North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
By Mary Templeton
Happy New Year from the Yaupon Garden Club! “Remember the past. Welcome the future!” This was the focus of the Yaupon Garden Club meeting at the North Myrtle Beach Historical Museum on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. President Phillis Newman welcomed members and recognized club member Lynne Payne for an inspirational message and blessing. She read “If I Could Live Life Over” by Nadine Stair.
A light lunch was provided by Yaupon Garden Club members Bette Hurt, Linda Bump, Susan Platt, Jolene Puffer and Mary Templeton. The tables were decorated in an attractive winter theme by Susan Platt using natural plants and branches. Everyone enjoyed this time of fellowship as they shared their Christmas memories.
Prior to the meeting, members enjoyed an on site tour of Ingram Dunes led by club members Susan Platt and Jane Vernon. Members were shown a video that was developed during the time Ingram Dunes was being threatened by development. The video showed a “relic dune” that is 50 feet above sea level and estimated to be over 80,000 years old!
Today the preserved Ingram Dunes is home to many native wildlife species, including deer, owls, migratory birds, foxes, turtles and more. It is open to the public daily. President Newman thanked Susan Platt for setting up the tour and delivering the presentation. She also acknowledged members of the North Myrtle Beach Historic Preservation Society who worked tirelessly to preserve a portion of Ingram Dunes for future generations to come.
Following the approval of the minutes and the treasurer’s report, President Newman asked for committee updates. The National Garden Club Plant America has awarded an $1,100 grant to use for the Carolina Fence Garden at Ocean Drive Elementary School. Yaupon Garden Club member Susan Platt was the grant writer. Club member Margaret Graham thanked her fellow members Dorothy Bambach, Kathy Jenkins, Susan Platt, Jolene Puffer and Mary Templeton who helped prepare the State award applications that were due in December. She reminded everyone that District Awards will be due on Sunday, February 1, 2026. In the absence of Corresponding Secretary Donna Belski, President Newman read a thank you note from The Humane Society expressing their appreciation for the monetary donation as well as the seasonal plant designs furnished by the club. Mary Templeton reported that the Ecotots will meet on Friday, January 23, 2026, to talk about the damage littering creates in our environment. Bette Hurt gave an update on Vereen Gardens and announced birdhouses at the Sports Complex and Redwing Trail will be cleaned in February.
Horticulturalist Phyllis Green reviewed a lovely heirloom camellia provided by Margaret Graham. She also presented two amaryllis plants in bloom, one with four trumpets and two about to open. She explained how to care for amaryllis plants and how to get them to bloom.
President Newman announced that the club will be meeting with the Driftwood Garden Club and the Sea Oats Garden Club in February at the CB Berry Center in Little River. Following a birthday recognition for Dorothy Bambach (January 16), the meeting was adjourned. The year 2026 is off to a grand start for the Yaupon Garden Club!
