Flower gardening can mean different things to different people – a way to relax and enjoy nature, perhaps, or an opportunity to be creative through floral arranging.
For the past 60 years, the Halifax Area Garden Club has enabled Sentinel-area residents to meet regularly, learn from one another (as well as from outside speakers) and take their interest in horticulture to a level they may not have achieved otherwise.
‘‘I started (with the club) after I retired 15 years ago, and I have really been encouraged by what I have learned,’’ said Patricia Powley of Halifax, a club member and onetime president.
‘‘I am not as deeply involved with (the hobby) as some others are, but I enjoy what I do.’’
Organized in June 1959, the club meets monthly on the second Tuesday at Word of Life Chapel, south of Halifax. Meetings start at 10 a.m. Membership currently stands at 37, and new faces – male or female – are always welcome. Annual dues are $15.
A variety of activities
Membership and involvement with the club has only strengthened Barbara Baumert’s longtime love of gardening. ‘‘It’s good therapy; it gets addictive,’’ said the Herndon-area resident.
‘‘I always enjoy putting my boots on, whether it’s a weed walk or a dead head, or just to see the silver lights coming on and enjoying the beauty we see through God’s creation.’’
The Halifax Area Garden Club was formed following a May 1959 meeting at The Triangle Restaurant with local residents interested in forming a club north of Peters Mountain.
Arla Bowman, now deceased, was a co-founder and the club’s first elected president.
According to its charter, the club was formed not only to stimulate an interest in horticulture and floral arranging, but also: • To promote a knowledge of gardening among non-professionals. • To advance community beautification. • And to aid in the promotion and conservation of native wild flowers and birds.
Through meetings, outings, friendly competitions and joint gatherings with other like-minded groups, club members share their own experiences and glean beneficial knowledge from their fellow horticulturists.
‘‘Arla was always very enthusiastic,’’ Powley noted. ‘‘We also went to Kathy Wolfe’s home in Millersburg, and she showed us how she used flowers for decoration throughout the house.’’
Wolfe died last year. She, along with Bowman and Joan Wilbert, both of whom passed away in 2017, were honored at the club’s most recent flower show with special arrangements.
SEE HALIFAX AREA GARDEN CLUB • PAGE A10