New Member Welcome Information
Welcome to the Woman's National Farm & Garden Association.
Woman's National Farm & Garden Association (WNF&GA) was organized in 1914 by its first president Mrs. Francis King. The aims and purposes set forth in 1914 are still honored today: to aid in protection and conservation of our natural resources, charitable and educational purposes, civic beauty and service, gardening, horticultural therapy, and international cooperation. As the WNF&GA grew over the years it became necessary to organize into functional units. Today there are four Divisions: Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania; each composed of a number of branches.
The Michigan Division consists of 31 local branches and over 1,700 members. It provides the branches a base to carry out activities which they could not accomplish alone; made possible by an economy of scale, a broader pool of experts and experience, and a sense of community and support that is derived from shared activities. The Michigan Division has established endowments at UM Mathaei Botanical Gardens and the 4H Foundation; and a base of scholarships to encourage and provide opportunity for study in the areas of horticulture, agriculture and the environment. Last year, the Michigan Division donated more than $110,000 in scholarships and distributions to existing funds.
We encourage our members to attend both National and Michigan Division meetings to develop friendships with those who share our enthusiasm to enrich our communities.
The Plymouth Branch of the WNF&GA was organized on May 4, 1936. Our club contributes proceeds from a variety of fundraisers to local, state and national organizations that support environmental and horticultural causes. We also award college scholarships to Plymouth-Canton High school students and are involved in local beautification and charitable projects.
The Plymouth Branch meets on the second Monday of each month. We do NOT meet January & February. Meetings are at 12:00 and are usually held at the Plymouth Library, although some meetings and special events are held at Plymouth Township Park.
Membership Dues: Annual dues are collected at the September meeting. A booklet of current members and itinerary for the year is distributed. For new members joining during the year, dues are payable at their third meeting and they will receive the membership booklet at that time.
Tea Committee: Each month there is a Tea Committee which is responsible for refreshments. This includes desserts, coffee and tea. The menu is at the discretion of the Tea Committee Chairperson for that month. There is a Chairperson and four volunteers for each month and a sign up sheet is circulated at our April meeting for the upcoming year. We ask that you sign up for at least one month, and two if possible. The Chairperson will contact you with your duties. The Tea Committee for each month is listed in our yearly booklet.
Meeting Notification: Each month you will receive a call from one of our members reminding you of the upcoming meeting. This is for the purpose of getting a count of persons attending the meeting for the Tea Committee. If you are not at home when they call and they leave a message, please call them back and let them know if you will be attending. If you know you are going to be gone for one or more meetings, please let them know. You will receive a newsletter via e-mail each month advising you of the activities for that month, and the item for Salvation Army.
Salvation Army: Each month each member is asked to bring an item for the local Salvation Army. The items are collected at the meeting and a member delivers them to the local Salvation Army location. We check with the Salvation Army Plymouth Branch each month to find out what they need. Items consist of personal care products, soaps, food items, etc.
Greens Sale: Our major fundraiser for the year is our Greens Sale. Proceeds from the sale are used to fund our Scholarships awarded each year. Handouts are given at the October meeting and orders and money collected is turned in at the November meeting. Each member is encouraged to sell as much as they can. This sale is extremely important to the success off our scholarship fund. Greens are delivered and sorted by volunteers on the Monday before Thanksgiving. Each member picks up their orders and distributes them to their customers.
Plant Sale: That meeting accurs in June. Each member is encouraged to bring a perennial from their garden, or garden art, or gardening books. Please bring plants in pots so they are easy to transport. Items are bid on by attendees. There is a luncheon by the Tea Committee. This event is a lot of fun. We all look forward to it.
Field Trips: There are many interesting field trips organized for our group. These are discussed at meetings and sign up sheets are circulated.
Community Projects: We are involved in numerous community projects some of which are city plantings, Scarecrow in the Park, Christmas Tree in the Park, to name a few. Sign up sheets will be circulated at meetings as these functions arise. Your cooperation in these community projects greatly contribute to the success of our club. Being involved in different projects is a lot of fun and a great way to get to know fellow members.
Once again, welcome, and congratulations on becoming a member of the Woman's National Farm and Garden Association.
Important Contact Information:
National Website: www.wnfga.org
Michigan: www.michdivwnfga.org
Plymouth Branch: sites.google.com/site/plymouthgardenclub
Facebook/Plymouth Garden Club