In this tech-savvy world of ours, the founding of the Gaylord Garden Club began with Angie Weber posting photos of her lush backyard oasis on Facebook. I commented on how lovely her garden looked and asked if there was a gardening club in town. Angie replied, “I don’t think so… I know Arlington does…maybe we should start one!!!”
My excitement matched her enthusiasm! I’ve been dreaming of a garden club since I moved to Gaylord in 2000. Through the years, I would ask this or that person if they knew of a gardening club in town. The answer was always no and my disappointment felt like a tree felling in the forest, so I could hardly believe my eyes as I reread Angie’s reply.
“…maybe we should start one!!”
Before I knew it, two more gardening enthusiasts, Julianne Shaw and Mary Jo Overson were on board. The four of us became the founding Board Members of the Gaylord Garden Club. Each member of the Board brings specific talents and enthusiasm to the club. Angie arranged the first committee meeting of a sprouting gardening club. It was there that our club motto, "Bloom Where You Are Planted" was suggested by Mary Jo. Don't you just LOVE that quote from the 16th Century?! It certainly has passed the test of time.
The seed of our club was sown in the National and Minnesota state garden websites – taking their advice on how to do a nonprofit organizational start-up. Angie saw to the legal aspects of the garden club, signing official papers for the nonprofit and setting up a bank account. Christine began designing the club logo, poster, and flyers to attract community interest. Many meetings followed discussing corporate goals of how the club might meet the needs of potential club members, community beautification, and growing the next generation of gardeners through educational activities and scholarships. Many long hours were spent on the legalistic and artistic endeavors, but don’t let that dissuade you in the prospects of starting a club of your own. It was time well spent!
The moral of this Facebook feel-good story? Ask the right person a question and you’ll be AMAZED at the answer and results!
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