Garden Club Reaps a Bountiful Harvest
By Tracy Rolling

Above, Members and visitor mingle before the Ramona Garden Club's monthly meeting begins. Photos by Tracy Rolling

The art of gardening is defined as the practice of growing fruits and vegetables, flowers, and a variety of other vegetation, but in Ramona, there is more to the local Garden Club then houseplants, green houses and irrigation systems.

With about 70 active members, the club is dedicated to the preservation and beautification of local projects as well as providing a means for promoting further interest in horticulture.

There is a $15 annual membership fee and the club is open to all levels of gardening expertise. From professionals to hobbyists, this nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization reaps more than sewn landscapes, it is meadow for friendships.

The organization has volunteered to be responsible for the grounds under the "future site of the Ramona Library" sign as well as an enhancement project for Collier Park. The club also maintains the Chandler Herb Garden at the San Diego County Wild Animal Park, carpooling two times a month and weeding for about three hours each trip.

Ramona Garden Club volunteers add a little color to the future Ramona Library site.

The club is in its fourth season and recently installed incoming president, Teri Schmidt. Schmidt says that her focus will be on growing the organization, offering more classes and work shops, and partnering with students at local schools in an effort to promote agriculture.

Schmidt adds that they will also try to have more garden tours.

Once a month the club meets to discuss community projects, gardening opportunities, fundraising and invites a guest speaker to share in their area of expertise. The public is welcome.

Established in 2003, the club is a member of the Palomar District of the California Garden Clubs Inc. and the Pacific Region of the National Garden Clubs Inc., which founded the first garden club in America in 1891.

The club also is affiliated with the San Diego Floral Association and the Ramona Chamber of Commerce.

Club meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month at the Ramona Woman's Club at 524 Main St. The next meeting will be held at noon on July 11. The guest speaker will be Tom Jesch of DayLily Farms in Escondido.

For more information on the Ramona Garden Club, please visit www.ramonagardenclub.com.