Local Students Benefit from Funds Raised at Annual Sweetwater Garden Fair Event
A sure sign of spring in the Sweetwater community is the Sweetwater Oaks Garden Club’s (SWOGC) Annual Garden Fair. March 30, 2014 was the ninth year for the event and local residents joined in the fun bringing their wagons to load up on new plant life from over 30 unique gardening vendors. The event had something for everyone from Master Gardeners to beginners.
SWOGC members have deep roots in our community and the club continues to be an organization focused on education, social and community service. “All of our members pull together to organize the Fair. The event is our opportunity to share our love and knowledge of gardening and local plant life with our neighbors”, said Fair Chairperson, Carol Montgomery. The event is also an important fundraiser for the club’s scholarship fund and Wekiva Youth Camp. “Our members are very committed to helping local students. All funds raised from the fair provide scholarships to deserving students from our community at the University of Florida studying for agriculture, environmental or ecological degrees. We also host the Wekiva Youth Camp and every year we sponsor students to participate who are experiencing camping and ecological studies for the first time”, said Carol.
Tom MacCubbin, foremost expert on Florida lawn and garden issues and well-known author, T.V. and radio broadcaster spoke at the event. SWOGC members also conducted a unique Floral Design Exhibit with creative and traditional floral arrangements. It’s a neighborhood tradition and the residents in this community put a lot of effort into maintaining their gardens and protecting the surrounding Wekiva preserve.
The SWOGC also sponsors several community service projects. The Club is already planning for next year’s spring event. For more information about Sweetwater Oaks Garden Club or the annual Fair, visit their website, www.swogc.org or call Joan Lasek at 407-222-2518.
