The Ferndale Garden Club
Story by Rebecca Hammond
Photo courtesy of Ferndale Garden Club
THERE ARE GREEN MEETINGS in Ferndale and there are enjoyable meetings in Ferndale, and the Garden Club is both.
Want to join a congenial bunch of folks, have great snacks, talk gardening, raise money for scholarships, and discuss green living? Head to the Kulick Center the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 P.M. and enjoy.
The Ferndale Garden Club’s aim is a testament to Ferndale philosophy, combining support for and love of gardening with the protection of native birds and promotion of civic pride. The Club has been in existence almost as long as Ferndale has. Organized in 1931, it became part of the Federated Garden Clubs of Michigan 20 years later. The members call themselves a “dig in the earth club” and emphasize hands-on involvement.
At January’s meeting a series of members gave their choicest tips, even bringing their favorite (and unusual) tools to show and explain. President Dominic Scappaticci told us that nasturtium seeds scattered in any bare places will fill in those spots, overcome any weeds that dare to compete, producing not only lovely flowers but edible leaves. He plants the seeds as early as the end of April, and lets the plants turn to green manure the next winter. Sue McPherson followed up a horticulture report brimming with green tips with her advice on raising and propagating coleus, something she does year-round inside and out. She educated the group on the benefits of native plants, telling us that one clutch of chickadees requires the parents to find 6- to 9,000 caterpillars (and that our natives oaks do a wonderful job of producing them.) A sad fact Sue revealed: we have 50 per cent fewer birds than we did 50 years ago. It doesn’t take much to help them out.
Club member Jean Russell told about a Ferndale Seniors trip to the Rouge plant, part of the tour being a view and explanation of the plant’s huge green roof, a many-acres version of our library’s roof. Jean pointed out something about most of our own good intentions: We live near these wonderful places but often don’t visit them. She noticed more out-of-towners than locals, the foreign languages of auto show attendees being noticeable. The group tends the community garden at our north end of Livernois on Oakridge. If you haven’t strolled through there, take a wander at any time of year. I’m always fascinated by the variety of ground covers.
The club holds a blind auction in November to fund their annual scholarship, given to a FHS student who plans to go into a related field. Counselors at Ferndale High School choose the recipient from applications with at least a 3.0 GPA who are interested in occupations like horticulture, landscaping, and biology.
The group has about 40 members, charges dues of $20 a year, and had a nice crowd of 17 or so in January.
Upcoming events include in February (who thought we’d ever need to protect our Ferndale Gardens from deer?); The Ferndale Monarch Project (featuring yours truly) in March; Peonies, by Cheryl Black of Black Cat Pottery in April; and in May their annual scholarship presentation.
The Kulick Community Center is located at 1201 Livernois Street in Ferndale. For more info, call (248) 541-6427.
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