A local group of avid green thumbs recently gathered to recognize a milestone anniversary.
Members of the Sundre Garden Club got together on the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 23 at Backwoods Bakery and Café, which accommodated the celebratory party after regular hours, said Judy Madsen, former secretary, expressing appreciation.
“It was really well attended,” said Madsen, adding that 17 people from a pool of 34 came out.
The casual affair offered an opportunity for members to enjoy the chance to socialize and interact, she said. Joan Dixon, a founding member who helped launch the club and remains active with the group to this day, also provided some background on the organization’s history.
The club held its inaugural meeting on Feb. 17, 1998, with 20 members attending. Since then, the group's membership has ranged anywhere from 20 to 50, and they are continuously active in the community, she said.
“Of the 34 current members, we have two that were founding members of the club,” said Madsen, who has been a member for five years.
“There are also a few members that have been a part of the club for 19 years, with the rest ranging from one to 16 years.”
Members — including newer recruits as well as the more experienced veterans like Jan and Heinjo Lahring who own the Bearberry Creek Greenhouses and Nursery — each contribute to the club with their experience and knowledge, and are all eager to share as well as learn with the others, she said.
The club generally gathers seasonally from March to November. It is a member of the Alberta Horticultural Association as well as the Sundre and District Agricultural Society, and has a strong emphasis on education, she said.
“The club hosts workshops, speakers, and local tours as well as an annual bus tour,” she said.
“This year, we went to the Ellis Bird Farm by Lacombe and the Parkland Nursery and Garden Centre by Red Deer. In past years, we have visited the Fallentimber Meadery in Water Valley, the Saskatoon Farm in De Winton, the Trochu Arboretum, just to name a few.”
Additionally, guest speakers have come from Olds College, Calgary, as well as some others who came recommended by the Alberta Horticultural Association, she said.
The club, which liaises with other organizations, has begun initial plans for next year’s float in the annual parade. Several members are also involved with the revived Sundre Communities in Bloom initiative as well as helping to maintain the garden at the Sundre Hospital and Care Centre, she said.
The support of numerous local area businesses and nurseries helps make it all possible, she said, grateful for their contributions.
A relative newcomer to Sundre, Madsen, who relocated from Calgary eight years ago, said what she most enjoys about being involved with the club is having a vast repertoire of resources at the tip of her fingers.
“Every district or area has challenges on how to garden, so you learn what works in the Sundre area,” she said, adding she relishes having access to experienced and knowledgeable gardeners.
“They offer tips that will help guarantee the best results in the garden,” she said, adding, “They’re always very willing to share.”
Anyone who might be interested in learning more about the club is welcome to drop by during a regular meeting. However, the group’s next meeting will probably not be held until March, she said.
She encourages anyone interested to be on the lookout for a notice in the Sundre On the Go newsletter when the club announces the kickoff to its 2019 season.
“We don’t have a website but would welcome the help of anyone that could get one started for us.”
