and minerals , its forest , waters and wildlife .”
Currently , four members of the Pella Garden Club are Master Judges for flower shows across the state , a distinction that requires extensive courses , tests , biannual symposiums — and knowledge : Janna Boyd , Sandy Heerema , Florence Vander Meiden and Rietveld-Ebbers . The late Patsy Sadler and Frieda Ten Hagen were also Master Judges .
The club also has six Master Gardeners , which also requires extensive education , training and knowledge .
“ That means if you call me , I ’ ll come help you with your garden for free ,” Rietveld Ebbers says . “ That ’ s not part of the federation , but it ’ s important to us .”
The club meets once a month , which includes a program focused on some element of horticulture . Members also have the opportunity to travel around the state to learn about the many different facets of nature , including trips to flower nurseries , farms , trails , homes and more .
“ Our one big focus right now is the Monarch butterfly ,” Rietveld-Ebbers says . “ They are down in numbers , and they are our one great pollinator . Some people don ’ t realize how important the butterfly is to our environment . We encourage people to plant weeds for them and other butterflies .”
Being a member is not only fun , Cody says , but highly educational .
“ There are so many interesting programs that we have had that have taught us so much ,” she says . “ It ’ s not just a business meeting where you hear about all of the things we have to do — we actually learn … We are broadening our horizons a lot .”
Photo : A flower show entry assembled by a member of the Pella Garden Club . Submitted Photos
At its peak , the club had 40 members . Now , their biggest challenge is recruiting new members to continue the club ’ s mission . Though the club strictly uses funds to give back to the Pella community , members do not have to live in Pella .
“ One of the best parts of the [ Pella ] Garden Club is the people ,” Summitt says .
“ We have had people join [ Pella ] Garden Club and say ‘ We love this club ’ because it ’ s so much fun ,” Rietveld-Ebbers adds .
Rietveld-Ebbers , Summitt and Cody want to emphasize that the Pella Garden Club isn ’ t just for older women , but people from all walks of life — including men and our youth .
“ I ’ ve been a member of the [ Pella ] Garden Club for 46 years , and I ’ ve learned so much from the ladies who were older than me throughout the years ,” Rietveld-Ebbers says . “ I learned a lot from the older generation when I was young in the [ Pella ] Garden Club .
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And their bigger purpose is always the same : returning to the healing power of nature .
“ We want to encourage people to get back to nature and enjoy what we have . Open your doors . Get outside ,” Cody says .
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