History

Mason County Garden Club is a member of Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. ( www.migardenclubs.org ) and National Garden Clubs, Inc. (www.gardenclub.org) Membership is open to the public. To learn more about membership, and to find our membership form if you’re interested in joining the Garden Club, click here. The Mission of the Mason County Garden Club is to stimulate a knowledge and love of gardening, landscape design and floral design, encourage home and community beautification, promote good horticultural practices, provide education and resources, encourage protection of our environment and conservation of our natural resources, and to promote the programs of the Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. and the National Garden Clubs, Inc.

The Mason County Garden Club was founded in 1926 by a group of women interested in the promotion of floriculture in the city and county. Early meetings featured visits to members’ gardens. When a new road was opened in Pere Marquette Township in 1931, the Garden Club planted yellow iris along the banks, and the name Iris Road followed. Remnants of these flowers can still be seen every year on Iris Road. The club flower is the yellow iris, honoring its founders.

On April 30, 1935, the Mason County Garden Club became affiliated with Michigan Garden Clubs and National Garden Clubs. During World War II the Garden Club sponsored Victory Garden programs. In 1952 the Club began planting flowers and shrubs in Leveaux Park at the main entrance to the city. Members still tend these perennial gardens throughout the summer.

The Club has supported a variety of youth activities over the years, including Junior Garden Clubs, 4-H activities, and guiding new Habitat for Humanity homeowners on basic principles of gardening and horticulture. Today, members are involved in a variety of community-related landscape, beautification and conservation efforts. Additionally, the Club helps support the annual installation of floral hanging baskets in Scottville, the Downtown Plaza Planters in Ludington and the Petunia Parade planting in Ludington. Participation in the West Michigan Fair in August and the Home and Garden Show every spring allows members to share horticulture and gardening information with the community.

In 1997 the Mason County Garden Club started “A Bouquet of Gardens,” its annual Garden Walk. This activity has become the main annual fundraiser, and the funds raised are used to support youth and community activities and education. Planting the “Old Heritage Vegetable Garden” at the Trapper’s Cabin in historic White Pine Village began in 2000. In 2007 the Garden Club raised funds for, installed, and continues to maintain the Blue Star Memorial on the grounds of the Mason County Courthouse in Ludington. Additionally, the Club continues to sponsor bi-annual “Standard Flower Shows” which are judged and open to the public. Garden Club publications include brochures about club activities, plants native to the area, and membership newsletters.

Mason County Garden Club

A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Corporation

P.O. Box 193

Ludington, MI 49431

Member, National Garden Clubs Inc., Central Region, &

Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc., District V

Regular Meetings: 4th Thursday of each month, March through October

3rd Thursday in November, 1:00pm

Meeting Location: 5810 Bryant Rd., Ludington, MI

Holiday Luncheon: 2nd Thursday in December

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Mason County Garden Club

A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Corporation

P.O. Box 193

Ludington, MI 49431

Member, National Garden Clubs Inc., Central Region, &

Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc., District V

Regular Meetings: 4th Thursday of each month, March through October

3rd Thursday in November, 1:00pm

Meeting Location: 5810 Bryant Rd., Ludington, MI

Holiday Luncheon: 2nd Thursday in December

Want More Info?