Forty photographers of all ages entered this year's Nature Photography Contest held during Chili Fest and over 200 people voted for their favorites and chose the winning photograph in each category.  The categories were: Birds, Bugs & Beasts.- Edibles (including non-edible fungi).- Landscapes.- Plant Portraits.- Sunrise/Sunset.- Youth (ages 16 and under).

As a club, it is such fun to see the various entries come and and then to visit with people as they vote for their choice.  Comments are always so positive about the exhibit.   

The 2025 contest will be held during Chili Fest once again.  As you take pictures of the world around you, consider submitting your photos next year.

The St. Croix District of which the Botany Belles and Beaus is a part of was recently recognized at the National Garden Club Convention for the workshop that it held last summer, "Your Garden - A Bird's Paradise."  Even though the district planned for 40 attendees, 106 people attended and learned about what they can do in their own yards to provide habitat for birds.  There were four excellent speakers and three tours of gardens.  This event was attended by people throughout the state.

Besides receiving a medal and certificate, the district also received a $500 check to put towards future events.

Club Federation Convention, the Botany Belles and Beaus Garden Club was awarded the Garden Club of the Year award.  This award is given to the club that promotes the objectives of WGCF which are to promote and share the love of gardening, floral design, and be involved in civic and environmental projects.  The club does that through monthly meetings, community gardening projects at Windmill and Creamery Parks and the Woodville Rain Garden.  Community involvement is important also and WGCF recognized the numerous community activities the club is involved in. 

Hoping to brighten someone's day this Christmas season, members of the club gathered to create Cups of Cheer which were delivered with Meals on Wheels to area residents.  

The St. Croix District was thrilled with the interest in this workshop.  106 people attended and learned about how to increase habitat for birds in their own backyards.  It's easy to do: plant natives, plant in layers (trees, shrubs, native grasses and flowers), be a bit messy.  The speakers were good, the selection of plants from Dragonfly excellent, displays informative, and a decent lunch.  A good day overall!

The Botany Belles and Beaus were fortunate enough to be chosen to receive a variety of gardening tools courtesy of the Ames Tool Company in conjunction with the National Garden Club, Inc.  The tools will be used with a variety of club gardening projects; especially the Woodville Retention Pond Rain Garden, but are housed at the Woodville Community Library so that any area resident can check them out and use them for their personal gardening endeavors.   There is a shovel, trowels, a regular hoe, a kid's sized hoe, and an action hoe.

Thanks much, Ames Tools!

One of the group's favorite activities is to create mini-Valentine's Day arrangements which are sent home with Meals on Wheels deliveries.  

 Botany Belles & Beaus Garden Club working together with the Woodville homeschool group is transforming the retention pond off of the downtown parking lot into a rain garden.  The homeschool students researched and suggested plants and planned with the garden club.  Plants that tolerate lots of water and not so much water were chosen and planted on three different planting dates.  Now for the weeding!

The project was funded by a St. Croix Valley Master Gardener Grant, a Wisconsin Garden Club Federation Grant and the Botany Belles & Beaus Garden Club.  The Village of Woodville has provided lots of assisitance too.