How Does Your Garden Grow?

Written by a historian of the Western Springs Garden Club, the following poem describes the club’s formation in 1926:

These dauntless women could not rest,
They longed for gardens fine as the best.
For others to know the joy and pleasure,
The peace and calm that knows no measure.
Hoeing and weeding among the flowers,
Growing beautiful thoughts and through sunny hours.
So mid dreams of roses, sweet peas and corn,
The Western Springs Garden Club was born.

While the club has always focused on educating and encouraging its members on botanical and horticultural matters, it has become equally well-known for its civic and philanthropic endeavors.

For example, in 1927, the club added plantings along the Burlington right-of-way. And, in 1929, it subsidized the planting of trees in village parkways at a cost of just $4 each.

In more recent years, the club placed a “Let Freedom Ring” garden at the entry walk to the historic Water Tower. And, in 2003, it planted a garden at the Post Office entrance.

One of the club’s most visible works has been the “Blue Star Memorial Garden” located on the corner of 43rd Street and Wolf Road. It honors all men and women that serve in the United States Armed Services. First photo. In addition, the club maintains a perennial garden in Spring Rock Park, just a short distance from the shelter house.

The club’s activities also extend to Arbor Day when it provides saplings to students enrolled in the village’s elementary schools. And, it provides floral decorations for the interior of the Thomas Ford Memorial Library,

Giving back to the community is a big part of the club’s agenda. For example, each spring the club awards scholarships (as much as $1,500) to two deserving high school students planning to major in botanical, horticultural, or environmental sciences. And, to fund these scholarships, the club holds an annual plant sale on the Tower Green each May. Second photo.

Whether you are an accomplished gardener or a complete novice, consider joining the club. Just check out the club’s website at www.westernspringsgardenclub.org for more details.

Photo Captions:
Maintaining the Blue Star Memorial Park on Wolf Road
Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale at the Tower Green

Each week, the Western Springs Historical Society presents a “Blast from the Past”. To view prior stories, visit us at www.westernspringshistory.org or just click on the author’s name shown above.