Garden Club Programs & Events
2025 Monthly Program Schedule
The following programs are open to the public. Prospective members and visitors are welcome to attend meetings by emailing info@elkrapidsgardenclub.com.
Our meetings are usually held in the First Presbyterian Church or the Elk Rapids Harbor Pavilion unless otherwise noted below.
Please note the exact LOCATION listed under each meeting or program in the list below.
Social time begins at 12:30 pm with speakers starting their presentations at 1:00 pm unless otherwise noted below.
There are no regularly scheduled programs in January, February, March, and November.
April 22 | Wildflowers Out Our Windows
PRESENTER: James Dake
Lucky us! Celebrate Earth Day 2025 with our favorite guide through the forests and trails around us: James Dake, local author and Education Director for the Grass River Natural Area! James will introduce us to a world often hidden from us. Through wildflowers and a wonderful worldview, James will show us an array of local plants and the amazing lives lived in our abundant nature preserves—and even in our backyards.
LOCATION: First Presbyterian Church
Thank you to our hostesses: Sue Finlayson, Diane Flately, Sonja Perry, Leslie Shoen
May 20 | Breaking News As We Break Ground
Just in time for planting after the last danger of frost, Terry Bertrand of Barker Creek Nursery, who has a symbiotic relationship with our club, will join us to talk about all things gardening. A resource extraordinaire, Terry last encouraged us with spade and some muscle to not be shy when dividing our perennials. During this program, he will share what he has seen and heard are the hot topics in gardening for Spring 2025. Bring your questions for an expanded Q&A time with Terry!
LOCATION: Elk Rapids Harbor Pavilion
Thank you to our hostesses: Rebecca Henry, Jan Johnson, Anne Pentland, Jan Zander
June 24 | Lauren's Grove
It is a place to linger…Lauren’s Grove, created to honor Lauren Wilkinson, a young environmentalist who passed away at age 26, is a tiny arboretum in the heart of our Village of Elk Rapids. Leslie Lee, president of the Lee Family Foundation, established this grove as a living memorial to her friend and will share this rich and generous story.
LOCATION: Elk Rapids Harbor Pavilion
Hostesses: Barbara Crawford, Carol Davidson, Marlene Hulteen, Daryl Larsen
July | Field Trip!
PRESENTER: TBA
Getting out and about with friends to see new flowers and new vistas is a midsummer treat, even in the rain! Watch for a sunny announcement and some crystal blue persuasion to join the fun! Details on the date, time, and travel to be announced—stay tuned.
LOCATION: TBA
Hostesses: Paula Jorge, Kim Kerkau, Chris Sloane, Diane Thompson
August 26 | Where Are All the Flowers Grown?
It is a story of soil and place and petals and family. Mischel’s Greenhouses is a local family business that provides those extraordinary geraniums that adorn The Porch (and so much more) at The Grand Hotel. Yes, THE Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island! They also grow the annuals for our community gardens each year. Sarah’s family was there from the beginning in 1985 and she will share the story of transplanting and rerooting, and how they now bloom where they are again planted, just off Elk Lake Road.
LOCATION: Elk Rapids Harbor Pavilion
Thank you to our hostesses: Mary Anne Frey, Bonnie Johnson, Theresa Klein, Verna Sak
September 23 | Annual Member Luncheon & Program
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
Please note: Social time begins at 11:30 am with the members-only luncheon starting at noon. Not yet a member? Become one today!
Thank you to our hostesses: Carol Bocskay, Kathy Finnigan, Molly Krause, Bonnie Miller
October 28 | The Newest Village Gem: The Future Library
PRESENTER: Pamela Williams
“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” - Cicero
Come hear the latest new library news from Pamela Williams, Elk Rapids District Library Director. Much more than a new building, the site will have expanded spaces inside and out, plans for multi-generational uses, and improved community service. Pam will share updates from the promising journey from design to fundraising and into construction. Come hear how life-long learning looks in the future at the new library.
LOCATION: First Presbyterian Church
Thank you to our hostesses: Char Brady, Kay Goodall, Linda Kennedy, Karen Kies
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.
The Elk Rapids Garden Walk
On July 18th, 2023, Garden Walk attendees toured six magnificent gardens whose owners are on a mission to preserve northern Michigan’s beauty through water and land conservation. Take a look back at the 2023 Garden Walk and stay tuned for updates on our next Garden Walk event!
State & National Garden Club Events
Click the buttons below to explore the events and programs offered by the Michigan Garden Clubs and the National Garden Clubs.
Since 1931
Through the years, there have been many who have volunteered their time and energy to the Elk Rapids Garden Club. Our collective mission is to be environmentally conscientious as we beautify our homes and village, cultivate a taste, knowledge and love of flowers, plants, trees, and a true friendship with fellow members.
Get in Touch
Address
P.O. Box 534
Elk Rapids, MI 49629
Drop us a line
info@elkrapidsgardenclub.com
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Elk Rapids Garden Club on Facebook