Dear AGC Members, I hope this email finds you well and looking forward to Spring. When Historic Garden Week was cancelled in 2020, who would have thought we would be making changes to stay safe in a pandemic a year later? As of now, the Garden Club of Virginia is still planning to move forward with HGW with modifications on the state level and by each club. We are following their guidelines and monitoring the situation in planning our tour. When we are not in a pandemic, we have very clear expectations of our members as outlined in our Member Responsibilities. Given this year’s unusual circumstances, the AGC board has voted to suspend the requirement of members to participate in HGW for the 2021 tour due to the Covid 19 pandemic and waive the associated penalty fee. A crucial part of planning for the Augusta Garden Club tour is to determine the number of members who are available to take part. The committee is exploring ways for members to feel comfortable participating so that we can offer a safe and enjoyable tour. With health and safety in mind, the decision has been made to show exteriors only for the 2021 tour. We are reimagining our tour as a walking tour to focus on and enhance the exterior features and gardens of our homes. Each of the houses has a lovely front porch and outdoor spaces. We will have the chance to display the creativity and talent of our members with arrangements on porches and in other outside locations such as urns or tables. As always, there are many jobs and ways to participate in HGW to make it a successful event. Traditionally we have served as hostesses, giving information about the homes. This year, guests will be given a map for the walking tour with the information included. So we won’t need scores of hostesses, but there will be a need for members to be in the gardens to greet guests and generally see that things are running smoothly . There may be an opportunity for guests to attend four events which will be held outside in a socially distanced manner. The price of our ticket has been dropped to $20.00 with all tickets purchased online through GCV.
As a member, your job may change. For example, you might like to create an arrangement for a welcoming space on a porch. This is something you could do at home and place the morning of the tour. You may volunteer to check tickets, but it would be touchless and staying a safe distance.
As we go forward, we need to assess our club’s manpower potential. Please take a few minutes to think about how you are able to help, and click on the button below to complete our HGW survey. Responses are requested by Thursday, February 18th. Best,
Susan Laser
Historic Garden Week Chair 2021 | 
