- March 6, 2025
Event chair AJ Barr, committee member Barbra Gary and PCAF Executive Director Nancy Crouch. Photo by Paige Wilson
Palm Coast residents Rita Hueter, Mary Stetler, Barbra Gary, Joan Mangano and Margaret Stoll. Photo by Paige Wilson
Over 70 plants were on sale, to benefit PCAF. Photo by Paige Wilson
PCAF volunteers Donna Gioello and Alice Brogan. Photo by Paige Wilson
Colorful floral hats were a common accessory at the Garden Party. Photo by Paige Wilson
Palm Coast resident Margo Eaton, Flagler Beach resident Maureen Kluenie and Palm Coast resident Anna Shaffer. Photo by Paige Wilson
Patty Paukovich, master gardener intern at UF/IFAS Extension; Steve Hawkins, plant consultant and orchid specialist at Nature Scapes Nursery and Garden Center; and Carol Walkers, vice president of the Garden Club of Palm Coast.
Palm Coast residents Barb Chlupach, Debra Lynn and Barb Hakos, with Ormond Beach resident Janet Miller. Photo by Paige Wilson
Palm Coast residents Linda and William Hellings, Hayes Jackson and PCAF Trustee Awilda Hamilton. Photo by Paige Wilson
Palm Coast residents Eileen Lerro and Carolyn Crowder. Photo by Paige Wilson
Colorful floral hats matched the over 70 potted plants decorating the Palm Coast Arts Foundation stage during the second-annual Garden Party and Luncheon.
Nancy Crouch, executive director of PCAF, said that with about 85 attendees, this year's event grew from the inaugural year's 60 guests.
"It's already a very popular event and people love it," she said.
Three speakers shared their gardening and plant knowledge to the crowd, gathered at 1500 Central Ave., in Town Center on Saturday, April 6: Patty Paukovich, master gardener intern at UF/IFAS Extension; Steve Hawkins, plant consultant and orchid specialist at Nature Scapes Nursery and Garden Center; and Carol Walkers, vice president of the Garden Club of Palm Coast.
"We're very happy to find these specialists," Crouch said. "And this is the first time we've partnered with the Garden Club, and we hope to do that on a regular basis."
With the event theme of "Florida Friendly Environment," guests enjoyed a catered meal by World Plate and pottery centerpieces hand-crafted Blue Oak Pottery team, led by event chair AJ Barr.
"This was truly a group effort," Barr said. "It took the whole team getting the plants, picking them, knowing what to pick, potting them, transporting them."
Over 70 plants were also on sale, with the proceeds benefitting PCAF. Non-PCAF member tickets were $40, and member tickets were $35. Crouch said the estimated revenue from the event is $5,000.
"I'm passionate about partnering with area gardeners and potters — just local artists in any way, shape or form," Crouch said. "Anytime we can help promote each other is a win-win for everyone."
Visit https://www.palmcoastartsfoundation.com.
