When asked what they love about the Greenfield Garden Club at last month’s annual meeting, members had a lot of answers — meeting other gardeners, learning from other gardeners, sharing plants, socializing and going on trips together, to name a few.
The gardeners also said they liked learning more about the environment and how our gardens benefit the environment. They loved giving gardening grants to local schools and making the community more beautiful. They loved the wreath-making workshop in November and the December holiday party.
It was clear there is a lot to love about the Greenfield Garden Club in its current iteration, and members decided not to disband.
We thanked Phyllis Labanowski, who asked the question, for helping us to remember what we love about the club and what we want to keep moving forward. We acknowledged that it is impossible for a few members to handle and organize all of the club’s business, and resolved to spread around responsibilities. Although change cannot be brought about with one meeting, it was an important first step.
Last week, Laura Schlaikjer, the club’s president, met to talk about upcoming plans and reminisced about the past. Schlaikjer said she vividly remembers the first annual meeting she attended because she won the table centerpiece. It was the first time she had received such a treat. That joy inspired her to become treasurer. Eventually, following in the footsteps of past presidents Margareta Athey, Jan McGuane (as she was then), Richard Willard, McGuane again, and Deb Brocklesby, Schlaikjer accepted the presidency.
At the annual meeting, we once again chose Schlaikjer as president and resolved to be more helpful this year. The first big event in our newly reinvigorated club is the Extravaganza Plant Sale, a fundraiser, which will be held on May 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. at the John Zon Community Center. This is always a great event that gives us all a chance to share plant divisions and make some money for the club.
Those who are not members of the club may not be aware that most of the money raised each year goes to fund the grants we give to schools for their gardens. Members know that gardening is a wonderful way to learn about science and beauty. We want to encourage children to learn to observe the growth of plants and the delicious flavors of fresh vegetables.
I have served on the grant committee and learned how carefully club members consider the educational and health benefits of the items that teachers request for their students and gardens.
It has always been a goal of the Greenfield Garden Club to do what it can to beautify the community. This year, once again, the Garden Club will plant several barrels with colorful plants to place on Main Street, where store owners will take responsibility to care for them.
The Franklin County Fair has welcomed the exhibits the Garden Club creates at the back door of the Roundhouse. Recently, the fairy houses display won first prize, best in show and the Cushman award.
“We always have so much fun putting these exhibits together, and are always thinking of ways to interest children,” Schlaikjer said.
I think it is easy to find a thousand enjoyable ways to work with club members on a project without feeling overburdened. Members and potential new members can turn to the Garden Club website, thegreenfieldgardenclub.org, to see dates of meetings and other upcoming events. On May 16, in lieu of a regular meeting, club members will visit the Bridge of Flowers and talk to volunteers about the flowers and how the bridge is managed. In June, club members will take a tour of Just Roots, its fields and community gardens.
This nonprofit organization, beginning its seventh year, is devoted to making healthy food available to all. The July meeting will be a potluck dinner at the home of Marsha Stone and Norm Hirschfeld. Besides sharing good food and fun, the club will vote on our new bylaws. New members and others interested in joining the Garden Club are welcome to come to a meeting and sign up.
We may also start talking about a 2020 garden tour. You do not have to be a member to have your garden included on the tour. I know I am already thinking about how I can perk up my garden this year and make it neater, as well as more colorful or more peaceful or more productive. I’m not sure what I’ll do, but I am hoping I might be chosen for the tour. The club’s garden tours are always enjoyable, instructive and encouraging. Wouldn’t you like to show your garden?
The reinvigorated Greenfield Garden Club is ready for the Extravaganza Plant Sale May 25 at the John Zon Community Center at the corner of Pleasant and Davis streets from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Hope to see you there.
Pat Leuchtman has been writing and gardening since 1980. Readers can leave comments at her website: commonweeder.com.