OFFICERS
- President: Brenda Orwig
- Vice President: Cleora Mohney
- Secretary: Pat Pawlak
- Treasurer: Donna Knight
- Council Director: Kathy Kienle
MEMBERSHIP
We are a small club of eight and are looking to grow. The advantage of our small club is that every member gets to participate fully and have that intimate connection of friendship. We are the only club in the Kalamazoo/Portage area that meets in the evening. Each member brings a variety of experience and a wealth of information for both beginning and advanced gardeners. Please complete the contact form at the bottom of this page if you are interested in becoming a new member. A club member will contact you and tell you more about our club.
MISSION STATEMENT
We, the Gardenettes, will help each other in the raising of flowers and vegetables in our gardens, acquire skills in flower arranging, learn to make a craft from natural materials, try some landscaping, acquire an appreciation and knowledge of local trees, shrubs, flowers and birds, assist in the beautification of our country, support conservation and environmental protection goals, and participate in Council, District, and State projects.
CLUB MEETINGS & PROGRAMS
All meetings are at 7 pm (unless otherwise stated) on the second Thursday of the month at Cleora Mohneys’ home in Portage during the following months: March, April, May, June, September, October, November, and December.
March 14: Michigan Backroads Rediscovered at KVCC
April 11: Biltmore Estate Gardens presentation by Pat
May 9: Planting the walkway at the Kalamazoo Garden Council House
May 17: Planting Adopted Bed at Portage Public Library
June 11: Annual Meeting at Lawton Community Center
June 13: Field Trip to the Five Senses Garden at Phoenix High School
September12: Gardens of Wales and Cotswalds: Hidcote Manor Gardens and Powis Castle Gardens
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
- Portage Library flower bed as part of Kalamazoo in Bloom
- Volunteering for Kalamazoo River Valley Trail
CLUB HISTORY
In 1953 a group of young women, who hoped to learn more about gardening and also wanted to have an evening out, started the Gardenettes Garden Club. Initially, the husbands watched the kids at night while the ladies learned about gardening; however, as time went on, some of the husbands became interested and they too joined the club. The young women who aspired to be amazing gardeners did indeed hone their skills and have become astonishing gardeners, judges, designers, and mentors. Their treasure trove of skills and patience have shaped many gardening rookies into fine gardeners.
PAST CLUB ACTIVITIES
Learning About Bats…
Cleora and Jill at the bat presentation. Picture by Donna
Brenda Orwig, Pat Pawlak and Kathy Kienle listen to a presentation on bats
Donna made Bat cookies for Dan’s talk
Greens Sale Most Unique Designs:
