About Us

Dedicated to the preservation and beautification of the French Quarter.

Interested in joining?

Learn more about the benefits of membership and join Patio Planters of the Vieux Carre today.
Photo by Ellis Anderson
Membership

Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré (Patio Planters of the French Quarter) is a volunteer organization based in New Orleans. We are dedicated to the preservation and beautification of New Orleans’ historic French Quarter.

Since 1946, Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré has sponsored Caroling in Jackson Square, a beloved holiday tradition. This event, held every year by candlelight on the Sunday before Christmas, is always free and open to the public.

Patio Planters also makes annual contributions to various organizations, courtyards, and gardens to support the preservation and beautification of the French Quarter.

Donations and free events are made possible thanks to public support of Patio Planters’ annual fund-raising events, such as Secret Gardens of the Vieux Carré (May & October), White Elephant Sale & Auction (November), and the Holiday Home Tour (December).

2021 Officers & Board Members

President

Joey DiFatta

Vice-President

Ott Howell

Past-President

Stephen Swain

Secretary

Mary Bartholomew

Treasurer

Ed Shedlock

Administrative Coordinator

Darla Nixon

Board Member

Leslie Perrin

Board Member

Lynn Kirby

Board Member

Ruben Astorga

Board Member

Susan Guillot

Board Member

Sandra Dartus

Apply to Fill Vacancy

2021 Committee Chairs

Membership and Program Darla Nixon
Internet Technology Darla Nixon
Cheer & Hospitality Snake Brink
Ott Howel
Publicity Mary Finney
Birthday Party Joey DiFatta
Fall Fiesta Ott Howell
Secret Gardens Tour Ed Shedlock
Darla Nixon
Halloween Decoration Judging Darla Nixon
White Elephant Auction TBD
Christmas Brunch Lynn Kirby
Ott Howell
Christmas Decoration Judging Darla Nixon
Holiday Home Tour Ed Shedlock
Caroling in Jackson Square Sandra Dartus
Janice Foulks
Mary Bartholomew

The President, Vice President and Administrative Coordinator are members of every committee/event and monitor all aspects of each function.

Past Presidents

  • 2020-Present: Joey DiFatta
  • 2018-19: Tracy Treadaway
  • 2014-17: Stephen Swain
  • 2011-13: Thomas McGinn
  • 2010: Adrienne Hartsock
  • 2007-09: Stephen Swain
  • 2005-06: Sam Poche
  • 2004: Jeff Collins
  • 2003: Marie Dennis
  • 2002: Adrienne Hartsock
  • 2001: Betty Kern
  • 2000: Faye Lasseigne
  • 1999: Linda Maher
  • 1997-98: Janice Foulks
  • 1995-96: Lea Siegel
  • 1994: Bill Garrett
  • 1993: Cliff Collins
  • 1992: Tom Maher
  • 1990-91: Betty Ellis
  • 1988-89: Alice Minton
  • 1987: Gordon Mcginnis
  • 1985-86: Barbara Richmond
  • 1984: Stuart Gahn
  • 1983: Connie Clark
  • 1981-82: Skip Clark
  • 1980: Shirl Cieutat
  • 1978-79: John Bogie
  • 1977: Gary Jackson
  • 1976: David Bowen
  • 1975: Ruth Freed
  • 1975: Bob Abramson
  • 1974: C.J. Blanda
  • 1973: Jessica Hotchkiss
  • 1970-72: Melvin E. Crist
  • 1969: Irma Grafin von Einsiedel
  • 1968: Daisy Todd
  • 1966-67: Alma Loubre
  • 1965: Charles Macaulay
  • 1964: George Anding
  • 1963: Capt. William LaMothe
  • 1962: Lawrence J. Dumestre
  • 1961: Mary Morrison
  • 1960: Gwendolyn Kroll
  • 1959: Harold Leisure
  • 1957-58: William J. Long
  • 1956: Unknown
  • 1955: Harold Leisure
  • 1953-54: Wallo Bednarz
  • 1952: Erich Knoblock
  • 1951: Ruth Harris
  • 1946-50: Ann Lacoste