Modesto showcases its charm through big clay vases filled with seasonal blooms as well as vibrant splashes of color decorating the enormous floral clock situated before Centre Plaza, making the city lush and beautiful.
The blooms and greenery throughout the town weren’t merely spontaneous; they were intentionally planted and cared for by the diligent members of the Modesto Garden Club.
Just as various types of flowers come together to create a stunning bouquet, so too does our club function,” stated President Nancy Robinson. “The blend of differing blossoms in an arrangement mirrors how the diversity of our members’ personalities and distinctive skills combine to make our garden club a wonderful group.
Following its successful centennial celebration last year, the club has achieved numerous milestones since being established in 1924 by Frederick “Pop” Knorr, who served as the inaugural agricultural professor at Modesto Junior College.
Along with the pots downtown and the
flower clock
, the club has added a water fountain along with other vegetation elements.
McClatchy Square Rose Garden
, tended and cared for the gardens at the McHenry Mansion and developed a rose garden in the Virginia Corridor. This effort also included revitalizing several urban parks such as Graceada Park. Additionally, they set up memorial rose gardens: one at the Stanislaus County Courthouse dedicated to crime victims and another at the organization’s office to commemorate deceased members.
The club additionally organizes the well-loved yearly Spring Garden Tour, an event aimed at raising funds for scholarships benefiting students who are pursuing studies in horticulture and landscape design.
“I describe the club as a social-philanthropic organization,” Robinson stated. At their regular gatherings, participants talk about club events, listen to presentations from invited speakers, and exchange horticulture advice.
Robinson views it as her duty to ensure the club thrives for the next century by attracting a more youthful crowd.
Many of the members are in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, but I am actively trying to spark more enthusiasm among younger individuals, as without this, in a decade, we might not have a club anymore,” she stated.
Once upon a time, the club possessed the
biggest membership nationwide
With nearly 500 members, the organization has seen a reduction to 381 members; however, Robinson mentioned that it remains the biggest club in California.
Robinson intends to connect with a younger demographic by producing additional content for the club’s Instagram and Facebook accounts and investigating other venues such as TikTok. Additionally, she aims to make direct contact with local educational institutions. “My upcoming initiative involves reaching out to high schools and agriculture teachers to explore how we can collaborate,” she stated.
The objective is to ensure that a new generation upholds both the club’s heritage and the practical responsibilities associated with gardening, such as carrying tools and handling physical tasks. Robinson noted that maintaining certain areas near Modesto has become increasingly difficult for members because of the tough terrain.
“I’m considering MJC as well, and possibly offering additional credits to the students which would benefit our club since they’re younger. Plus, tackling the work near that clock is nearly unachievable for any of us members due to its location on the hill,” she mentioned.
The annual membership fee for the club is $50. This entitles members to attend monthly gatherings, various activities, and special privileges like exclusive garden visits both locally and abroad. Upcoming events listed on the schedule include excursions to the California State Capitol Gardens, the Leland Stanford estate, and the de Young Museum in San Francisco.
New members have the option to register on the website.
www.modestogardenclub.org
To connect with present members and gather additional details, the garden club is hosting a plant sale along with a vendor fair this coming Saturday, May 3rd, at Modesto Covenant Church located at 913 Floyd Avenue, between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Robinson mentioned that besides food and entertainment, there will be 20 vendors present. The plants available for purchase, primarily cultivated by members of the garden club, include annuals, perennials, veggies, succulents, and additional varieties. Entry is complimentary. To learn more details, check out their official site or contact them at 209-529-7360.
Leave a Reply