The San Saba Garden Club (SSGC) met on February 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church for their monthly meeting. The event was well attended, with 16 members present and four distinguished guests: Texas Garden Club District V Director, Denise Hilburn, from Georgetown; Claire Kroeger, District V Zone 1 Director along with her husband, Scott Kroeger, treasurer of District V Garden Club from Killeen; and Allison Schwarz, County Extension Agent/Horticulturist, Tom Green County, our featured speaker from San Angelo.
Hostesses Dianna Furlan (chair), Julie Edgerton, and Karen Sloan served a lovely array of Valentine-themed refreshments. Heart shaped sandwiches, crackers with a cheesy spread, a tray of veggies with dip, pink iced white velvet cake squares, individually crafted cups filled with candies, and chocolate coated pretzel rods sprinkled with tiny confections were enjoyed by all. The serving tables were festively decorated in rich red hues with candles and a lovely centerpiece of red and white carnations, roses and baby’s breath perfectly capturing the essence of the February holiday.
In her engaging presentation called “Integrated Pest Management,” horticulturist Allison Schwarz encouraged everyone to consider, for plant/crop protection, using socially acceptable, environmentally responsible, and economically practical ways of controlling insects. Participants learned that interventions should follow this order: begin with cultural controls, then try mechanical controls, then biological controls and, lastly, use chemical controls. The audience had time to ask questions and tell Allison of their challenges in their yards. She laid out some helpful advice so that all can boast of blooming flowers, bountiful vegetable gardens, and lush lawns for relaxation and enjoyment.
Cindy Sloan called the business meeting to order, asking Marjean Alexander to offer prayer, and Janis Murray to lead the customary recitation of the club’s collect and creed. Reports were given by officers and committee chairmen, and then came a very special presentation. Members were ecstatic to witness the presentation of a $5,000 check to SSGC, a donation for the renovation of the historic clubhouse at Mill Pond Park from the District V Garden Club fund presented by guests: Denise, Claire, and Scott. These folks shared with us that they loved visiting San Saba, seeing Mill Pond Park, enjoying a delicious lunch at Napoli’s, joining the lively meeting, and spending time and interests with fellow District V Garden Club members. Accepting the check were Co-Presidents, Cindy Sloan and Marjean Alexander, and Finance for Renovation Ad Hoc Committee chairman, Trudy Hughes. This was the speech given by Mrs. Hilburn: February 3, 2026 Good afternoon members of the San Saba Garden Club and friends. It’s truly an honor to be with you today.
Garden clubs are built on patience, care, and a belief that even after the hardest seasons,
SSGC with their Valentine spread -continued
beauty can return. What your club has endured with the flooding was devastating… but what stands out most is your resilience and your determination to rebuild.
Gardens don’t give up after a storm, and neither did you. You showed up for one another, for your community, and for the legacy of this club. That spirit is exactly why garden clubs matter so deeply… not just for flowers and landscapes, but for the people who nurture them.
On behalf of District V, it is my privilege to present the San Saba Garden Club with this check for $5,000. We hope it helps you restore what was lost, support what is growing, and reminds you that you are not alone as you rebuild and move forward. Denise Hilburn District V Director San Saba Garden Club is a thriving group of ladies whose goal is to better their community in beautification, servitude, comradery, and educational efforts. Anyone interested in joining our group, please reach out to Denise Mayfield, membership chairman, 325-205-2025. Our next meeting, on March 3rd, will feature Rainwater Catchment at the Hanrahans.