Clarkston Farm and Garden Club is hard at work planning, stocking, and assembling in preparation for the 18th Annual Greens Market.
The market, the organization’s major annual fund-raiser, includes hundreds of holiday arrangements crafted by club members in a variety of sizes and colors. It is 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Church of the Resurrection, 6490 Clarkston Road.
Featured are fresh Michigan-made wreaths in three sizes, roping of triple-mix balsam, white pine, and cedar, in 25- and 50-foot lengths, fresh arrangements for homes and businesses, and a variety of loose greens, including the sometimes hard to find red twig dogwood.
‘Every year we try to include something new,? says Anita Andes, event chair. ‘This year, the Clarkston Children’s Choir will perform at 1:30 p.m., and raffle tickets for a one-night stay at the Royal Park Hotel will be available only at the Greens Market.”
Their goal is to offer the best quality at affordable prices, Andes said.
Sue White, who has handled wreath and roping purchase and sales since joining the Garden Club two years ago, starts early in the year, comparing prices, quality, and timely delivery.
Publicity work led by Joyce Figa starts in April, planning fliers, posters, and circulation of publicity material.
‘There’s not a day of the year I don’t look for ideas, whether it’s in magazines, vessel choice or new combinations of previously used items,? Andes says.
‘Through last year’s event and the support of our community, the Garden Club was able to offer four college scholarships this year,? said Pat Chase, club president. ‘We funded educational programs for the fourth graders at all of Clarkston’s public elementary schools and gave mini-grants to teachers for environmental projects.?
The Garden Club also uses market revenue to maintain beautification planters along Main Street, and create and maintain the Children’s Literary Gardens and Jubilee Garden at the Independence Township Library.
Garden Club members are working toward strong sales at this year’s Greens Market so their contributions to the community and its programs can continue to grow. Samples are on display at the library.
? Sue Sajdak