Grow and Show Garden Club (GS)

Photo by Linda Derfiny

Officers

  • President: Shirley Mitchell
  • Co-Vice Presidents: Mary Norris & Katherine Atkinson
  • Secretary: Margret McAllister
  • Treasurer: Jill Toma
  • Club Director: Katherine Atkinson

Committees

  • Council Representative
  • Sunshine/Membership
  • Parliamentarian
  • Historian
  • Environmental Concerns
  • Horticulture
  • Wildflowers
  • Birds
  • Park Place Living
  • Greens Sale Rep
  • Website
  • Yearbook Preparation

Mission Statement

The object of the club is to stimulate interest in horticultural and environmental concerns.

Meetings are the third Thursday of each month, at 11:45, unless otherwise noted.

 Fiscal Year:  June to May

 Organized in 1962, federated in 1963

Community Activities


Photo by Linda Derfiny. 
Above:  Club members hard at work on the club’s bed at the Garden Council House. 
  • KALAMAZOO GARDEN COUNCIL:  As a member club of KGC, we create projects and work at the Greens Sale held in December.  It is a fun collaboration and a great way to meet members from other clubs as well as a wonderful way to end the year.
  • FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS: At our July meeting, fifty to sixty small flower arrangements are prepared and distributed to the residents of a local care facility.  It is a rewarding experience for our members who enjoy preparing and distributing a little bit of sunshine to each resident.
  • KALAMAZOO GARDEN COUNCIL:    Members maintain a large bed on the Council House grounds.

Contributions

  • Pretty Lake Vacation Camp-Farm Project
  • Michigan Garden Clubs-Scholarships
  • Kalamazoo River Valley Trail
  • Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy
  • Bat Conservation International
A sea of flowers in arrangements for Medilodge. It is such a fun project!
Photo by Linda Derfinity

Club Meetings and Programs, 2024-25

All meetings begin at 11:45, unless otherwise noted.

June 20, 2024 / Growing Herbs Presented byKaren Cote’

July 18, 2024 / Shades of Lavender Farm Tour

August 15, 2024 / Tuna can flower arrangements

September 19, 2024 / Catnip Mice

October 17, 2024 / Flower Arranging Presentation, Demonstration & Workshop, presented by Sue Conat & Phyllis Straw

November 21, 2024 / Residential Landscaping with Jeff Romence from Romence Gardens

December 19, 2024 / Holiday Luncheon at Craftsman Chop Co

January 16 or February 20, 2024 / Soup Social with Garden Discussion by Members

March 20, 2024 / Introduction to Perennial Food Crops presented by Lee Arbogast, KVCC

April 17, 2024 / Caring for African Violets & Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter Cacti with Wedel Staff Member

May 15, 2024 / Annual Salad Potluck Friendship Luncheon with Installation of New Officers & Intro to Grow & Show Garden Club Presentation

Grow & Show members at the Valley Hub, KVCC’s Sustainable Horticulture Program, downtown. 

They have indoor hydroponics, hoop houses, outdoor gardens, aquaponics and a large greenhouse. A great tour for any club. Prior to the tour, we had lunch at the KVCC Havermill Cafe/418 Restaurant, 3 blocks away, on Walnut Street.

Photo credits: Linda Derfiny

Flower arrangements for nursing home
Photography by member Janey Lutzka. Image used with her permission.
Photo by Janey Lutzka
Grow and Show members show off the beautiful arrangements the club made for Heartland Healthcare residents
Christmas mug arrangements made for Greens Sale
Grow and Show officers Margaret Macallister, Linda Derfiny, and Patti Oakland receive a Community Service Award from the Lucinda Hinsdale Stone DAR chapter on March 13, 2022 (photo by Pam Thorne)

Club Highlights

In 2022, Grow and Show celebrated the 60th  anniversary of its founding in 1962!  Our  mission is to stimulate interest in horticulture and environmental concerns, which we accomplish through our monthly meetings and community projects.  Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 11:45.  We share lunch and conversation before the meeting begins folllowed by programs which include interesting speakers and enjoyable field trips.  Our members are knowledgeable and welcoming!

Find out more about becoming a garden club member by completing the form below.