St. Martinville – The St. Martinville Garden Club recently installed officers for the 2011-2013 term.

The new officers include: Charmaine Savasten, president; Lisa Carlson, first vice-president; Marsha Hebert, second vice-president; Marlene Castille, secretary; Betty Bulliard, treasurer and Dale Mouton, historian.

The club was organized and federated in 1953 and is celebrating its 58th year of serving the St. Martinville community. It’s objectives are to develop and advance gardening, to study artist design, encourage and assist in civic beautification and to protect and improve the environment.

The club is also a member of the District III Louisiana Garden Club Federation, Inc., Deep South Region and the National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc.

During the course of the year, the garden club recognizes outstanding residential gardens and businesses in St. Martinville, organizes the Tour of Homes, and holds an annual Flower Show at the city library. The club is also involved in the Cleanest City Contest and the Litter Prevention Program. Club members also maintain the civic beautification planters on Main Street.

Garden club members who have attained the title of Nationally Accredited Flower Show Judges are Jessie Bienvenu, Lynne Bonin, Betty Bulliard, Gussie delaHoussaye, Noonie Guidry and Margorie Melancon. Bonin is also a member of the Landscape Design Critics Council and delaHoussaye and Guidry are Life Members of the Louisiana Garden Club Federation.

Jessie Bienvenu, a charter member, was the first secretary in 1953 and is still a member today. In addition to being a Nationally Accredited Flower Show Judge, Bienvenu is one of the founding members of the Heritage Garden in St. Martinville.

Bienvenu is not only a horticulture judge but also an advisor for the Garden Club’s monthly meetings and the yearly flower show. Her responsibilities as the Civic Beautification Chairperson include designing and maintaining the planters along Main Street.