“We are a diverse group,” said Smith. “Novices and experts who come together for different reasons — socializing, garden tours, love of gardening. And we are always looking for new members.”
Membership fee is $20 per year, and non-members are welcome.
Wanda Zahrt, president of the Garden Club of Indiana, says the Northwest District is home to several clubs, including the Crown Point Garden Club, the Duneland Garden Club, the Hobart Garden Club and the Munster Garden Club. Many maintain Facebook pages and host garden fairs and markets, according to Zahrt.
“Garden clubs welcome everyone,” said Zahrt. “If you love learning, care about conservation or simply want to swap plants and stories with like-minded neighbors, you will be welcomed.”
Members show up rain or shine because they care about their calling — not to mention the regular physical activity, mental engagement and a built-in social circle.
For those wanting to dig deeper, the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program offers rigorous training alongside meaningful community impact. Volunteers complete a basic training course, pass a final exam and log at least 40 hands-on hours and 40 education hours to earn certification. Once certified, these volunteer gardeners support home horticulture education through workshops, demonstration gardens and community events.
“In Northwest Indiana, Lake, LaPorte, Porter, Starke, Pulaski, Jasper and Newton Counties all have active programs,” said John Orick, Purdue Extension master gardener state coordinator. “Interested people may complete our online interest form at purdue.edu/hla/sites/master-gardener/or contact a county Extension office for more information.” (Visit extension.purdue.edu/county/lake/index.html for Lake County and extension.purdue.edu/county/porter/index.html for Porter County.)
Comments are closed.