UPCOMING EVENTS
Annual Plant Sale – May
June through August
Farmers Market at the Lions Park Rest Area in Chester
The Chester Garden Club has been active for over 55 years. When first started, little could be grown in the town because the water had so much sodium that it was totally unsuitable for watering plants. However, a hardy, optimistic group of women went ahead and started planting and working to make the town better. In 1962, water was piped in from Tiber Dam on the Marias River, and the change began to be seen quickly.
The group has stayed about the same in membership – between 25 and 30 members, and now includes some men. The club has branched out to nearby towns, with the realization that population continues to decline on the Hi-Line. New members are always welcome.
One of the charter members, Georgie Brain, became an early flower show judge, and as a result, this is a group of people who like to do arranging. On the years they do not have a summer flower show, the August meeting is all about arranging. Members bring plant material, containers of various kinds and their creative ideas. The National series on design was taught one summer with community members invited. Nearly everyone in the club participates in making arrangements which are taken to county offices and businesses with a card stating it is from the Chester Garden Club. This is a great way to say thank you for the support the community gives for projects, and to publicize what the garden club does.
The club has a huge plant sale in May with plants provided by the Rivers Edge greenhouse in Fort Benton. The proceeds are used to hire someone to take care of the garden in the corner of the city park.
The Chester Garden Club is a member of the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce, which allows us to participate in the local farmer’s market. We set up a table when the spirit moves us, and when there is something to sell! Fruit pies, garden gloves, flowers and cards have all been sold, and the members are always looking for something neat to sell.
Meetings are in the Methodist Church beginning at 1:30 p.m. with dessert and coffee, followed by the program and the meeting. At least once a year, the program is one of the videos that the state group loans to clubs. Other meetings often feature guest speakers. Please email Ann Wickum (anniem@itstriangle.com) for meeting and program information.
Ann Wickum (406 759-5385) President
Susan Yurman (406 759 5725) 1st Vice President
Gwen Henderson (406 759-5530) 2nd Vice President
Jennifer Hawks (406 432-3810) Recording Secretary
Marion Wanken (406 759-5340) Treasurer
Jennifer Hawks (406 432-3810) Corresponding Secretary
Club Theme – Beautifying Your Surroundings
Colors – Pink and Green
Flower – Sweet Pea