Iris-Elm Garden Club state honorees David Zahrt, Wanda Zahrt and Pam Rausch.

“It was a true gathering of gardening minds,” said Iris-Elm president, David Zahrt, who noted that the TGCI convention was more than a meeting, but a place to network with other clubs, broaden horizons, and pick up tips for spring planting and other gardening care. Pam Rausch (secretary) and Wanda Zahrt (treasurer) were also in attendance.

Not only did the Iris Elm Garden Club members enjoy the convention’s topics, and the Amish ambiance, but Iris-Elm members were in the spotlight. David Zahrt received a TGCI Presidential Citation for his work in updating and maintaining the state’s scholarship program. To date, TGCI has awarded over $334,835 in scholarship support since the beginning of the program in 1958.

“The Garden Club awards multiple $1,000 scholarships to students who choose an Indiana School,” shared Zahrt, “and who meet specific criteria, such as majors in agricultural studies, horticulture, botany, and many other fields of study as they relate to the core mission of TGCI.” For more information on the TGCI scholarship program, contact the scholarship chair at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and visit the TGCI website at https://gardenclubofindiana.org/ for more information on scholarship guidelines.

Pam Rausch was also honored by being selected as the Garden Therapy chairman for TGCI’s board of directors. This state-level position focuses on the sharing of gardening knowledge. In her role as chair, Rausch will be responsible for promoting the development of programs to benefit the physical and mental well-being of residents in nursing homes, schools, prisons, low-income housing, and other populations in the state. 

“Gardening therapy is a practice using all areas of horticulture to implement skills spanning from preparation, to seed, to bloom and accessing one or more of the senses to help bring a positive note to a person’s life,” said Rausch. “The most important aspect of garden therapy is that the therapeutic value lies in the doing, as well as the end product.”

Last, but not least, was Wanda Zahrt, who received the Award of Excellence, a state honor. This award recognizes exceptional individuals that advance the TGCI’s goals and purposes. Mrs. Zahrt also became the national award nominee for the Central Region. She was also installed as the first vice president of TGCI and the North Central District Director for the term 2023-25.

The Iris Elm Garden Club meets on the first Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. For more information about the club or how to join, please contact David Zahrt, president at 574-946-6547 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Iris-Elm would love to “get dirty” with you!

The Garden Club of Indiana is a non-profit educational organization, formed in 1930, with a mission to promote interest and education in horticulture, landscaping, floral design, and environmental concerns.