The San Jose Garden Club is a multifaceted organization that offers its members a wealth of knowledge and opportunities to engage with the community. While its primary focus is on horticulture and garden-related activities, the club’s role extends far beyond the physical gardens it tends to. It is a vital component of the community, supporting various charities and initiatives that have a significant impact on the lives of those in need. One of the club’s most significant events is its annual spring plant sale and garden boutique, which takes place on April 25-26. This event is a crucial fundraiser for the club, with last year’s sale raising over $28,000. The sale features a wide range of plants, including homegrown pelargoniums, vegetables and herbs, and succulents and professional quality house plants. The event is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the club’s members, who spend countless hours preparing for the sale. At the heart of the plant sale is the team of club members who work tirelessly to prepare the sale. Ansilla Barrandeguy, plant sale chairperson and a club member since 2002, is one of the driving forces behind the event. In her words, “There are some very special women who spend many, many hours year-round to organize this fundraising event.” These women are the backbone of the club, and their dedication is truly remarkable. The San Jose Garden Club was founded in 1972 with a specific mission: to address local food insecurity, promote the study of horticulture and landscape design, and participate in civic beautification projects. Over the years, the club has grown and evolved, but its commitment to its mission remains unwavering. The club is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization, and its members work together to achieve its goals. In addition to the plant sale, the club organizes visits to local nurseries, where members can learn about new plants and techniques. Barrandeguy says she enjoys hearing from the organizations the club supports, and the club has a strong focus on civic beautification. For example, the club maintains over 100 climbing roses along the walls of the overpass at Lean and Calero avenues, which was once slated for removal. The club also has a strong presence in the community, with many members volunteering their time and expertise to support various charities. The club’s donations committee researches various groups and presents the list to the membership for approval. This year’s plant sale will benefit several local charities, including Sacred Heart’s La Mesa Verde Garden Program, Our City Forest, Loaves and Fishes Kitchen Garden, Lean/Calero Rose Project, Valley Verde, Sempervirens-Big Basin, Second Harvest-Silicon Valley, and Second Harvest-Santa Cruz. As a testament to the club’s commitment to horticulture, many of its members have a deep passion for gardening. Kathy Argabright, a club member for 21 years, says, “I come from a family of gardeners and always enjoyed the activity. I wanted to share that passion with others and increase my knowledge of the hobby.” Argabright has found that the club’s emphasis on civic beautification is a welcome addition to the organization’s mission. The plant sale is not just a fundraiser; it’s also an opportunity for the community to come together and support local charities. Barrandeguy says, “I love the friendships I’ve made, the club outings and the informative guest speakers. The monthly hosts do a great job setting up interesting places for us to visit (and) I always learn something new from our speakers.” The club’s events are a reflection of its commitment to the community, and the plant sale is no exception. The success of the plant sale is a direct result of the club’s hard work and dedication. The event is a testament to the power of community and the impact that organizations like the San Jose Garden Club can have on the lives of those in need. As Barrandeguy says, “There are some very special women who spend many, many hours year-round to organize this fundraising event. We’re all in this together, and it’s a true labor of love.”
Overall, the San Jose Garden Club is a vital component of the community, supporting various charities and initiatives that have a significant impact on the lives of those in need. The club’s annual spring plant sale and garden boutique is a crucial fundraiser that showcases the dedication and hard work of its members. As a testament to the club’s commitment to horticulture and community, the San Jose Garden Club continues to thrive, inspiring others to get involved and make a difference in their own community.