Golden Valley Garden Club Awarded

In front of a packed City Council meeting on Aug. 7, Golden Valley Garden Club members were recognized for their dedication to beautifying the community. Mayor Shep Harris presented members with the Envision Award, an award that recognizes citizens who add to the quality of life in Golden Valley.  

"People that are nominated for the Envision Award have a vision to make Golden Valley a better place, and then make that vision a reality," Jeannine Clancy, director of public works for the city, said at the council meeting. "City staff truly appreciates the volunteer assistance to help make the downtown area more beautiful."

It's hard to find another city organization that's been around as long as the Golden Valley Garden Club. Established in 1939, the longstanding club is comprised of local volunteers who work hard each year to beautify portions of Golden Valley. 

Most recently the group planted more than 100 species of plants in circular basins near the city's water tower. The club also planted circular beds at the corner of Winnetka and Golden Valley Road. 

"Our work makes Golden Valley a more appealing place to live," Garden Club member Paula Perkins said. "We only make little dents, but every little bit helps."

The club is divided into an evening and daytime group. The daytime group originally formed 70 years ago to give residents an outlet to talk about all things garden. About four years ago, Cathy Waldhauser, Barb Ego and Ellen Mickelson formed the evening group. 

"We wanted to start an evening group for those who are not available during the day but still wanted a garden activity," Ego said.

New to the club this year were two gardening classes hosted through the City's Parks and Recreation Department. The turnout for Very Easy Flower Gardening and Very Easy Vegetable Gardening was a success, and something the club hopes to do again next year.

"It was really nice to see so many people," Perkins said. "Creating the classes took a lot of time, but it was worth it."

Today, the Garden club has about 22 members, but the group is always looking to add new members.

"We welcome new members," Ego said. "We want to make sure that people know we exist, and that you don't have to be a gardener to become a member."