The Civic Improvements Committee completed their big project for the 2023-24 year as they joined forces with the New Hanover County Parks Conservancy staff to plant 100 long-leaf pine trees on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Long Leaf Park. The planting went quickly and all 100 trees were planted in an hour’s time. Other CFGC committees stepped up to help with the plantings, especially Gardening for Wildlife! The planting of 100 trees was a jump start for one of many Centennial Celebrations that will be occurring during the next year as the Cape Fear Garden Club, which was founded on February 11, 1925, prepares to celebrate 100 years in Wilmington. This planting at Long Leaf Park was also designed to help replenish the tree canopy in New Hanover County after so many trees were lost to various hurricanes. The Long Leaf Pine is our state tree and Long Leaf Park is a showcase for these beauties. Our committee also helped NHC Parks Conservancy with tree plantings at Smith Creek Parkway, which was funded through an Azalea Garden Tour Grant Disbursement.
The annual ‘Plant an Azalea’ Ceremony was held on April 2, 2024 at Airlie Gardens, where we planted 100 azaleas near the Spring Garden. Janine Powell coordinated this event. All 100 azaleas were purchased by the proceeds from the greeting card sponsored by Civic Improvements and sold at Airlie Gift Shop and at CFGC meetings.
Beauty Spot – Outstanding Landscape Awards, coordinated by Pia Ann Robison and Judith Sheridan, were presented on June 5, 2024 to the winners in three categories:
Neighborhood -Tidal Walk- 810 Cupola Drive (Club House)
Residence -Jim and Wendy Clark – 5904 Hunters Mill Lane
Business – Bradley Creek Station – 5815 Oleander Drive
Beauty Spot Awards are given annually to recognize outstanding street appeal as an official celebration of National Garden Club Week.
Civic Improvements has also been actively planning for design updates to the Urban Garden in Riverfront Park, which will be a focal point for the CFGC Centennial Celebration. Sarah Anderson is leading the design plans. New plantings will be installed in the fall so that the garden will look its best for a spring ceremony and the unveiling of the Centennial Sculpture in the garden.

April 2023- Civic Improvement Committee Members pose with the newly installed planter at Market and 3rd Street in downtown Wilmington