COLUSA, CA (MPG) – Every season when roses bloom at the historic Colusa County courthouse, the pedals tell a story.
The Garden Club of Colusa County maintains the rose garden and gathers every February to perform the essential tasks required to invigorate the bushes, encourage new growth, and ensure a stunning display of blooms come spring.
“The Garden Club has several projects throughout Colusa County,” said Garden Club member Susan Gibbs.
Armed with tools, the Garden Club pruned roses, raked, and removed debris at the courthouse garden on Saturday. Among their other notable projects is the Frances Etchepare Garden at the Colusa County Fairgrounds, where they performed similar garden tasks just a few weeks earlier to beautify the grounds for the Colusa Farm Show.
Since 2007, the club has been a beacon for those who have a passion for horticulture. Dedicated to the education of its members, the club’s mission extends beyond their individual gardens to civic beautification, environmental responsibility, and conservation of natural resources.
On Saturday, most Garden Club members working were over age 70, emphasizing the need for for new generations to appreciate and preserve nature’s beauty.
“What we need are younger volunteers to help,” said 80-year-old Cynthia White.
One of the club’s other notable contributions is its involvement in the annual Colusa County Fair, where members staff and stage the judged floriculture exhibits in Etchepare Hall. These exhibits not only showcase the talents of local gardeners but also inspire others to take up gardening.
The club also raises money through its annual plant sale and other projects throughout the year to support the club’s activities and ensure that it can continue to make a positive impact on the community.
Gibbs participated in the inaugural Colusa Founders Day Jail and Bail community fundraiser last June, playing with nine other representatives who raised money for their local non-profits. This lighthearted approach to fundraising not only attracted attention and involvement from the community but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among participants.
“It was a lot of fun,” said Gibbs, the top fundraiser in 2024. “I got out there early before everyone else just as soon as I signed up. The first person I asked donated $100.”
The money raised for the Garden Club through this event funded basic needs for the Garden Club’s community projects.
“We are definitely participating again this year,” Gibbs said. “Someone else will be playing for the Garden Club because I want others to be able to experience it.”
In March, Colusa Founders Day, a nonprofit through the Community Foundation of Colusa County, will be issuing “warrants” to individuals who want to raise money for their nonprofits, with a portion of the proceeds going to support the annual Founders Day celebration on the third Saturday in June in downtown Colusa. The event features the firefighters pancake breakfast, a vendor and children’s fair, a downtown walk, and activities at the library and art council. The “Jail” will be in Veterans Memorial Park.
Gibbs said the Garden Club Board of Directors decided the 2024 participant will be able to apply the funds they raise to a specific or new project.