The Lower Macungie Garden Club

When a fellow member of the Lower Macungie Garden Club suggested that someone write a blog about the club, I thought it a great idea.  What better way to help the residents of our township to know that we exist and be aware of what we are doing as a club?  I've always been a bit adventurous, so here I am ready to share with you the good things that the Lower Macungie Garden Club  (LMGC) has to offer and what the club is doing to help the township.

First, a little history of the club might be helpful.  The club began at the Lower Macungie Community Center in April, 2010, with just a few interested people.   By December, 2010, we had elected officers and by-laws were written.   From there, our treasurer, Danielle, used her skills as a grant writer to help us obtain funds from the township. This helped us quite a bit.  The great thing about our members is that they all come with different skill sets that are more than helpful when it comes to things the club wants to achieve.  Armed with our skills and gardening tools, we got to work on our first community project.

Take a drive to the community center and you will see that the driveway is maintained with many different flowers and mulched.  Here you will see butterfly bushes, shasta daisies, primroses, and many more flowers ready to burst into bloom, or already at their height of beauty.  While you take a leisurely walk around the gazebo, look for the beauty that surrounds it.  The LMGC also maintains that area and has planted there as well.  The plants at the driveway and the gazebo were plants that were left over from our plant swap/sale.  So these plants came from gardens around the township.  I think that in itself is special.  Each time I drive to the library, I feel good that some of my shasta daisies are helping to make the area attractive.  

When walking into the community center, or the municipal building, be sure to notice the planters that lead up to the entrance.  Volunteers from the garden club chose the plants and planted the planters.   This is the second year we have done this and as people passesd by, it was was good to hear the words of praise and encouragment they offered.

 We also maintain the indoor plants at the library.  The next time you visit, please stop and say hello to "Hattie, the Hibiscus Tree".  She is our pride and joy.  Hattie was having a difficult time and we were able to get her well again.  I'm happy to say that she is progressing well and we look forward to many years with her.  The library gave the club a Certificate of Appreciation for helping them out this way.  What a good feeling !

At each meeting, we have speakers ranging from Master Gardeners to members who share their expertise and experiences in gardening.   The one thing I personally enjoy about being a part of this club is that it isn't about fancy garden hats and my rose is better than your rose.  It's about getting more information about something I love doing, giving back to the community, and making new and lasting friendships.    When I first considered joining this club, I thought it best to leave my expectations at home.  I was glad I did because this has turned out to be something I am not only proud to be a part of, but also look forward to what comes next.   Remember that the LMGC isn't done growing.   Anyone who is interested can become a part of this club. 

Look for more of what the LMGC is doing with the Gardens of Excellence Program in my next blog.   For now, I will leave you with a quote from Albert Einstein.  "Look deep, deep into nature and you will understand everything."