The Bedford Garden Club, founded in 1927, is among the oldest active garden clubs in Ohio. Dedicated to community service, The Club celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2017 with special events and projects throughout the year.
One of the events, the Bedford Garden & Art Tour featured some of loveliest gardens in the city of Bedford, Ohio. Each garden was paired with a local artist who displayed their work, often working on current pieces in paintings, metal sculpture, woodcarving, pottery, jewelry or garden ornaments. This enabled visitors to enjoy both the botanical beauty and artistic accomplishments of Bedford.
Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13, that year, The Club hosted its annual plant sale at the Ellenwood Recreation Center in Bedford.
Bedford Beauties, a contest judging the curb appeal of local front yards, was also sponsored by The Club in July. Winners received Bedford Beauties “bragging rights” and a sign in their yard.
The Club also installed an artistic fence in the garden behind the Bedford Historical Society. The Club maintains this garden, Babyland at Bedford Cemetery and Dunham House on Broadway.
The Club, which traditionally sponsors a tree planting on Arbor Day, offered a second special planting in conjunction with the City in the Fall. Nine trees helped replace trees that have died on tree lawns or elsewhere throughout the City. These plantings help Bedford maintain its status as a Tree City, a designation bestowed upon the City by the Arbor Day Foundation for maintaining a healthy tree population.
The Bedford Garden Club participated in Bedford’s July 4th parade with a design created by local artist and Bedford Garden Club member, Brenda Junkin.
The Bedford Garden Club ended the gardening season and 90th Anniversary year with a Dinner Gala.
The Bedford Garden Club meets the third Thursday of most months March through November, at the Ellenwood Recreation Center. Join us for programs, refreshments, and fellowship. Check our website for information on speakers; note, we often meet outdoors in summer.
By its volunteer efforts, the mission of the Bedford Garden Club is to help the City beautify Bedford with public gardens, while encouraging and enabling residents to garden.