Highlights From Twilight in the Garden 2024
It was beautiful evening for our annual garden party. The event was emceed by Hatcher Garden Chair Dr. Loreta Dylgjeri and Garden Manager Dan Shook. Dr. Dylgjeri was excited to announce the inclusion of a Sensory Loop, as part of the continuing development of the Children’s Garden which will benefit children with all abilities, and especially children with sensory learning needs. A 3-dimensional plaque designed by Board Trustee Julia Burnett, was unveiled that will be placed at the entrance of the Sensory Loop for all who enter. Dan Shook announced that a statue of Major will also be placed in the Children’s Garden. Made locally, the statue will be twice the life size of Major. Besides the live auction later in the program, the winners were announced for both the Barrie Bain Volunteers of the Year and the Noble Tree Contest.
The plaque designed by Julia Burnett to be placed at the Sensory Loop in the Children’s Garden.
Major, Dan Shook’s dog, the subject of a new sculpture in the new Children’s Garden.
Winners of the Barrie Bain Volunteer of the Year Award
Melinda was recognized for her extensive work in the Hatcher Garden office. She was responsible for organizing the items for the silent auction.
Tina was recognized for her work in education at the garden. Tina developed programs within the Curriculum to meet S.C. Science and Social Science Academic Standards as well as conducted tours and trained new people to conduct tours in the garden.
Lori was recognized for her organization of the 2024 Spring Plant Sale as well as the volunteers who aided in the sales. This year’s plant sale exceeded expectations in generating revenue this year.
Winner of the 2024 Best Noble Tree Contest Award
Anne Flynn, Chair of the Noble Tree Foundation
Noble Tree Foundation Trustee Bruce Fraedrich
Introduced by Anne Flynn, Chair of the Noble Tree Foundation, Trustee Bruce Fraedrich announced the winner and five honorable mentions for the Noble Tree Contest. Before announcing the winner, Mr. Fraedrich expressed a slight frustration that only eleven trees had been nominated for this year’s contest. He challenged those gathered to go out and nominate more trees next year, setting a goal of 50 new nominees for next year’s contest, which will be our fourth year of participation in the contest. This year’s Best Noble Tree winner was a White Oak (Quercus alba) located on the campus of Spartanburg High School adjacent to Highway 29. The tree was nominated by Joyce Coggins.
Every year of the contest, The Noble Tree Foundation of Spartanburg donates $2500 in the name of the winning entrant to Hatcher Garden and $100 for each in the name of five notable mention entrants. See our Noble Tree Contest page for the other trees that were chosen for Notable Mention as well as to see how you can participate in the contest and nominate your favorite tree!
Besides some great prizes to bid on, the Live Auction had three Fund A Need fundraisers: one for the Major the dog sculpture, one for the Children’s Garden and Sensory Loop, and lastly, one for some basic repairs on the house (new roof and other needs ) where the Hatcher Garden office is located. The Spartanburg County Foundation generously donated $5000 to be matched by the attendees at Twilight in the Garden.
While Garden Manager Dan Shook looks on, Karen Nichols (center), Director of Philanthropic Services for the Spartanburg County Foundation, hands Dr. Loreta Dylgjeri (right) a large check to aid in repairs on the Hatcher Garden Office.