Garden Club still growing strong
Posted on Wednesday, April 9, 2008
One of the oldest civic groups in Rogers is proud of the fact that they’ve been beautifying the town since the 1920 s. The Garden Club of Rogers, founded by the well-known nurse and community leader Vera Key, is still educating members and working in several public parks.
The maple trees that decorate U. S. Highway 71 B near Oak Street each fall are one legacy of the Rogers Garden Club, member Ronna Precure said. So is the designation Tree City U. S. A. Years ago, she explained, it was members of the Garden Club that went around the city counting trees for the first tree census.
More recently the Garden Club has rehabilitated Centennial Park twice. Centennial Park is the small park tucked between two businesses on First Street in downtown Rogers. Two or three years ago the Garden Club partnered with Main Street Rogers on a beautification project. The club cleaned out and replanted flower beds and shrubs. But the park had to be closed for a year when one wall of one of the adjoining building collapsed. When it finally reopened, the Garden Club had to start all over again on their rehabilitation project.
They also take care of the flowers across the street in Frisco Park and they’ve always had flower beds in Tower Park near Olrich and Eleventh streets.
Habitat for Humanity has put members of the Garden Club to work landscaping new homes. More recently, the club has been donating funds for the Habitat Trail’s landscape architect to use as he sees fit.
Precure is also proud of the club’s educational efforts. For years they’ve sponsored a Junior Garden Club at Oakdale Junior High. They also organize poster contests each year open to children at all the area schools.
Each spring, the club chooses one school for its annual Arbor Day program. Not only do they plant a tree, they invite Smoky the Bear to make an appearance along with a representative from the Forestry Division.
Most years, there is a brand new school in the area that needs a new tree. This year, it was the Sunshine School which moved to a new campus earlier in the year.
Many members join the club to learn about gardening, Precure said. Often newcomers to Arkansas are surprised by the climate and soil conditions and need the help of experienced gardeners. At each monthly meeting a speaker is featured.
At the April meeting, Don Steinkraus, a professor of Entomology at University of Arkansas, told the group about insects.
Steinkraus ’ theme was that insects play a vital role in the environment. Without bees, he said, fruit wouldn’t be pollinated. Other insects serve as food for frogs and other small animals. They also serve as a “ canary in the mine. ” When insects die, bigger problems can be expected.
He suggested that anyone’s yard can be turned into a haven for insects by replacing acres of green lawn with a diversity of plants. Some plants are known to attract and nourish specific insects like butterflies.
Next month the group will tour the Victorian Gardens around the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs.
The group’s only fundraiser, the annual plant sale, is scheduled for April 26 at 705 S. 13 th Street. Usually, they sell out of plants in a couple of hours, Precure said. People know that the Garden Club plants are raised in local gardens by members, she said. They’re always healthy plants that are appropriate for this climate.
The club has continued Key’s mission, to help beautify the city for over 80 years, and there’s no sign they intend to give it up.
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