Local Women Show Off their Green Thumbs

Whether you're a longtime gardner, or someone who's interested in giving it a try, if you're local to Milpitas, the Green Thumb Garden Club may be just the place for you.

Field trips to nurseries around the Bay Area and monthly gatherings to trade techniques and tips with fellow gardeners make up this decades-old garden club in Milpitas.

The was first established more than 50 years ago,  and regularly meets on the fourth Monday night of each month, grouping together those with the similar interest of gardening and sharing tips through speakers and demonstrations.

The club's members also contribute to various projects that help keep Milpitas' community beautiful.

“Some ongoing projects we have are taking care of the 30-plus rosebushes at . We also have a small plot under the sign where we plant annuals and perennials for color, and we provide and care for the plants on the second floor at the ,” said Linda Worth, club president. “Members sign up for a month at a time to come water the library plants.”

Worth initially joined the club in the 1970s for around 10 years, but left due to a busy job and the demands of having small children.

After retiring in 2006, she came back to the club, and has served as the president for more than three years now.

“The ladies are really a nice group of ladies, and they’re great friends,” Worth said.

When the club first formed in 1956, members would rotate hosting the meetings at their homes, said Worth. But the club's size has since more than tripled, with a member count today of around 34 members, making that no longer possible.

The club now meets at the Milpitas Police Department Community Room every month, with annual dues of $20. It is the only club of its kind in Milpitas, according to the clubs and organizations list compiled regularly by the

The club regularly takes field trips, as well. Its next scheduled trip is on Wednesday, Oct. 26, to the Half Moon Bay Nursery for the pumpkin tour. The group will then spend some time exploring downtown Half Moon Bay.

Worth added that the field trips are included in the annual dues, but that a small gas donation is appreciated, as well as volunteers to drive the carpools for those who cannot or do not want to drive.

The next meeting is on Monday, Oct. 24, when flower arrangements will be the topic. For a list of meeting topics and scheduled field trips, see the PDF files included with this article.

“We all have a common interest; we love gardening," Worth added.