North Olmsted Garden Club

We sat down with Donna Sabo of the North Olmsted Garden Club to learn more about the North Olmsted Garden Club  as they “spring” into warmer weather. Be sure to stop by their table at Earth Fair on April 22nd at the North Olmsted Community Cabin!

What is the mission of the North Olmsted Garden Club?

Purpose:  The purpose shall be to bring into association those in the community who are interested in gardening, in order to improve the individual garden knowledge and practice and to promote a wholesome and beautiful community through gardening.

Membership:  Membership in the Club shall be open to adults interested in gardening.

How did the organization come to be formed?

The current organization was formed at a Community Council Meeting on September 25, 1945. Paul Young was appointed chairman and the first meeting was held on December 6, 1945. All villagers interested in gardening were asked to assemble in Town Hall. Officers were elected and the first regular meeting was held on January 2, 1946 with 54 members in attendance.

What interesting projects has the Garden Club worked on in the past?

• Annual Plant Sale held in May at the Community Cabin
• Making flower arrangements for the North Olmsted Citizen of the Year Banquet and Presidents Dinner
• North Olmsted Homecoming Plant Sale and Exhibition
• Planting and maintaining the Paul Young Garden located at the North Olmsted Park
• Providing assistance and support in gardening activities upon request to community groups and organizations
• Provide Community Outreach Programs

What new & exciting things are in the Garden Club’s future?

Here is our activity schedule for 2018

• April 10^th  (Tuesday)  Program: Cactus Garden- Make it Take It at Community Cabin 7:00 pm
• April 22^nd (Saturday) Earth Fair Event   Community Cabin 1-4 pm
• May 19^th   (Saturday)   Annual Plant Sale Community Cabin 10:00 am
• June 14^th  (Tuesday)   Garden Walk Field Trip –location TBD
• July 14^th (Sat)  Member Club Picnic at Sabo Residence
• August 25^h– (Saturday)  North Olmsted Homecoming  Plant Sale and Exhibition Community Cabin
• September 13^th (Tuesday); Program   TBD
• December 11^h    (Tuesday)  Member Christmas Dinner 

Who are the current club officers? How can a person get involved?

2018-2020 Officers

President:  Wayne Sabo

1st Vice President:  Carole Rhodes

2nd Vice President:  Donna Sabo

Secretary:  Barbara Geisinger

Treasurer:  Wayne Sabo

Meetings: Regularly scheduled meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month in March, April, and September at North Olmsted Community Cabin, 28114 Lorain Rd. North Olmsted beginning at 7:00 pm. The meetings include a speaker or program, followed by a business meeting and refreshments. Special activities replace regular meetings in May, June, July, August and December. Newsletters announce events and activities.

Membership is open to all persons; you do not need to be a resident of North Olmsted. Guests are always welcome at our regular meetings. The meetings include an opportunity to meet fellow gardeners and get some advice from our members as well as the Program presenters.

Visit us on Facebook for updates and information; simply search North Olmsted Garden Club.  Contact Carole Rhodes for information or to join at:  440-779-7450 or email carolerhodes1940@gmail.com

What is a good tip for prosperous gardening in North Olmsted and Northeast Ohio?

Ohio Is A Cold Climate Garden

When gardening in Ohio, there is no such thing as one size fits all. The state itself has a stretch of differing climate zones, soil types, and terrains that are quite dissimilar.

Still, we have enough in common in our gardens to provide a good profile for avoiding garden mistakes and maximizing our success at growing things. The weather goes to the top of the list when talking about Northeast Ohio and North Olmsted. Exposed to equal effects from both Tropic and Canadian air currents, we get some of the extreme and sometimes the clash of these two wind forces. If you are looking at the Zones on a plant guide be aware that the designations have changed and brought Ohio into a warmer zone.

As a gardener, those numbers could easily lead to disappointment. Remember, we are subject to extremes at times. You will be generally safe if you plant perennials for Zone 5, but there is that occasional winter that will kill the trees, roses, and plants that were questionably hardy for our area. Buy a tree grown originally in a Northern nursery and don’t plant trees that are not fully hardy, at least Zone 5 hardy, and maybe just Zone 4 hardy to be sure that they will survive even the most extreme weather.