Organized by Program Chair Julia Metcalf, the Litchfield Garden Club (LGC) held their holiday gathering at member Lynn Chapman’s gracious home. LGC President, Susan Magary, welcomed members and presented Lynn with a hostess gift from the club.

A swag workshop was conducted by Sarah Worden of Sarah Worden Natural Design in the extensive heated garage. Inspired by the Litchfield Hills, Sarah delivers one of a kind floral design and styling for weddings and special events throughout Connecticut, New York and beyond. She is known for putting an organic spin on traditional designs using unexpected combinations and textural elements.

Bundles of cuttings from members’ landscapes including boxwood, holly, arborvitae, pine, juniper, cedar, hemlock, magnolia and winterberry along with ribbons and pinecones were collected by Julia & Lynn. Sarah provided dried orange slices, pods and other natural embellishments. The 85 swags that members created were distributed to the St. Michael’s Food Pantry in Litchfield along with donated food items.

The Floral Design Committee, chaired by Sylvia Abbott chose the challenging “Hogarth Curve” for the Floral Design Sweeps. Thirteen creative arrangements were beautifully displayed in the pool house. Julia Metcalf won the “Best in Show” award for her impressive design.

Polly Brooks, President of the Federated Garden Clubs of CT (FGCCT), presented Joan Burgess, LGC Communications Chair, with the FGCCT Tribute Award for Communications. Additionally, Joan was honored with the Tommy Donnan Award of Merit. Victoria Sansing, former History & Archives Chair, gave a short “History Bite” talk. The Hospitality Committee, co-Chaired by Lee Reese and Nan Skeie, provided hot apple cider and beautifully packaged homemade treats.

For additional information on Sarah Worden Natural Design or The Litchfield Garden Club, please visit their websites at sarahwordennatural.com and litchfieldgardenclub.org.