Club Connection – Citrus Hills Garden Club

Yash Rai
05/30/2024

Connecting with Nature at the Best Place to Retire: The Flourishing Citrus Hills Garden Club

The Citrus Hills Garden Club, led by the dynamic Dr. Delphina (Del) Hopkins Gillispie, has been a vibrant part of the community since January 2022. Dr. Gillispie, who recently relocated to Florida’s Premier master Planned Community, The Villages Of Citrus Hills from Solivita in Kissimmee, Florida, quickly immersed herself in the local scene, engaging with various clubs and activities. The Garden Club’s mission is to encourage resident involvement and facilitate knowledge-sharing on topics such as horticulture, landscaping, water conservation, and more. Open to all Citrus Hills social club members, the club has grown from a modest 12 members to approximately 160 members.

 

A Growing Community of Garden Enthusiasts

One of the Garden Club’s most significant achievements is its Speaker Series, which features knowledgeable experts in various fields related to gardening and environmental stewardship. This series has been instrumental in sustaining the club’s momentum and accommodating its expanding membership. Notable events include presentations on frost-proofing plants, spring planting, and winterization, as well as field trips to places like the Butterfly Museum in Gainesville. Each session offers valuable insights and practical tips, making the club a hub of learning and community engagement.

 

My Experience with the Garden Club: Ethnobotany and Herbal Medicine


As an integrative health and wellness enthusiast, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Garden Club about ethnobotany and herbal medicine. My presentation, “Roots to Plates: Exploring the Past and Present of Southeastern Native Plants in Medicine and Cuisine,” was a wonderful opportunity to share my passion with an eager audience. The members were incredibly engaged, asking thoughtful questions and sharing their own experiences with using plants for health and wellness. This interaction highlighted the club’s commitment to learning and its members’ genuine interest in holistic living.

 

Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Successes

Dr. Gillispie shared how the club has overcome various challenges through collaboration and dedication. One notable example was organizing the Earth Day Expo, which required meticulous coordination with organizations like the University of Florida Agriculture Extension Office and the Butterfly Museum in Gainesville. This event featured diverse booths and presentations on horticulture, wildlife, waste management, and more, showcasing the power of community collaboration. The success of the Earth Day Expo underscored the club’s ability to bring together experts and enthusiasts for a common cause.

 

A Community United by Passion and Purpose

The Citrus Hills Garden Club is more than just a gathering of gardening enthusiasts; it’s a thriving community dedicated to environmental stewardship and lifelong learning. With Dr. Gillispie’s leadership and the active participation of its members, the club continues to grow and evolve, offering enriching activities and fostering connections among residents. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious newcomer, the Garden Club invites you to join in cultivating not just gardens, but a sense of community and shared purpose. Together, we enhance the beauty of Citrus Hills and nurture our collective passion for the natural world.

Contact the Activity Center for more information about the Garden Club

Terms and Conditions :

No purchase necessary to enter or win. One (1) entry per tour will be provided upon completion of an in-person tour of The Villages of Citrus Hills between May 1, 2026 and July 15, 2026, regardless of the number of tours completed.

Prize consists of a trip for two (2) to the 2026 U.S. Open, including event tickets for one day of play, round-trip coach airfare, and standard hotel accommodations. Drawing will be held on or about July 17, 2026.

Winner will be notified via phone and/or email and must accept the prize within 5 days or an alternate winner may be selected. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.

Travel dates, event tickets, and accommodations are subject to availability and may be determined at Citrus Hills’ sole discretion. Prize is non-transferable, has no cash alternative, and cannot be substituted except at sponsor’s discretion. Taxes, upgrades, and additional expenses not expressly included are the responsibility of the winner.

Employees, affiliates, and immediate family members are not eligible. Offer subject to change or termination at any time without notice. Additional terms may apply.

The US Open is a registered trademark of the United States Tennis Association. This promotion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the USTA.

Terms and Conditions:

 
Offer valid on new construction homes purchased through Citrus Hills Construction with a fully executed purchase agreement between May 1, 2026 and May 31, 2026. Citrus Hills Construction will pay the buyer’s customary title closing costs when the home is closed through Manatee Title, LLC. Closing costs must be verified by an official Closing Disclosure prepared by Manatee Title, LLC. Citrus Hills Construction will provide a credit at closing for eligible closing costs as reflected on the final settlement statement. Offer does not include prepaid items, prorated expenses, property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, club membership deposits, optional upgrades, or non-standard fees.
 
Offer is non-transferable and may not be combined with other incentives unless expressly approved in writing. Offer subject to change or termination at any time without notice. Additional terms and conditions may apply. See Sales Executive for details.

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