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POLK COUNTY–The Polk County Appearance Commission partners with local governments, volunteers, community groups, and art groups to collectively support efforts that result in Polk County being clean, beautiful and inviting for all. Working under the authority of the Polk County Board of Commissioners, it is an all-volunteer body serving in an advisory role–providing guidance and leadership in matters of community design and appearance. 

 

The Commission is currently chaired by Joe Cooper, and partners with garden clubs in the county to support beautification projects that make Polk County a special place to live and visit through its beautification grants and tailored partnerships. There are several garden clubs in Polk County. Three are highlighted below.

 

The Green Blades Garden Club in Tryon was organized in 1952 and is a philanthropic and educational organization for the encouragement and development of gardening, conservation, and beautification for the community and the individual gardener. From September through May, “Pop-Up” garden tours and a speaker series are offered as well. Green Blades supports many projects including the maintenance and continued development of “Park on Trade” in Tryon. This beautiful pocket park, as you enter Tryon, was created by club members for the community to enjoy. Those interested in joining can visit  greenbladestryonnc@gmail.com.  

Since 1928, the Tryon Garden Club members have been dedicated to the advancement of gardening and the protection of wildflowers, birds and wildlife. Today, it’s made up of a vibrant group of individuals, coming from all walks of life and experiences., who are united by a common interest in contributing to our magnificent natural world.  Whether in our gardens or at Pearson’s Falls and Glen, the Club’s mission is being fulfilled – to protect, beautify and educate. The Club focuses on three activities: preserving and protecting Pearson’s Falls and Glen and making it available for public enjoyment, civic beautification including the Tryon Depot Garden and education of our members and the community at large. Monthly programs and meetings are offered to members and some to the general public. In 2022, the Club established a community beautification grant fund and an education grant fund to support local projects in partnership with PCAC and is now accepting applications. Learn more at https://www.pearsonsfalls.org/about-tryon-garden-club. 

In Saluda, the Saluda Garden Club members support several projects each year. In the spring they pot about 60 patio tomato plants in larger containers and distribute them to shoppers at our Pop-Up Pantry which is open on Tuesdays. Throughout the summer, each week, members gather at a home and make small bouquets of flowers from member gardens. These are put in jar containers and distributed every Tuesday to shoppers at the Pantry, distributing 50 to 70 bouquets. This summer they took on a beautification project to relandscape the front of the building where the pantry is located. Members selected and planted small shrubs and perennials along the building. They also are responsible for the planting, maintenance and watering of Spring Park — a small rock-built garden behind City Hall and two cafes. They offer trips, site visits and/or workshops monthly and also donate funds for children’s gifts at holiday time to the Polk program for needy families. The Club received a PCAC Beautification grant to support glass fused art.  Contact Susan Cannon at 828 749 3852 for more information about this Club.

 

Learn more and view information about past beautification at https://www.beautifulfoothills.org/beautification-grants. Please email beautifulfoothills@gmail.com with questions about these types of grants.

 

Submitted by Polk County Appearance Commission