Arbor Day Tree Planting – National Arbor Day is the last Friday in April, but California Arbor Day is March 7th. We like to observe this date as it is Luther Burbank’s birthday. To support Arbor Day, PGC members select a young tree that they plant at a site of their choice. Also, trees are given to participating recipient schools in the Mini School Grant Program.
Christmas Cheer – At the December meeting, proceeds from the cookies sale, donated canned goods and cash donations are given to the Christmas Cheer Program. This non-profit organization provides food baskets to Petaluma needy families and new toys to children.
City Beautification – Throughout the season, club members donate their time to maintaining Jonathan’s Garden at the Petaluma Senior Center and other non-profit sites. Each Winter they prune the roses at Wickersham Park. In recent years, members planted tulips at the Petaluma Visitor Center’s main entrance.
Trips and Tours – Members take part in educational and garden-related field trips and bus tours throughout the year.
Garden Therapy – Members create floral arrangements for the general meeting tables. At the close of each luncheon, the arrangements are delivered to those ‘shut in’ members.
Grants – $1,500 is given to and administered by the Petaluma Education Foundation, for a local school in order to promote gardening skills and education. In addition, the Mini School Grant program provides funding from small school gardens.
Penny Pines and Reforestation – Members make donations toward CGCI Penny Pines Program purchasing seedling plantations that are planted on National Forest lands in California. Since 1970, we have contributed over $12,000 toward plantations. Members also make donations toward the CGCI Reforestation Program which is used for special USDA Forest Projects.
Petaluma Art and Garden Festival – Each July, members provide a resource booth at the Festival and offer information about the club activities and answer questions about gardening. The Festival gives us a chance to inform people about how to manage water for mosquito abatement, drought tolerant plants, and water conservation. We also educate visitors about the benefits of native plants and the dangers of planting invasive species that can damage local and state habitats.
Rebuilding Together Petaluma – This is a non-profit volunteer organization that, in partnership with the community, rehabilitates homes of low-income homeowners so they can live independently with dignity, in safety, and comfort. Club members make floral arrangements for the participating homeowners.
Sonoma-Marin Fair – Members participate in Adopt-A-Building; answering questions regarding floral design entries and general information.
Flower Show – Annually at one of the club meetings, members hold a Mini Flower Show to stimulate an interest in horticulture specimens and the elements of design.