GANGES — The Ganges Garden Club first met in January 1949 during a rainy Tuesday evening.
A group of gardeners gathered Jan. 18 in Ganges, at the home of Mrs. Harry (Bea) Light, to form a garden club. This year, the club is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
Today the Ganges Garden Club has 19 members and meets on the second Thursday of each month.
The club’s purpose is “Better and more attractive gardens.” The club motto is “Pray for a good harvest, but continue to hoe.”
Since its inception, Ganges Garden Club has been affiliated with the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs — a volunteer, non-profit organization of over 2,600 OAGC affiliated members in 126 clubs, and as individual members throughout Ohio and beyond.
Club began as the Ganges Garden Circle
Kay Jenney, Ganges Garden Club secretary, recently shared the club’s history with Richland Source — including activities the club has planned for its 75th year.
Jenney joined the club in 1989 and has served as its secretary for eight years.
“My favorite part of being in a garden club is visiting gardens, seeing beautiful plants and flowers and learning something new,” she said. “It’s especially nice to enjoy time with gardening friends.”
Cousins, Mrs. Charles (Mildred) Raiser and Light were the club’s organizers. The pair asked Mrs. Carl Garber of Bellville, county contact chairperson, to be present Jan. 18, 1949 and explain the work of a garden club.
Becoming affiliated with the OAGC, the club’s purpose was “Better gardens and flowers for our churches,” Jenney said.
The group’s first flower exhibit came in September 1949 at Ganges Grange Hall.
Ganges Garden Circle served as the club’s name until December 1949, at which time the name was changed to Ganges Garden Club. Club membership began with 20 members on the roster.
Activities and past recognitions
The club participates in several activities to help its members continually grow in their knowledge of gardening.
Jenney said past activities include garden therapy with seniors and school children, as well as sponsoring a junior garden club.
The group also participates in community beautification projects and local and state fairs.
Additional endeavors include participation in OAGC county, region and state events, volunteering at Kingwood Center Gardens and tours of gardens and greenhouses around the state.
The group also helps with landscaping and arranging flowers for its local churches, as well as sharing seeds and plants with fellow gardeners.
Jenney shared a number of accomplishments earned by members throughout the club’s history, including 1991 OAGC Gardener of the Year and 1993 OAGC Outstanding Garden Club Member.
Other recognitions include a first-place finish in the 2010 Region 7 Beautification Contest and 2021 Region 7 Outstanding Garden Club award. OAGC offices held by members in past years include Region 7 Director, OAGC 2nd Vice President and currently OAGC Secretary.
“We are proud to have one member who is a Master Gardener,” Jenney said.
Work around Richland County
Ganges Garden Club has continued to stay active through the first half of this year.
“During our 75th year we have several garden tours planned, including a lilac garden
and daylily gardens,” Jenney said.
“We co-hosted the OAGC Region 7 Spring Meeting and Flower Show at Kingwood Center this year,” the secretary said. “Our club will participate at the Richland County Fair in August, exhibiting pollinator friendly plants and information at the flower show.”
The club has also participated in several educational programs this year, including pollinators, beekeeping and winter sowing.
Club members continue to volunteer with Downtown Mansfield, Inc. beautification projects, Kingwood Center and work in their community and church gardens.
Additionally, the club plants and maintains the garden around the Crestview Middle School sign.
To stay up-to-date on Ganges Garden Club happenings, visit the group’s Facebook page.
