Garden Club to dedicate “Baby Big Oak” at Pebble Hill on Georgia’s Arbor Day

Garden Club to dedicate “Baby Big Oak” at Pebble Hill on Georgia’s Arbor Day

Published 12:47 pm Monday, February 16, 2026

THOMASVILLE — The Thomasville Garden Club will host a special dedication ceremony for the Baby Big Oak on Friday, February 20, at 10:00 a.m., in observance of Georgia Arbor Day at Pebble Hill Plantation. The public is invited to attend this meaningful community event.

The Baby Big Oak was grown from the final acorn crop of Thomasville’s beloved Big Oak and represents a living legacy of one of the city’s most cherished natural landmarks. The ceremony will honor Carol Singletary and Rebeccas Hasty Boswell, whose care and dedication helped nurture this very special tree from acorn to sapling.

The program will include participation by the Thomasville High School JROTC, an invocation by Reverend James Thompson of Piney Grove Church, and a performance of the National Anthem by Chad Smith. Remarks will also be offered by Thomasville Mayor Scott Chastain, who will read a proclamation, stating that Thomasville is a Tree City USA.  Representatives from the Georgia Forestry Commission and members of the Thomasville Garden Clubs will also take part in the ceremony. Karen Wilks of Killarney Queen Garden Club said that “When you plant a tree, you plant hope.”

“Elisabeth “Pansy” Ireland Poe would have been so pleased for this special dedication of the “Baby Big Oak” that is planted on Pebble Hill land,” said Pebble Hill Plantation’s Museum Curator, Lori Curtis. 

Curtis added, “Mrs. Poe was committed to sharing and preserving local history and for sharing and preserving the natural environment of Thomas County and the Baby Big Oak represents the perseverance and continuity of our unique local culture as well as the remarkable local ecology.”

This Arbor Day dedication celebrates not only the preservation of Thomasville’s natural heritage but also the community partnerships that ensure its continuation for future generations.

For more information about the ceremony or Pebble Hill Plantation, visit pebblehill.com or call 229-226-2344.