Southland garden clubs are emerging from hibernation as spring arrives.
But they are not able to do much, said Kim Pratt, president of the Mt.Greenwood Garden Club, which has 45 members in Chicago’s South Side and south suburbs.
The recent cold temperatures have kept many garden clubs idle when they probably would be much more active, Pratt said.
“Right now, it is pretty cold,” Pratt said. “So, the only thing you can do, is start cleaning up . .. old leaves and that kind of thing.”
But the weather is not keeping garden clubs from planning. In fact, nearly every south suburban municipality has a garden club – and many are starting to meet, Pratt said.
On Thursday, the Mt. Greenwood group has its first meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the Mt Greenwood Library, 1010 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago. It meets regularly on the second Thursday of the month.
The Southside Novices Garden Club in Chicago Ridge started meeting last month.
That club, which has 16 active members, meets on the second Tuesday of every month at the Chicago Ridge Village Hall, 10455 S. Ridgeland Ave. It meets again at 7 p.m. this Tueday.
“The garden club offers opportunities for individuals interested in starting gardens or experienced gardeners,” said Dorothy Gass, president of the Southside Novices Garden Club. “It is a good way to talk and get ideas for your garden. I originally joined the club because I was interested in gardening and liked the idea of hearing speakers on different topics of gardening, doing projects and exchanging plants.”
The club was founded in 1998 and is comprised of members from Chicago Ridge and its surrounding suburbs. During the summer months of June, July and August, meetings are generally held in a member’s garden.
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Gass, an active member of the club for more than 10 years, said she likes what the club is doing but also would like to have more members.
“We have been declining in membership unfortunately due to health issues and we would like to increase our membership by opening it up to new members who have interest in joining our garden club,” said Gass of Burbank.
The club features guest speakers who discuss a variety of topics including: how to deal with Monarch butterflies, bees, bats, bugs, and worms. They also talk about planting, tree pruning, and garden designing.
The club also gives advice on tips on how to keeping a lawn looking good, preparing gardens in the spring and putting them to bed for the winter.
“If there is a topic that a certain member is interested in, I will try my best to find a speaker for that specific topic,” Gass said.
Aside from learning gardening tips, gardening clubs typically work to beautiful neighborhoods, Pratt said.
“We work on the Mt Greenwood Library garden, Mount Greenwood Park and McKiernan Park gardens,”Pratt said.
“We like to get out there and dig,” Pratt said.
Pratt said people interested in joining garden clubs can contact officials at their municipalities. To join, her club, call 773-779-8439. To join, the Chicago Ridge group, call, 708-598-8670.