WHITEHALL GARDEN CLUB

Diane Ward, President, (406) 287-3260
Karen Ranta, Vice President
Cathie Britton, Secretary
Sharon Lee, Treasurer

The Whitehall Garden Club's goals are to stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening, to share the advantages of membership by means of educational meetings and field trips, and to restore, improve, and protect the quality of the environment through educational programs and action in the fields of conservation and civic improvements. Its aims and objectives are to:

• encourage friendship through gardens
• encourage civic beauty
• study the fine art of gardening in all its' aspects
• cooperate with other chapters furthering the interests of horticulture

Upcoming 2009 Programs Include:

• January - Local Extension Agent talking about a Master Gardner Program
• February - Roses in Whitehall
• March - Hummingbirds
• April - Arbor Day
• May - A Garden from the Beginning to Today
• July - Vegetable Gardens and a Progressive Brunch
• August - Going to the Fair
• September - Companion Gardening
• November - Business Meeting and Election of New Officers
• December - Christmas Wreath and Centerpiece Work Party

The Whitehall Garden Club currently has 25 energetic members who serve on several committees: Communication, Community Service, Historical, Program, Sunshine and Welcome. Our meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month starting at about 9:30am and last until noon. The first hour is spent socializing with beverages and treats. We take turns meeting at the homes of our members. In the fall of each year we elect officers, establish committees and the program committee plans the programs for the coming year.

For community service projects, the Club plants and maintains a garden spot at the Veterans Memorial. We plant, water and maintain 6 barrel planters in front of the Fire Station and we have planted tulips and daffodils at the new Welcome to Whitehall sign just off the freeway exit into Whitehall. We had also cleaned up that area during Whitehall Clean-Up Days. Every spring during Clean-Up Days, the Club members have gotten out and cleaned up an area around town wherever it is needed. We prepared and planted a new small Memorial Garden spot for two of our town businessmen who had recently died. That area has been expanded and a new sign installed in memory of Whitehall community leaders.

GOLDEN SPADE AWARD The Club recognizes an individual or family who beautifies their home and yard through the use of flowers, plants and greenscapes. During the months of June, July, August and September, the Golden Spade Award is presented to a nominee living in Whitehall or the surround area. A photo and article appears in the Whitehall Ledger describing the green space winner. All projects are welcome -- whether large or small. Gardens nominated by 5pm the first Friday of each month are eligible for that month's award. For more information and the nomination form please email Gloria Rogers. Throughout the summer of 2008 WGC awarded the Golden Spade Award to three families who have worked hard in their gardens, making them lovely for everyone to see and enjoy [pictured below]. In July our second Garden Tour was held with six homes visited in the Whitehall area.

Additionally, we offer a scholarship to a Montana high school graduate who is currently enrolled in college with a dedicated major in a horticulture field. Applications are due by May 1 of each year. More information and an application form is available here. This past year the WGC awarded two young college students scholarships to help continue their studies in horticulture and landscaping.

One of our main fund raisers is making Christmas wreaths and centerpieces for the annual wreath auction during Whitehall's Christmas Stroll. Our annual membership dues and a grant that we receive from the Jefferson Valley Community Foundation have made up for the rest of our budget needs.

Whitehall Garden Club would like to extend a warm welcome to all gardeners to visit us at any of our scheduled meetings. Please call the president for more information.