Perhaps our exodus from the Garden of Eden instilled a genetic disposition in the human heart for the appreciation of gardens. Gardens, and the art of gardening, stretch back that far.Today, the gardener stands alongside royalty, philosophers, and kindred spirits who, throughout history, cling to our humanity as civilization changes, grows, and leads us on paths undreamed. The garden, and the gardener, remain constant, rooted in the earth, and their creations speaks beyond music, beyond poetry, beyond paintings: one with creation.
The Wyckoff Area Garden Club, slightly over 60 years old with over 60 members, is still young, growing and looking for new challenges. While based in Wyckoff, the club has members from many surrounding towns. The history books may not record their many contributions to society, but those who live today appreciate their work daily. Beautification projects at The Wyckoff Library, the Waldwick Public Safety Building, the Zabriskie House Gardens, and the McFaul Environmental Center are just a few of the many public projects the club supports.
This past July saw the welcoming of new members and the installation of new officers. Master Gardner Janet Schulz recently handed over the reins of leadership to Barbara Douglas, and new members were welcomed with a luncheon, or garden party, in the beginning of July. Both women have a passion that is infectious, and they actively seek to spread what is often described as an addiction. Ms. Schulz, in addition to her previous role as president, shares he extensive knowledge of gardening by speaking before other garden clubs. Ms. Douglas is hoping that the club can expand its role in the community by partnering with other organizations to help promote conservation of land particularly old trees.
Master Gardner is a title befitting one skilled in an ancient art. Officially, the designation came about in America back in 1972. Master Gardener programs can now be found in 45 states. New Jersey has been offering a program for 25 years through The Rutgers Master Gardeners program. It is an educational training program offered in 18 of the 21 counties in New Jersey through the efforts of Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension. The program requires both training and volunteer commitments.
Activities of garden clubs in the early 1900s were often reported on in the society section of local and regional newspapers. The demands of WWII brought different responsibilities as garden clubs were called on to support the war effort by encouraging and training citizens in the establishment of Victory Gardens. While vegetable gardens may not have been their first love, members of garden clubs around the nation were asked to help teach their neighbors. This transference of the science aspect is being repeated as many garden clubs broaden their focus on other environmental factors facing communities.
The Wyckoff Area Garden Club’s commitment to public works is an important part of club life. While the club meets regularly at the McFaul Environmental Center for seminars, great emphasis is placed on participation in using this shared knowledge to better the community at large. In partnership with the Courtyard Club of Eisenhower Middle School, the club helped to raise funds and build a rain garden at the Christian Community Health Care Center. The Wyckoff Area Garden Club also has high hopes for bringing to fruition the full potential of the Zabriskie House Gardens. The stewards of Abma’s Farm, Jim & Judy Abma, were named to the Zabriskie board of trustees, and it is hoped their business acumen and love of nature will provide additional inspiration. This might prove to be a partnership that makes the Zabriskie House Gardens one for the history books.
Individual members of the club have attracted national attention with their own achievements.Cathy Miller, whose roots in gardening began with The Wyckoff Area Garden Club, was recently profiled in the Philadelphia Inquirer for her work in the White House under various administrations. Janet Schulz was also profiled by the New York Times for her own garden which was opened to the public this past May. For those aspiring to fame, or those with more earthy aspirations, information on membership is available at the clubs website http://www.wyckoffgc.org/.