The Shaler Garden Club celebrated its 100th anniversary this autumn . The club has endured through a World War , economic hard times and even a pandemic . Always a forward-thinking bunch , the members were green before green was even a thing . And their ongoing projects have endeared them to the local community .
If you ’ ve ever visited the Shaler North Hills Library , you ’ ve seen their handiwork . In 1998 , they began planting and maintaining a hillside garden at the library , which has now morphed into a garden to attract bees and other pollinators . They also care for most of the beds around the perimeter , and hold a popular Fairy House Workshop for kids in June each year . At Christmastime , you may notice three trees that are decorated for the holidays — courtesy of the Shaler Garden Club . Needless to say , these library projects require a massive amount of volunteer hours for the 76 members , but this year they will add another project : an herb garden .
Over the years , the club has distributed thousands of evergreen trees to Shaler kindergarteners for Arbor Day . This has recently evolved , with seed packets distributed on Earth Day . The club also dedicated a Blue Star marker honoring fallen servicemen and women at Shaler Middle School .
It all began in 1921 , when Mrs . W . L . Davis became inspired after attending a meeting about President Herbert Hoover ’ s program for growing veggies , canning and conserving food . She decided to invite 10 ladies to her home to form the Shaler Township Branch of the Women ’ s National Farm and Garden Association .
The group ’ s first civic project took place circa 1922 , and involved developing the garden beds on the grounds of the B & O Railroad Station . A close relationship with the local library began in 1945 when they started weeding the lawn .
The Shaler Garden Club has always been involved with passing on the tradition of gardening and community service . “ The Flower Guild ” was formed in 1935 to provide bouquets of fresh flowers to patients at Children ’ s Hospital , with 1,890 bouquets being distributed in 1963 . For obvious reasons , this activity eventually had to be discontinued .
In the club ’ s earliest years , an invitation to join the group was not extended until after the ladies made a visit to the potential member ’ s home and garden for a look . But don ’ t worry ! If you ’ re interested in becoming a member of this worthwhile organization , there are no longer ladies arriving in hats and gloves to inspect your property . And the club is very welcoming to new members .
In 1953 , the club held its first plant sale , which raised a whopping $ 67.59 — a bit of money in those days . Now , 67 years later , this is the club ’ s main fundraiser , which helps to support many projects and over a dozen charitable horticultural organizations as well .
Another much-anticipated event every July is the Shaler Great Gardens Tour . Five local homeowners open their gardens for friends and neighbors to tour , and garden experts are on hand to give advice .
In 2019 , the Shaler Garden Club was awarded the prestigious Governor ’ s Trophy by the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania for its 2018 activities . This award is presented for
Shaler Garden Club meets monthly nine months of the year , with a special Christmas gathering in December .
the most outstanding garden club , based upon programs , civic involvement , conservation projects and activity on state projects .
The club marked its special 100th anniversary with a luncheon at the Wildwood Country Club on Oct . 14 .
For those who may be interested in becoming a member of this dynamic , community-focused group ( male members are welcome !), the Shaler Garden Club meets monthly for nine months of the year , with a special Christmas gathering in December . The meetings include speakers who share knowledge on planting pollinator-friendly spaces , sustainable gardening practices without environmental pollutants , and conservation of natural resources . They explore the world of aesthetics in gardening with landscape design , and practical advice on soil preparation , container gardening , attracting birds and caring for perennials .
The club also has workshops on wreath making and decorating for Christmas . Perhaps even more fun are field trips to Hartwood Acres Mansion and Gardens , Burgh Bees apiary and the Choderwood riverfront retreat .
The Shaler Garden Club is a part of the history of Shaler Township . But it is not just a relic of a past tradition . It is a relevant , vibrant group of people who want to bring beauty and conservation to the community they love . n
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