2025 Scholarships were awarded to
Ms. Taylor Layne Mitchell of Heathsville
Ms. Chloe Marie Garner of Montross
Friend, Mentor and Gardener
The Northern Neck Master Gardeners suffered the loss of one our most active and beloved volunteers, Diane Kean. Diane became a master gardener in 2008. Over the years she accumulated 7,307 volunteer hours taking part in or leading efforts in gardens all over the Northern Neck: George Washington’s birthplace, Stratford Hall, Farm Museum Vegetable Garden and the bare patch of ground at her condo door. Diane was also devoted to education. Working long hours at the computer she collected articles and information to inform her fellow master gardeners of best practices, new plants and tools, important garden spots that could be visited to learn more. No garden was too far for Diane. She founded and edited the monthly NNMG publication, “The Garden Post”.
The Northern Neck Master Gardeners have chosen to honor Diane’s memory by donating the $2,500 contributions to fund nearly all the fees for 12 students to attend Boys and Girls summer camp. Many of the recipients regularly participate in Garden Club programming offered by the Master Gardeners at the Boys and Girls Club facilities. “Our Scholarship Committee has been working to find meaningful ways to contribute to the communities we serve,” relates Michelle Kramer, president of the Northern Neck Master Gardeners. “Our organization is pleased to donate this special memorial scholarship to benefit youth in our local area.”
“Diane was a member of the 2008 Master Gardener intern class with me, and she was devoted to all our programs, but had a special love for working with children. She would be happy to see this scholarship in her name used to provide children with a Boys and Girls Club summer camp experience,” said fellow Master Gardener, Janice Mahoney.
