Ready For Spring - At the 19th anniversary meeting of the Gowanda Garden Club in February, club officers (standing, left to right) Dave Williams, treasurer; Gloria Tomaszewski, vice president; Ed Palen, secretary; and Connie Williams, president; look at seed catalogs with Clem Smouse (seated), one of the club members who was in attendance at the very first meeting on Feb. 2, 1985. Palen also attended the first meeting.
Garden Club has something for everyone
Story and Photo
by Holly A. Lawton
Are you itching to get your hands into the soil at the first sign of spring? Do you enjoy talking with others who share your passion for gardening?
Or, do you gaze wistfully at the neighbors' garden, wishing you had their talent for growing things? Have you been looking for some creative ideas or practical advice on the mechanics of making your dream garden a reality?
Are your flowers, herbs, vegetables or fruit trees being decimated by insects, moles, birds or deer? Would you like to find environmentally friendly ways to keep this from happening?
If you answered, "Yes!" to any of these questions, the Gowanda Garden Club is the group for you. "This is a fun club, and we learn," remarked Alice Tschopp, the club's program chairman.
Since the Gowanda Garden Club's founding on Feb. 2, 1985, many experienced gardeners have shared their knowledge, expertise and insights with the group. President Connie Williams, who became a member shortly after the club was formed, noted that James Cunning of Hamburg was instrumental in getting things started. Cunning was the area sales representative for Stokes Seeds Inc. and a horticulture instructor for evening classes at the Hamburg Union Street School.
The club has hosted presentations by the Cornell, Cattaraugus and Erie County Cooperative Extension programs. Members have learned about the Olmstead Parks system and Messenger Woods.
Meetings have also featured speakers from area businesses, including Hager's Flowers, Waterman's Greenhouse and Sinns Nursery.
Field trips are another highlight for Gowanda Garden Club members. In the past, they have visited the Niagara School of Horticulture, Nannen Arboretum, the Buffalo Conservancy, the Hosta Garden in Dunkirk and the Water Garden in Fredonia.
A tour of different club members' gardens has become an annual summer event.
Other popular Gowanda Garden Club events are a plant auction in June and flower shows at the Gowanda Free Library.
As the group held its 19th anniversary meeting in February, Williams recalled that for many years the Gowanda Garden Club consisted of a core of seven faithful members, including one man. Today, the club thrives with 40 members, 25 percent of them men.
Williams stresses that the club welcomes men and women of all ages and levels of gardening skills. Whether you re an expert gardener or you've been told that you have a brown thumb, the Gowanda Garden Club has something to offer.
The club meets on the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 p.m. on the main floor of the Free Methodist Church, 149 West Main Street, Gowanda. The next meeting, on March 4, will feature tips on getting ready for the spring planting season and an educational video. In addition, each member will share his or her favorite helpful gardening hint.
For further information, call Connie or Dave Williams at 532-9590, or speak with any Gowanda Garden Club member.