County Connections: Basil Garden Club is the oldest garden society in Ohio
“There are always flowers for those who want to see them.”– Henri Matisse
The oldest garden society in Ohio, the Basil Garden Club can trace its roots back to the year 1913. Established by Professor E. E. Ray, the superintendent of Basil Public Schools, the organization was first known as the Flower Culture Club. Starting with only ten members, the Flower Culture Club was devoted to cultivating beautiful community landscapes, educating Baltimore residents on the mitigation of weeds and the cultivation of healthy flowers.
In 1933, the club joined the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs (OAGC), with its programs and members winning numerous awards in the subsequent decades. Ultimately changing its name to the Basil Garden Club in 1942, the society embarked and an even more ambitious slate of community projects, though many Baltimore residents remain unaware of the Basil Garden’s Club’s scope.
“We have been here for 110 years, but people don’t know,” stated Louise Smith, a dedicated Basil Garden Club member.
Smith’s service to the organization began in the 1990s, as a relatively inexperienced gardener. Invited to the Basil Garden Club by her neighbor, Smith choose to continue her membership as a way of investing in herself beyond her family commitments – deepening her community relationships in the process.
“Through the years, I have known a lot of fantastic members who have now passed on and it’s been a blessing for me,” explained Smith.
With a current membership of twenty-four local men and women, the beautification efforts of the club have greatly expanded – now including both aesthetic and charitable initiatives.
One of the most widely recognized projects empowered by the club’s efforts is the historic Basil Park, for which the organization helped purchase the grounds, as well as pieces of playground equipment and an entrance arch, in 1924. Joined by the support of the Edward N. Sands Fund and the Rotary Club of Baltimore, the Basil Garden Club restored the Basil Park’s arch and flowerbeds 2011, purchasing park benches for both the Basil Park and Johnson Park to hallmark their centennial celebration in 2013.
Other club projects include floral design demonstrations and workshops, flower shows, private and public garden tours, as well as planting and maintaining the flower beds in Johnson Park, Basil Park, and the eleven flower containers on Market Street.
In addition to these programs, club members meet on the third Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m., at the Johnson Park Shelter House, for shared learning and hands-on activities.
“At our meetings, we always have an educational program,” shared Smith, explaining that previous topics have included houseplants, spring bulbs, and other areas of interest to plant and flower enthusiasts.
Current organization members represent a continuum of skills and backgrounds, from self-taught gardeners to trained master gardeners. Even novices are welcome in the club.
“You can work right along with us, if you don’t know what to do,” Smith explained.
Although the organization’s 110th anniversary will take place on Earth Day, April 22, the Basil Garden Club will be hosting an exhibit in partnership with Juniper & Ivy Coffee Shop, located at 200 North Main Street in Baltimore. There, prospective members will find information about membership opportunities, historical projects, current beautification efforts, their upcoming plant auction on May 15, and an opportunity to enter a raffle for a flower-filled planter.
Those who are interested in learning more about the club may also visit the Basil Garden Club on Facebook, or contact the club’s President, Melissa Bader, at 740-808-2379 for information about upcoming events and ways to get involved.
“We have a member who is having her first baby. We aren’t all gray-haired retirees,” Smith affirmed with a laugh. “If you think you’d like to learn to garden, this is a great place to start.”
Upcoming events
Saturday, April 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., join Keller Market House for A Taste of the Market. In addition to offering an assortment of delicious produce and treats, this event will feature a chance to learn more about Keller Market’s newest vendors, including Charlie’s Cookies, Chef Jimmy Mitchell, 4 Seli Foods, Acres Micro Farm, and more. The event will be held in the Keller Market House community room and is free to the public. For more information, visit Keller Market House on Facebook.
Saturday, April 15, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Fairfield County District Library hosts Marvelous Macros! After reading a short story, children will explore water bugs and creatures called macroinvertebrates. This free program is best suited for families with children ages 10 or younger, but all ages are welcome. To register, please visit at https://fcdlibrary.libnet.info/event/8082143 or call 740-653-2745, extension 140.
Tickets are on sale now for Get Down and Derby, hosted by the Cameo League. Starting at 6 p.m. on May 6 at The Mill Event Center, this 21-and-over event will support The Lancaster Festival. Tickets are $40 each and include heavy hors d’oeuvres and dessert. Live and silent auctions will be available. A professional race caller will be calling 10 races, so please bring cash to play. For more information, and link to purchase tickets, please visit Cameo League on Facebook.
Thank you for sharing your stories and column ideas with me! Please continue to contact me at tkellyfairfieldcounty@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: County Connections: Basil Garden Club is the oldest garden society in Ohio
