t the heart of the Moon Township Garden Club ’ s mission is a goal of protecting our native plants , and the vitally important pollinators needed for our food production . The members also have many civic projects that make the community a more lovely place in which to live . But one of the most important aspirations of the garden club is to share knowledge and a love of gardening with the next generation .
In 1958 , some forward-thinking ladies of the club established a scholarship , which was eligible for Moon Township High School seniors , for students engaged in the study of horticulture , agriculture or an allied subject . The first scholarship of $ 250 was awarded in 1959 . Last year , the club awarded scholarships to three recipients , who received a total of $ 3,500 .
Moon Township Garden Club President Christy Klug explains that the scholarship program is made possible through fundraising activities , including the club ’ s annual Holiday Greens & Gift Shoppe Sale , which offers handcrafted home decorations for the winter holidays , and its biennial Garden Tour , which features several local gardens to enjoy , providing inspiration for tour attendees .
“ We thank the community for the support of our fundraising efforts ,” says Klug . “ It provides funding for our scholarship program , our Plant Giveaway , donations to various community organizations and the maintenance of the Fleur de Lune Garden at Robin Hill Park .”
The club ’ s long-term goal for the Fleur de Lune Garden is for it to be an educational garden , in addition to being a wonderful place for the community to relax and socialize .
Winter is still a busy time for the garden club as members plan events for the upcoming year . On Saturday , May 11 , the club will again hold its annual Plant Giveaway . The popular Holiday Greens Sale & Gift Shoppe will be held the first Saturday in December . Be sure to follow the garden club on Facebook to learn more about the events as details emerge .
While the Garden Tour will not be held this year , the club will be hosting other garden clubs from several regional counties and officials of the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania at the
annual District IX Meeting on Sept . 5 , 2024 , which will be held in Moon Township !
At the heart of the club ’ s activities , there is a deep , abiding love for the natural world and the community .
“ Moon Township offers our community an ever-changing experience with nature ,” says Klug . “ In the spring , the crocuses peek up to welcome the warmth of the sun , and the buds start appearing on the trees . In summertime , the scent of lilacs and honeysuckle accompany the nightly serenade of crickets and the tree frogs . With autumn , there is a kaleidoscope of colors and the sound of squirrels rustling in the leaves . And in winter , beautiful bright-red cardinals appear in the snow .”
The ladies who formed the Moon Township Garden Club in 1921 were seeking a better understanding of the natural world , and they were ahead of their time . Many of the gardening practices of today were common knowledge to the original members who lived mostly on area farms and understood the need to plant gardens to attract pollinators , and composting was a common activity . They sought to educate novice gardeners on effective techniques for growing , and perhaps most of all , they hoped to spread the love of horticulture to others .
These goals have remained a constant for the Moon Township Garden Club and will hopefully continue for many future generations to come . n
If you are interested in becoming a member of the garden club , or would like to know more about the events and programs , follow the club on Facebook or visit the website at moontownshipgardenclub . com .
MOON TOWNSHIP | SPRING 2024 9