ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — Founded in 1930, the Robertsdale Garden Club is still going strong. With 16 members and a program that runs from September to May, the club participates in the County Fair, makes centerpieces for competition, takes “field trips” to nature preserves, nurseries, gardens, and other areas of interest and has lectures and demonstrations from the Extension Service's Master Gardener program.

“We also take vases of flowers and birthday cards the last Monday of the month to the Robertsdale Healthcare Center,” said Mary Ann Lindsay. The club was meeting in her home to plan the last event of the year, the club’s 80th anniversary tea party, Thursday, May 13 at the Robertsdale United Methodist Church from 2 to 4 p.m. The club, which has members from all over the Central Baldwin area, is expecting about 50 attendees, including past presidents, presidents of area garden clubs and dignitaries from Robertsdale. In keeping with the 80th anniversary theme, attendees are asked if possible to wear hats and gloves reminiscent of the time.  “We’ve had 38 past presidents,” said Barbara Johnson.

The club also donates food staples and canned goods to the Robertsdale United Methodist Church’s food pantry, added Johnson.

The club has also donated books to the Robertsdale library in memory of deceased members

For some members, joining up has been “a long story.”

“I joined about a year ago,” said Judy Powell with a chuckle. She was a member of the Cattlewomen’s Association, and with a friend, learned that both clubs needed members.

“We told each other, you join my club, and I’ll join yours,” said Powell.

Powell added that the club is working with Silverhill and Summerdale Elementary schools to assist existing garden classes. The gardens, the club members said, would help teach youngsters about how food grows, and what can go right or wrong in the garden.

“It is really a learning experience,” said Lindsay.

According to a history of the club, the club got its start when a teacher, Harry Starnes, began planting shrubs and other plants at the first Robertsdale schools. A couple, Bertie and Grady Gilbert, noticed the work and Starne’s ideas were incorporated in gardens around the city.

“A lot of those homes are still around today,” said Charlotte Zinner.

Membership in the club is open to all, and the group meets at the Robertsdale Senior Center, September to May. New members are welcome and should call 986-6520 for more information.