International Landscape Architect, Larry Best, has been a tremendous boon to Pinehurst from the inception of the Arboretum.  The November program featured Larry’s overview of the planning, development and innovation involved as one of the Village’s most prized features was first imagined and then created.   The evolution of this treasure was a fascinating journey and we were reminded that the Garden Club of the Sandhills has been involved and supportive from the very beginning.

Char Rohr and Cav Peterson delivered a wonderful afternoon of fun and friendship, with many guests at Pinehurst Country Club’s new Thistle Dhu putting course.   It was our largest ever with eleven teams participating!   Forty-two costumed team members enjoyed a fun putting contest (with a bit of wind – but no rain), followed by cocktails and refreshments.    A great experience for all!!

We had a very interesting presentation by Lauren Joseph, Director of Marketing for Brookgreen Gardens, one of the ten best gardens in the country – and only 3 hours away!    Brookgreen Gardens is a sculpture garden and wildlife preserve, located just south of Murrells Inlet, in South Carolina – south of Myrtle Beach. The 9,100-acre property includes themed gardens with the largest collection of American figurative sculptures placed in them as well as a Lowcountry Zoo, and trails through several ecosystems in nature reserves on the property. We learned that the Gardens were founded by Archer  Huntington

and his wife the very successful sculptor, Anna Hyatt Huntington, to feature sculptures by Anna and other American sculptors. Brookgreen Gardens was opened in 1932, and is built on four former rice plantations, taking its name from the former Brookgreen Plantation.  Lauren shared with us a number of upcoming programs including the extremely popular Night of a Thousand Candles which is staged each year in early December.   It’s a “can’t miss”!