The Baltimore National Cemetery Complex with Sara Marlow, Director (Blue Star Memorial)

 Evergreen Garden Club

 Minutes of Zoom Meeting held February 17, 2026

Attending: 

Julia Bellinger                                   Lynn Pickard 

Carol Cramer                                    Ann Reid

Winkie Crigler                                  Donna Roberts

Amy Dewey                                      Pam Selden

Catherine Farrell                              Lauren Sherlock

Fossy Fenwick                                  Anne Snodgrass       

Mary Jane Glass                               Susie Taylor

Nancy Gorman                                 Ellen Thrasher

Jeannette Harper                             Susan Vanderver

Mary Frances Koltes                        Xenia Wilkinson

Diane Luka-Hopson                         Ann Williams

Sally Marshall                                   Fran Usher

Colet Mitchell                                   Sarah Vilms

Program

Sarah Marlow presented an informative and interesting program about the “National Cemetery Administration, an organization that preserves and supports dignified, historic environments balanced with commemorative design with horticulture … and how these cemeteries originally created by necessity, evolved to places of honor and meditative landscapes.”  

She pointed out that the organization began in response to Lincoln’s comments in the Gettysburg Address that encouraged Americans to commemorate the service and sacrifice of those who serve our nation. This organization manages 157 cemeteries in 44 states. In Maryland there are 4, Annapolis National Cemetery, Baltimore National Cemetery, Loudon Park National Cemetery, and Point Lookout Confederate Cemetery. In DC, there are The Congressional Cemetery Government Lots, and in Virginia, Alexandria National Cemetery, and 16 others. Arlington is the largest military cemetery, serving as the final resting place for over 400,000 veterans and their families, with burials from the Civil War to modern conflicts. The Soldier’s Home Cemetery is one of the oldest military cemeteries, located in Washington, DC.  Arlington and Old Soldiers are managed by the Department of the Army.  

Her presentation and the discussion following focused on the maintenance of these sites, including the introduction of native turf materials and the control of deer populations. She also talked about the Blue Star Memorials which are a program of the National Garden Clubs that honor all men and women who have served in the US Armed Forces.  Initiated in 1944-45 as a tribute to WWII veterans, the program includes plantings by local garden clubs along highways and in cemeteries featuring a blue star. Several members considered ways we could participate/support in these programs.  

Business Meeting

1.    Approval of January minutes. 

2.    Treasurer’s report:  As of today we have $13,992.30 in our account. All but 1 member have paid their dues, and  Winkie expects to get the last payment shortly. We are on track to spend $4,000 for gifts and grants again this year, and are leaving a healthy balance in the account so that we can make an additional 75^th anniversary gift of $7,500 in 2028.

3.    Membership. Lauren Sherlock gave an update on the procedures for approval of new members.  Nominations and support letters due March 1 to Rosa Wallach. Some discussion as to Nominating only 2 new members as that is the number of spaces available.  There were 2 guests at the meeting today.  

4.    Donna reminded us of upcoming meetings. The March meeting on Honey Bees will be with Chris Lewis at Doris Dixon’s home.  

5.   The April 28 th meeting will be at Oak Springs, Upperville VA. There is a $75 entrance fee for the 2 hour tour. It is open to 30 participants, and carpooling is recommended. Please commit by March 31.

Respectfully submitted,

Janet Nassim, Recording Secretary