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Garden club cultivates flora and friendship
Rooted in tradition
By Lissa Bell
In 1960, the Woodland Garden Club was organized “to stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening, flower arranging and allied subjects,” a tradition that stands firm even after all these years.
According to member and celebration chairwoman Carol Hart, membership has varied over time and has seen as many as 30 people. With a current membership of 13, the club continues to meet the first Monday of every month at the community room in the post office building on Ohio Avenue in McDonald.
“I also recall, for a number of years, meeting in the cafeteria at the high school,” said Hart.
January meetings traditionally took place at the home of Marie Krupko, at which time new officers were installed.
The group meets October through June and assembles at a local restaurant every December for its Christmas party. In June, members meet at the old pavilion in Woodland Park for a covered-dish picnic. As a part of the picnic activities, the group plants flowers such as geraniums, begonias and impatiens after weeding and cleanup.
According to Hart, many of the plants in the plots, such as hosta, iris, lilies of the valley and day lilies, have been shared by members. Over the past few years the group has added large planters to the garden plot.
She explained that years ago, the club planted near the municipal building and has supported community projects such as the spring cleanup in the park.
For many years, the WGC decorated one of several Christmas trees along Ohio Avenue as a part of a contest during the holiday season.
In a practice started by Dr. Marie Krupko, a member whose father was a former superintendent of McDonald schools, books are donated as memorials to the high school library in honor of family members.
“There’s still an impressive collection of titles in the high school library,” said Hart.
Members of WGC also have been members of the Garden Forum of Youngstown, where they also attended classes.
Members often complete craft projects during the meetings and have made many crafts, such as wreaths, door and wall decorations, jewelry, cards, herb pots, terracotta planters, seasonal decorations and herbal ornaments.
Speakers often lead discussions in gardening, bird watching, health and wildflowers, and the group often takes trips to local herb farms for educational and recreational pursuits.
According to Hart, members used to sponsor flower shows and share flower-arranging ideas.
“A couple of members are master gardeners,” said Hart. “One member is the daughter of a longtime member; it seems a gardening talent is inherited.”
The WGC has been involved in service projects such as Community Chest and local food drives.
“I have been a member since the ’70s,” said Hart. “I fondly recall a tradition at our Christmas parties from the past. We have always had a gift exchange, but when I joined and for several years after, the gifts had to be homemade. It was such a pleasure to receive a handmade gift during those times. So many talented women have been members, and their talents were always showcased during the holiday season.”
This past May, the club had its 50th anniversary celebration and invited more than 50 former members for tea. A quilt made by members in honor of the anniversary will be displayed in the club’s meeting room.
According to Hart, new members are always welcome. Members take turns providing a light snack and an activity. Membership dues are required.