate (Susan Stoltz), Master Floral Design Workshop (Brent Leech), Making & Tasting Herbal Teas (LeeAnn Aronson).
Club Presidents and the Incoming Board of Directors held meetings in the afternoon before the social reception and dinner. Centerpieces by Tucson Garden Club and table favors by Weeders Garden Club.
After the Gala Dinner, awards were given and new AFGC officers for 2025-27 were installed.
Lovely gift baskets created by garden clubs and the 50/25/50 raffle were held. The ending to a full day was a dessert reception to welcome in new AFGC president, Jennifer Moreland, and her administrative officers.
AFGC members wish Jennifer and her officers a very successful term.
By Karen Bowen, AFGC Blog Manager
Photo 1 Karen Bowen
AFGC and Pacific Regions Convention Logo
Photo 2 Marilyn Whitenton
Yuma Orchid & African Violet Society had a wonderful display about the gold star’s history and their Gold Star Memorial By-Way Marker installed at the Yuma Foothills Park in 2024.
Photo 3 Karen Bowen
Beautiful floral designs were displayed outside the main convention room.
Photo 4 Peggy Ahola
Garden club member, Victoria Norton, created the beautiful beaded ceramic artwork that was pictured on the easel to inspire the creative floral design by Renee Waite.
Photo 5 Karen Bowen
Brent Leech led garden club members as they created their own floral design during one afternoon workshop.
