Natives Are Returning to Indiana
New The Garden Club of Indiana, Inc. President Launches “Plant America – with Natives” Initiative
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (April 10, 2025) – Today, The Garden Club of Indiana, Inc. (TGCI) announced the installation of its new State President, Wanda Zahrt, and the launch of her President’s Project, “Plant America – with Natives.” This new grant program is designed to provide funds to local garden clubs to plant native species in their communities and provide educational programs about the importance of using plants native to Indiana in their gardens.
Wednesday evening, Zahrt was installed as the 2025-2027 TGCI State President at the organization’s 93rd Annual Convention. She announced the new grant initiative in her acceptance speech, explaining it was a complimentary program to the National Garden Clubs, Inc. (NGC) PLANT AMERICA initiative. Zahrt said, “I am honored to serve as the 50th President of The Garden Club of Indiana. There has been a growing interest in improving our ecosystems by replacing invasive species with plants that are native to the area. Our ecosystems benefit from native plants by stabilizing soil, filtering water, cleaning the air, and supporting pollinators and wildlife.” She is hoping that by establishing this grant program, it will encourage more action.
Dedicated to service and promoting interest in gardening, in 2024 Zahrt was awarded the NGC Member of Honor Award and the TGCI Honeywell Horticulture Award. She has been a member of the TGCI Board of Directors since 2011, and is a proud member of her local club – the Iris-Elm Garden Club of Winamac. Incoming NGC President Donna Donnelly said as she installed Zahrt as the new Indiana President, “I’m excited to work with Wanda and the other State Presidents to broaden the reach of the National Garden Clubs PLANT AMERICA initiative and encourage communities in every state to “Plant America – For the Next 100 Years” – the theme of the 2025-2027 administration.”
Local garden clubs can access information about the initiative and apply for grants on the TGCI website at GardenClubofIndiana.org. Zahrt shared, “I’m looking forward to seeing all of the creative ideas local clubs develop to re-fill Indiana gardens with the native plants that have been here for centuries, and returning our state to a healthier ecosystem.”
The Garden Club of Indiana, Inc. is a non-profit educational organization formed in 1930, and a member of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. With 47 clubs across the state, TGCI’s mission is to promote interest and education in horticulture, landscaping, floral design and environmental concerns. For more information, visit their website at GardenClubofIndiana.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT INFORMATION
David A. Zahrt
The Garden Club of Indiana, Inc.
[email protected]
(574)242-0527
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