From the earliest colonial times apples have been crucial to the diet of southerners, whether as cider, cooked up in solid versions, or just eaten as is. Virginia orchardist and cider maker Diane Flynt leads off our latest Magnolia with compelling tales drawn from “The South’s Rich Family Apple History.” This issue also recounts the latest developments in building the Randy Harelson Scholarship Fund, which has reached $40,000 thanks to recent generous support by Richard Gibbs and others who hold Randy’s memory dear. Readers will also enjoy learning about state ambassador happenings, in particular a Birmingham, Alabama garden tour set for October 26 (great photographs!), while also getting the details of the retirement of Mount Vernon horticulturist Dean Norton after a career spanning an amazing fifty-five years. A past Society president and charter member, Dean ran an incredible five annual meetings. Also included is a moving tribute to Virginia gardener and garden historian, Jane White., known to many readers for her service on the SGHS board, along with the leadership she gave to the 2013 Lynchburg annual meeting. Finally, this issue offers the latest look at plans for the 2025 Mobile Alabama annual meeting, set for March 7-9. Led by Executive Director Todd Lasseigne, our visit to Bellingrath Gardens and Home alone should make for an unforgettable gathering.
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