The Monroe Garden Club, Inc.

      Even before Rita Randolph took the stage at a recent Monroe Garden Club meeting, members and guests sensed that they were in for a treat. Everyone present anticipated an educational program delivered by an acclaimed horticulturist using breathtaking slides to inspire everyone present.  What was unexpected --- and thoroughly delightful --- was Randolph’s decidedly delicious sense of humor which was quickly evident as she presented her program in a soft Deep South accent “spiced” with nuances from her beloved home state, Tennessee.  As she confessed to having a severe case of “zone envy” --- “You people can grow tropicals down here!” --- this Jackson, Tennessee, native brought giggles from her eager audience.

     At the conclusion of her presentation, Randolph honored her hosts by donating a large quantity of plant materials to MGC’s ongoing projects at the Louisiana Purchase Zoo.  In making the announcement, Randolph pointed out that people do not do enough generally to encourage the next generation of gardeners, but that MGC is certainly doing that with its Children’s Garden and Children’s Greenhouse projects at the zoo.
     Shown below are MGC Zoo Project chairman, LaVerne Bodron and MGC secretary  Phoebe Mathys accepting the donation from Rita Randolph.