Garden Club holds first meeting of the 2025 year

Club members listen as Food Pantry Director Nancy Jo King gives an update.

By Stephanie Patton

The Leland Deer Creek Garden Club held their first meeting of 2025 on February 5 at the garden club house. Club President Patti Livingston welcomed members back and introduced the guest speaker, Brantley Snipes with Kudzu Collective.

Brantley Snipes speaks about the Rainbow Connection Bridge.

Brantley, who is a native of Leland but currently resides in Greenwood, has spearheaded an effort in collaboration with the Leland Chamber of Commerce and City of Leland to procure grant funds for an upgrade to the Rainbow Connection Bridge. The landscape plan incorporates a median with tree plantings and green spaces with sculptures. The goal of the project is to create a “front door” to the Leland downtown area, while also helping to reduce speeding.

Following Brantley’s presentation, President Livingston called on committee chairs to give updates. She also reported on the success of the club’s first Mahjong fundraiser, which had twenty-five participants. After more club business was discussed, she invited members to enjoy the Valentine’s Day-themed refreshments organized by hostesses Sherry Smythe, Tara Shamoon, Angie Zepponi and Donna Grissom. The next club meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 5, at 1:30 p.m.