It is the policy of Brandon Garden Club, Inc. (BGC) that all members participate in the annual Ways and Means Project (fundraiser), one community-wide project, and one continuing or new project.  Members may choose the continuing or new project based on their individual interest. The club predicts a minimum of 30% participation in each project.

Continuing Projects

Civic Development:

1. Nurture growth in Rankin County Courthouse planters and those in Memorial Square by giving general horticultural care to established plants and replacing annuals quarterly.

2. Work with the City of Brandon, city merchants, revitalization and beautification committees, and the Mayor on city projects such as Veterans Day and Deck the Halls.

3. Recognize one Brandon business every other month for having an outstanding landscape or hardscape design by placing a sign on the property and presenting a Certificate of Appreciation.

4. Plan and coordinate beautification projects in the city-owned cemeteries.

5. Nurture growth in the flower beds surrounding the Blue Star Memorial sites at the Brandon Public Library and the Rankin County Justice Center.

6. Participate in National Garden Club, Inc.'s "Plant it Pink" project by purchasing and planting pink perennials in the City of Brandon.

Education:

1. Provide funding for scholarships in garden/landscape related fields of study at Mississippi State University and Hinds Community College.

Garden Center:

1. Educate the public and assist with the study of all aspects of gardening by providing books or other literature on gardening, horticulture, and flower arranging to the Brandon Public Library.

Garden Therapy:

1. Provide at least two garden therapy programs or activities at a community living facility.

2. Donate flowers and other floral materials from club meetings to community living facilities or home-bound individuals.

Ways and Means:

1. Plan and host an annual fundraiser to showcase club members' floral skills and to raise funds to finance annual projects.

Historic Preservation:

1. Continue preservation efforts in the Brandon Historic District.

2. Work with the City of Brandon on preservation and landscaping at the Rankin County Museum.

3. Place memorial markers in Old Brandon Cemetery to honor a contributing member of the community or in recognition of a historical figure.

Horticulture:

1. Plant at least one tree in a designated area of Brandon in honor of Arbor Day.

2. Make contributions to the thirteen projects of The Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc. (GCM): Magnolia Gardens, Blue Star/Gold Star Memorials, Botanic Gardens/Beauvoir, Garden Therapy/Miss. State Hospital, GCM Scholarships to MSU, Governor’s Mansion Landscape Fund, Habitat for Humanity, Horticulture Summer Camp (MSU), Lanoux Youth Nature Day Camp, NGC Plant America, Natural Disasters-USA, Penny Pines Reforestation, and Wildflowers/Native Plants.

Public Relations and National Garden Week:

1. Celebrate gardens and gardeners during National Garden Week by creating a garden-themed display for June at Brandon Public Library.

2. Provide and create public awareness of the values of the Brandon Garden Club, Inc. through the news media and individual contacts.

3. Maintain a website and Facebook page to publicize the Brandon Garden Club, Inc.

Youth:

1. Work with Rankin County School District’s special needs ASPIRE classes each month during the school year to provide hands-on gardening instruction at The Spot Downtown, including growing plants in the greenhouse.

2. Provide art materials and information about fire prevention and litter control to Brandon Elementary School students as part of the National Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl Projects.

Environment:

1. Help members establish habitats for wildlife through backyard habitat and birds projects.

2. Plan and provide environmentally friendly activities and/or education to help establish "green" habits for community members and BGC members.

3. Encourage recycling.