Ellen Elliott, president of the Pendleton Garden Club, sits on a bench in her backyard, where she has plantings that flower at different times, ensuring there’s always something colorful to enjoy.
Ellen Elliott, president of the Pendleton Garden Club, sits on a bench in her backyard, where she has plantings that flower at different times, ensuring there’s always something colorful to enjoy.
Part of the gardens of former Pendleton Garden Club Yard of the Month winners.
By Sue Hughes | For The Times-Post
PENDLETON — The Pendleton Garden Club has been around a long time.
It was founded by 12 members in 1937. A year later in 1938, it became federated with the state. As a result of that, it became part of the National Garden Club.
After 85 years, the club is still going strong. Currently it has 23 members.
“We are a non-profit, educational club and we work with the South Madison (Community) Foundation,” President Ellen Elliott said.
Meetings feature a speaker who talks about gardening.
Last month, Madison County Historian Stephen Jackson talked about Victory Gardens and Small Town USA.
In the future, a Master Gardener will teach attendees how to make a container garden.
People don’t need to be a member of the club to attend the meetings.
But, Elliott said, “after a person attends three meeting, they are expected to become a member of the club”.
Prospective members need a sponsor from the club, will be told what is expected of them as a member and must be voted in.
Since 1963 the club has held a Spring Plant Sale.
While the sale originally took place in downtown Pendleton, it now takes place at the Community Building.
The sale this year is May 6 & 7. Just in time to buy something for Mother’s Day.
That is also the weekend that the Pendleton Farmers Market starts its season at Fall Park.
The garden club welcomes volunteers to help during the sale.
It also has a variety of other items for sale, including bird houses, baked goods , tools and books.
The last Saturday of July they have a flower show.
In 1993, the garden club started a Falls Park Beautification Fund.
Income generated by the fund benefits the park to help with trees, flowers and shrubs.
The flower bed in front of the park’s Community Building is another project it takes on.
If you have seen the signs in the summer for Yard of the Month, that is also the work of the Garden Club.
In December, it sponsors a Christmas Decorating Contest for the houses in Pendleton and Fall Creek Township.
Elliott said “The winners get a thank you and get to keep the sign. “
During the 4-H fair, it donates money for a trophy.
Current officers of the club are Elliott, president, Ellen Shaw, secretary and Gwendolyn Baker, treasurer
“We are always looking for new members and everyone is welcome to come to a meeting,” Elliott said.
The club stopped having meetings for six months during the pandemic.
Meetings now take place at 7 p.m. on the second Monday each month at the Community Building.