OFFICERS
- President: Pat Hewitt
- Vice President: Sue Corra
- Secretary: Laura Jane Colber & Mary Ann Laurell
- Treasurer: Joann Wespinter
- Council Director: Michelle Olivia
Committees:
• Directory Chairperson: Jennifer DiGiuseppe
• Donations: Mary Beth Montague
• Environmental Concerns: Kathy Hathaway
• Facebook: Sharon Zinser
• Friendship Person: Marilyn Van Neer
• Garden Therapy: Janet Everitt & Committee
• Good Neighbor Day @ Wenke’s: Wendy Petersen
• Greens Sale PP Coordinator: Diana Schneider & Committee
• Greens Sale KGC Organizing committee: Bonnie Borak & Committee
• Historian: Bonnie Borak
• Horticulture: Andrea Stork
• Membership: Laura McCloskey
• Nominations Committee: Mary Ann Laurell
• Plant Sale Coordinator: Joann Wespinter
Meetings: 2nd Wednesday at 12:30 pm.
Fiscal Year: July through June
Organized in 1957 – Federated in 1960
CLUB ACTIVITIES
- Amber Way – Cut flowers & Plant Therapy for Alzheimer patients
- Hope Woods Senior Housing – Flower bed plantings
- Plant Sale
- Gardening at Twelve Baskets
CLUB MEETINGS & PROGRAMS
July 12, 2017
“Everything Orchids”
Lecture – Guest speaker: Julie Renner, graphic designer at Meijer Gardens and past president of the Orchid Society
August 9, 2017
“Pollinator Gardens”
Guest speaker: Ilse Gebhard, member of Kalamazoo Area Wild Ones and Audubon Society of Kalamazoo.
• Monarchs, Milkweeds and More
• Moths, our Nocturnal Pollinators
• Establishing Native Plant Gardens to Attract Butterflies
She is the creator of the pollinator wildflower garden at Schoolcraft Community Library.
Meeting to be held at Schoolcraft Community Library, 330 N centre St Schoolcraft, MI 49087
September 13, 2017
Create your own Pollinator Garden
A hands-on presentation and workshop by Wedel’s Nursery staff to design our own native and wild gardens.
Location: Wedel’s Nursery, Florist and Garden Center, 5020 Texas Drive, Kalamazoo MI 49009
October 11, 2017
Build your own Windowsill Terrarium
Mike Underwood will be our presenter and provide a hands-on workshop.
Plants will come from his greenhouse of 800 plant varieties. There will be a cost of $10 for all the materials required for the project.
Location: Kalamazoo Garden Council House, 5333 N. Westnedge, Kalamazoo, MI 49004
November 8, 2017
Greens Sale Projects
We will meet at the Kalamazoo Garden Council House to work on items for the Greens Sale.
Bring written questions, concerns and garden problems to be discussed and answered at our regular January meeting. Also, bring a list of your favorite garden books for future discussion.
December 6, 2017
Holiday Luncheon
*MEMBERS ONLY HOLIDAY LUNCHEON* to be held at 12:00 p.m.
Location: Martell’s ’Restaurant located at 3501 Greenleaf Blvd., Kalamazoo, MI 49008
—- Make, bake or grow gift exchange ($10 and under).
January 9 2018
Gardening Panel Discussion
Members will be discussing and answering our garden questions and we will also share and discuss our favorite gardening books
Location: Kalamazoo Garden Council House
February 14, 2018
Tour of Wenke Greenhouses
Tour will be lead by Wenke’s staff.
Location: Wenke Greenhouses, 5071 Market St., Kalamazoo, MI 49048
March 14, 2018
Michigan Frogs
Cleora Mohney will have a power point presentation on frogs of Michigan and the benefit of having them in our gardens.
Location: Kalamazoo Garden Council House.
April 11, 2018
“Floral Miniatures Displays”
Member Evelyn Flynn will discuss designing miniature floral displays and preparation for the May Flower Show.
Location: Kalamazoo Garden Council House.
May 9, 2018
“Dill Flower Show”
*A Council-wide flower show for all members*
Flower Show to be held at the Kalamazoo Garden Council House.
District 3 theme: Engaging Gardens + Participation = Fun
June 13, 2018
Installation Luncheon
*MEMBERS ONLY INSTALLION LUNCHEON*
to be held at 12:00 p.m. at the home of Linda Ricca.
MISSION STATEMENT
The object of this club shall be to promote horticulture and conservation and the improvement of gardening through study and other garden activities.
MICHIGAN GARDEN CLUB LIFE MEMBERS
- Carol Beckius
- Suzanne Budrow
- Ann Spaeth
- Joann Wespinter
- Evelyn Flynn
NATIONAL GARDEN CLUB LIFE MEMBERS
- Carol Beckius
- Ann Spaeth
CLUB HISTORY
Petal Pushers was the vision of two women, Gladys Seseman & Claudia Rice in 1957. Their first program book included a constitution, by-laws, a garden creed, and a list of officers and members.
Through the years the club has been involved in many activities throughout the community. These activities have changed over time, but they always involve ways to enhance and beautify our surroundings. Kalamazoo in Bloom, which involves Bronson Park and Portage Center, are activities that we contribute to as well as working with Alzheimer patients in ‘touch & feel’ activities, with flowers and greens. Our club participates in the annual KGC Greens Sale with creative gifts, and arrangements, plus set up, floor work and tear down.
In 2008 the club had its first plant sale. The plants for the sale come from club member’s yards and the yards of friends. This sale in now in its 9th year and has become a favorite of all plant sales in the area.
Many years ago two friends with a vision planted a seed and from that our club has grown. It has deep roots and strong branches that have provided interesting activities and enjoyment to a diverse group of women. This year Petal Pushers celebrates its 60th year as a club.
