Mary Haas and Phyllis Sweedish, both of the Elm Grove Garden Club, work with Brownie Troop 1211 on a spring garden project. The Brownies proudly holding their creations are Bridget Klassen, Mindy Rosen, Samantha Moyer and Lauren Wabiszewski. The decades old social tradition of a gathering dedicated to lovers of gardening is still alive in Waukesha County. It was the best thing I've ever done for myself. For those with an interest in growing anything, garden clubs are a way to spread that interest throughout the community.
Education is still a primary goal of garden clubs.
Most members join and remain active for years, taking in the vast amounts of gardening and horticultural information. Area clubs meet between six and 12 times a year covering everything from the use of proper Wisconsin growing plants, landscape design, floral arranging, indoor plant growing and container gardening. Most clubs take advantage of local speakers who welcome the opportunity to share their knowledge with club members. Bill Minor from Minor's Garden Center in Milwaukee will be making the rounds speaking at several of the garden clubs this summer. Horticultural experts from the University of Wisconsin Extension, dried floral arranging designers, wildflower, bird watching and butterfly experts are all on the various garden club agendas.