Garden Club Programs & Events

April 28 | Wild Native Plantings

We’re celebrating Native Plant Month, as designated by the US Senate in April 2021.

Native plants and their important role in our local ecosystem are a trending garden topic. Gary Buczkowski, an experienced landscaper and outdoor project developer, enjoyed a long career of creating and caretaking amazing community environments. After moving to their Elk Lake home five years ago, Gary set out to redesign a traditional yard into a natural habitat highlighting native plants and pollinators, promoting biodiversity and ecological garden practices.

We are so lucky to have his native plant knowledge and garden experiences within our Club, and to have him offer this mini course about making plant-wise decisions where we live and garden.

LOCATION: First Presbyterian Church

May 19 | Bee Calm and Relax

Alice and her business partners operate a women-owned wellness studio in our waterside village of Elk Rapids. Through her own training in ancient healing science and practices, Alice discovered the incredible impact meditation and mindfulness have on her life. Meditation is a tool that has helped her with social anxiety, depression, mood, patience, and overall well-being.

Life can be too much. Alice will share her experience with mindfulness and meditation, and how it relates to the natural world. She will help us relax and refocus, guiding us in a special group meditation towards connection with ourselves, others, animals, nature, and whatever can bring meaning to our lives.

LOCATION: Elk Rapids Harbor Pavilion

June 23 | Get Ready! Preview and Prep for the 2026 Elk Rapids Garden Walk

The 2026 Elk Rapids Garden Walk will be fast approaching! Our amazing Garden Walk Leaders and Crew will present an insider's preview featuring photos of the beautiful gardens that will be showcased, location logistics, hostess duties, all about online ticketing, and more.

Come with your calendar and your questions. The garden sneak peeks will be a feast for your eyes and will feed your soul. Together, we can make Garden Walk 2026 a huge success!

LOCATION: Elk Rapids Harbor Pavilion

July 14 | 2026 Elk Rapids Garden Walk

It's garden walk day! Grab your hat, your comfortable shoes, a sunny smile, and get out there to welcome our friends from near and far to our neighborhood gardens!

No regular Membership Meeting this month.

LOCATION: Upon purchasing an online ticket, you will receive an email with the locations of the four gardens featured on the 2026 Garden Walk.

August 25 | Flower Shows and Creative Design

PRESENTER: Mary Jo McElroy, Michigan Association of Accredited Flower Shows Judge

Whether you’ve visited a flower show, entered your arrangement, or perhaps wondered about how it works, Mary Jo McElroy will take the mystery out of Flower Shows. She’ll explain the two divisions: the Horticulture Division, which gives us the opportunity to see plants at their best; and the Design Division, which is a creativity showcase for those who love arranging flowers. Flower shows offer a chance to learn more about plants and design, and connect with other gardeners to share knowledge and gardening skills.

Mary Jo McElroy is an award-winning member of the Michigan Association of Accredited Flower Show Judges.

These are the dedicated people who encourage, support, educate, and evaluate National Garden Club Flower Shows across the state. She is presenting at the invitation of ERGC member Judy Oswald, a fellow flower designer and flower show participant. Mary Jo served as Chair for the National Garden Club Standard Flower Show held at the 2025 Fall District 5 meeting in Manistee.

LOCATION: Elk Rapids Harbor Pavilion

September 22 | Annual Member Luncheon & Program

PRESENTER: TBA

A time to share our successes! This will be a member-focused event featuring your personal gardens. More information about the program will be coming!

LOCATION: Elk Rapids Harbor Pavilion

TICKETS: TBA

Please note: The members-only luncheon begins at 11:30 am. Not yet a member? Become one today!

October 27 | The Lifecycle of the Monarch Butterfly

PRESENTER: Charles St. Charles, naturalist, photography, filmmaker

“With vibrant orange-and-black wings that streak across the sky, the monarch butterfly is one of North America’s most iconic species. The impressive monarch makes a multi-generational 3,000-mile migration, traveling south to Mexico each fall and back up to Canada in the spring.” – excerpt from the Charles St. Charles website

Charles St. Charles, is a naturalist and renowned northern Michigan photographer and filmmaker. Using amazing photos and his own film footage, Charles will share his keen observations and remarkable experience with Monarch butterflies.

Charles says, “From marvelous metamorphosis to miraculous migration, these butterflies are incredible—but they are also in trouble.” What can we do to help?

Elk Rapids became a Monarch City, USA, on August 12, 2022, making our community a vital piece in the geographic puzzle for rebuilding essential habitat for the monarch’s yearly migration. Working together, we can make a difference for these magical creatures.

LOCATION: First Presbyterian Church

November/December: Hanging of the Greens

Greens, swags, and garlands will be prepared and placed on the Swan, Library door, Town Hall, and Pedestrian Bridge. Date: TBD.