"Getting to Know You"

 

 

In this newsletter we are featuring Mary Sandusky, a loyal and steadfast member since 1992.  

 

Currently, Mary serves on the Board as a member at large and is the Chairperson for floral design. As a regular Monday morning volunteer, she splits her time between the main garden and propagation. This year and in the past 8 years, it has been Mary's decorating and leadership abilities that create the magical holiday decor at the fort. Many hours of planning, shopping (she does that too well, according to her husband), and creating decorations go into the final display. 

 

Mary was born and raised in Pittsburgh where she met her husband, Alex. They moved to Baltimore/Annapolis area where Alex played for the Baltimore Colts football team. Mary and Alex have 3 sons, a daughter and 5 grandchildren. After 33 years in Annapolis they moved to the Keys. When Mary began landscaping her first house on Key Haven, a few of her golfing buddies introduced her to the Key West Garden Club and she became a member. A few years later she became the Assistant Treasurer and then Treasurer, and has played a role on the Board for the last 8 years. Besides a gardener, a golfer and a floral designer, she sews, is an excellent cook and loves to do crafts.

 

Mary's own garden on Key Haven has just been redone, thanks to Hurricane Wilma that brought 5 feet of water onto her property. The garden was completely destroyed and washed down to the coral, taking out most of the landscaping and 2

Cuban royal palms. A year later Mary says, "It looks beautiful, but I’m still digging, I never stop!". 

 

 

 

 

(Continued from page - President's Letter)

 

 

incredibly generous donation from Fran & Bill Ford's son, David. We have now been able to set up an endowment fund in their name which will hopefully mean that the Garden Club will be financially secure for many years to come.

   The fort looked the best I've ever seen it this holiday time -  with Mary Sandusky's wonderful underwater themed design and thanks to

Marysia's Christmas tree decorations. A perfect setting for a fabulous holiday cocktail party which was another great success thanks to Patti's hard work and preparation, with grand support from Jane Parthemore and Neal & David.

A fitting celebration to round off a fantastic year for the Key West Garden Club.

    2007 promises to be an even more exciting year...with the West Martello co-hosting Sculpture Key West from 14 January - 14 April. The sculptures selected for the Gardens are all in keeping with the place and will guarantee significantly more visitors to our gardens this Spring.

    Many thanks to all of you for your continuing support for the Key West Garden Club, and all best wishes for 2007

 

Rosi, President

 

One of many sculptures currently exhibited at the

Key West Garden Club.

More pictures on page 4.