North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
By Daphne Bass
The Loris Garden Club meeting was held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The theme was “Starting A New Year” hosted by Karen Carr and Daphne Bass. Karen Carr’s room decorations, including the snowflakes on the room’s Christmas tree, were greatly appreciated by all attendees.
The meeting included a dedication to Ruth Ann Jones, who passed away in December and whose many contributions and lovely presence in the Loris Garden Club are greatly missed.
David Stoudenmire introduced Mike Mathis, owner of M&M Expert Tree Service. Mathis is a certified arborist and a member of the National Arborist Association with decades of experience in proper tree care. His father began the business over 60 years ago in 1961 in Conway. The business is located in Longs. Mr. Mathis addressed specific issues concerning planting, pruning, feeding, watering and pest control of trees, particularly, live oaks, Japanese Maples, Crape Myrtles and fruit trees. The company is a family-owned business launched by his father in 1961. Mr. Mathis’ experience as an arborist and knowledge of trees was greatly received by the members as indicated by the many questions and discussion. At the conclusion, the speaker shared that he was impressed by the club’s enthusiasm and would be happy to be of assistance in the future.
Following refreshments, the club collect was read, the roll was called and 13 members were present. The treasurer’s report was given by Vice President David Stoudenmire. Dues were collected by those present at the meeting and the rest were to be given to David Stoudenmire or Treasurer Wanda Cox by the first of March.
Members agreed the Christmas lights at The Point added a festive touch to The Point. The Christmas dinner at David Stoudenmire’s home was greatly enjoyed by all, including special guests, Betty Jackson, President of the South Carolina Garden Club, and her daughter, the First Vice President of the SCGC, Jan Burch. Also present were Coastal District Director Graceann Phillips and Assistance Director Juanita Burnett.
Amy Diture is the club’s newest member.
The Coastal District Meeting will take place at the Wellness Center in Dillon on March 12, and the Garden Club of South Carolina Meeting will take place at the Riverbanks Botanical Garden in Columbia on April 23.
President Gloria Kinney and Vice President David Stoudenmire will work on grant applications. Members were invited to join the meeting on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, to participate in drafting the awards. Dorothy, Carl, Martha and Amy will attend. Six or seven awards might be prepared for the District. Dorothy Richardson will guide. The Loris Garden Club will draft, correct and present the awards to the District. Applications for awards need to be submitted by February 1, 2026, electronically. All photos should be accompanied by a caption or explanation. There were 199 applications this year and 2 problems were identified: (1) photos were not captioned; and (2) individuals were lined up in rows instead of in a natural setting.
Dorothy Richardson was commended for her extraordinary commitment of 50 years membership in the club.
Amy Diture received happy birthday wishes for her birthday on January 1 and Jo Gasque won the seed starting kit door prize.
The meeting closed with the benediction.
