Garden lovers
Published 4:00 pm Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Spring will be coming soon, and with it the flurry of garden enthusiasts will seem to awaken from hibernation and hit the various garden spots with the veracity of a hungry bear! The Garden Club of Picayune has been filled with garden lovers and been an integral and vital part of the culture and beautification of the city for the past 75 years. In years past the club provided educational opportunities for members and guests with a wide range of interesting and informative speakers. At one time the Azalea Trail was an enormously popular project. Each year community members looked forward to the self-guided tour of home gardens adorned with brilliant colorful azaleas in full bloom. Young ladies dressed in beautiful gowns adorned the gardens with their own beauty as well, adding to the popularity of the event.
After a couple of unpredictable weather years rained on their parade, so to speak, the project was nixed. But locals still remember what a gorgeous event it was. The huge crowd of supporters drove the route not only as gardening enthusiasts, but also to see their family and friends dressed in their finery. It was quite the event for many years and remembered fondly.
The most recent noteworthy project was the club’s final act. A bench at Crosby Commons on Goodyear Boulevard was donated by club members in hopes that it will be enjoyed for years to come. Fittingly, the bench is flanked by azaleas as a reminder of all the good the club has done for the community over the years. For many years Picayune Garden Club opened with the “Gardener’s Prayer” by Julie Howard Motherall.
“Help us, Oh God to be ever mindful of the beauties around us. May we grow with our flowers in gentleness, patience, courage, laughter and religion? As we turn the brown soil and plant our seed, may we learn faith… faith in the goodness of the earth, the clemency of the sun, the fullness of the clouds. May we be grateful for the privilege of being coworkers with God in the creation of even one tiny flower; And grant that we nay know the great joy that comes from sharing with others.”
I also want to share the “Quiet Garden Prayer” by Guerric of Igny, which is often found in monastic gardens.
“Oh Lord Jesus, true gardener, work in us what you want of us, for You are indeed the true gardener at once, maker and tiller and keeper of your garden: You who plant with the word, water with the Spirit and give your increase with your power.”
Although the present club has disbanded the lovely crepe myrtles in the medians, Blue Star Memorial, and various gardens around the city will live on as a reminder of the hard work and dedication that club members have exhibited for the past 75 years. And make no mistake those who love the beauty of God’s creation will continue to till the soil.
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