Brandon Twp.- Concern about the economy, pesticides in produce, an interest in organic food and a desire to cultivate personal land.
These are all contributing factors to the growing interest in gardening, says Barb Fahlquist, president of the new Brandon Farm & Garden Club.
‘Gardening is a stress reliever,? Fahlquist added. ‘It gets you back in touch with nature and out in the fresh air. After a long winter, most people are anxious to get back outside in Michigan.?
Fahlquist began the club last fall, inspired by two gardens at the library, the Leone Trese Garden and the Children’s Garden, which both needed volunteers to maintain them.
‘We needed a garden club,? she said. ‘It’s a good opportunity to be involved with the new park, and offers educational opportunities for students pursuing agriculture, forestry, horticulture and environmental concerns.?
The club now has 19 members and received their charter membership at the meeting of the Woman’s National Farm & Garden Association, Inc. meeting on June 6.
The WNF&GA, Inc. promotes itself as one of the oldest organizations in the U.S., and provides opportunities for members to learn, share and support a variety of interests, including gardening and landscaping, horticulture and horticultual therapy, floral design and judges? schools, environmental concerns and recycling, civic improvement and community service, arts and crafts, and educational awards and scholarships.
The Brandon Farm & Garden Club is open to anyone 18 and older, and a green thumb is not required, laughs Fahlquist. Dues are $35 per year and the club meets at 6:30 p.m., the first Thursday of every month, usually at the library, 304 South St., although occasionally at members? homes. At meetings, members discuss garden tips and disseminate information. In the future, Fahlquist wants to have speakers and trips to nurseries and garden centers. She hopes to double the membership by next spring.
The club is still forming committees. Fahlquist has plans to offer scholarships, have a tour of local gardens, and offer an annual civic improvement award to a business who has the nicest garden or landscaping.
‘We’re starting small, but come watch us grow,? she said.
For more information, call Jackie at 248-627-5305.