Enhancing Our Environment

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Our deep love of horticulture, our creativity, the importance of conservation as well as commitment to our community are constant.  The variety in each of our lives adds such richness to our collective experience.  Each of our programs offers both education and the opportunity to share and learn from other members’ experiences.  ~ Becky Yaple

 

MEMBERSHIP

If you are interested in becoming a new member, please complete the form at the bottom of this page.  Our membership chair will contact you and explain the simple process for becoming a member.  We welcome your interest and enthusiasm for gardening and feel confident you will find our club a stimulating and enjoyable activity regardless of your gardening experience.

Our meetings are held at 12:30 PM on the 2nd Friday of the month.  The location varies depending on our program.  Typically, a short business meeting is followed by an interesting speaker or a workshop.  A seasonal centerpiece and light refreshments are arranged by a hostess committee and club members enthusiastically share their gardening knowledge and their friendship.  There are also a number of events throughout the year that you can participate in according to your interest and available time.  All of these events are terrific opportunities to have fun, meet talented fellow gardeners, increase your knowledge of gardening, and provide valued community service.

OFFICERS

  • President:  Becky Yaple
  • 1st Vice-President:  Mary Verlager
  • 2nd Vice-President  Chris Morgan
  • Recording Secretary:  Donna Daines Robinson
  • Corresponding Secretary:  Pam Brink
  • Treasurer:  Nan Goldenthal
  • Nominations:  Diane Fogel
  • Council Director:  Mary Verleger

Fiscal Year: July through June

OUR PURPOSE

To stimulate and further the interest of horticulture, landscape design and flower arranging.  We also encourage conservation and protection of all natural resources.  It is our objective to promote the Kalamazoo Garden Council and the Michigan Garden Clubs. We have a long tradition as a garden club and the advantages of belonging are both educational and social as well as being part of a larger organization.

June 2018 – Kalamazoo Garden Club keeps the garden beds looking their best!

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

  • Planting and maintaining the mixed beds of trees, shrubs and perennials at the Hospitality House throughout the growing season.  Containers of annuals are also added and maintained each year.
  • Tree planting in Kalamazoo City Parks
  • Annual Spring Plant Sale

CLUB HISTORY

Organized in 1928 — Federated in 1934

In 1928, there were three garden clubs in Kalamazoo, comprised of men and women. The men worked in the garden and the women acted as hostesses.  However, women could spade, hoe and rake too, so on June 22, 1928, seven women with a common interest in flower gardening and beautifying the city, banded together and formed a new club created exclusively for women.

This new club was called “The Kalamazoo Unit of the Women’s National Farm and Garden Association”.  They met twice a month and dues were $2 a year.  The club grew slowly (15 members in 1929) and was the smallest Garden Club in the city through the 20’s and 30’s.

The club was first federated in 1934 and the name was changed several time before finally establishing the name of Kalamazoo Garden Club, in 1950.

Early fun raising events included bridge parties; quilt raffles and finally guest day luncheons with popular speakers.  Today plant sales and auctions of  garden related sales and silent auctions help fund a wide variety of programs and speakers.

In 2003, Kalamazoo Garden Club celebrated its 75th birthday with a big garden party.

Today at the age of 87, there are 40 active members, 10 associate members and 3 honorary members.

The club also plants trees in local parks.  Members of the Kalamazoo Garden Club have long been active in beautifying the Kalamazoo community.  Currently members work in the garden of Hospital Hospitality House bringing beauty and serenity to those staying there while their family member is in the hospital.

If you are interested in more information about the Kalamazoo Garden Club, please complete the form below.  Someone from our club will contact you soon.  We look forward to hearing from you.