The Green Tree Garden Club is an educational, charitable service organization dedicated to the development of gardening, the betterment and beautification of the Green Tree community along with the exchange of gardening ideas and knowledge among its members. The members are from Green Tree and surrounding neighborhoods. Meetings are typically held on the second Thursday of each month at 11:00 AM followed by a program at 12:30 PM, unless otherwise posted. New members are always welcome. Annual dues are $15. (Please note that as a requirement of membership, all are expected to participate in the supporting activities of the organization.) Guests are always welcome to attend the club programs; those with a love of gardening are encouraged to join.

As of July 2007, the Green Tree Garden club meets year round. This calendar change will give members more opportunities to participate, as a group, in additional programs and trips over the summer months when so much is in bloom!

In addition to working together in the clubŐs rose and perennial gardens, we held a members-only plant exchange in September. In October, there was a field trip to the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation where we heard a fascinating presentation on the history of botany, examined ancient botany books, and viewed the mesmerizing 12th International Exhibition of Botanical Art and Illustration. The club members also had a great time sponsoring the pumpkin patch at the Octoberfest where we earned money to support club activities and area bird and garden societies. Designing floral Thanksgiving decorations was the November program and in December the club celebrated the yearŐs end with a luncheon at Piccolo Mondo. A planning meeting is set for January. In February, Sandy Feather will speak to the club about planning and planting vegetable gardens.

The GTGC supports it self and its community activities through three fund raising activities which include the sale of the Enjoy Coupon Books*, September through December, the sponsorship of the Pumpkin Decoration Booth at the Green Tree Octoberfest and its annual "Spring 'N Things" plant, bake, and flea market sale..

The club's fund raising efforts and strong member participation allow for the following community activities to be possible by providing:

• monthly flower arrangements for the Green Tree Library reading area,
• seasonal arrangements for the Municipal Building atrium and Police Department,
• yearly scholarships for horticulture students at the Bidwell Training Center,
• supervision and assistance with the Keystone Oaks 9th graders' community service planting project each spring, and,
• flowers for the Green Tree Rotary's Easter baskets provided to area shut-ins.

In addition, the Green Tree Garden Club members exercise their love of gardening by maintaining the following Green Tree gardens:

• Perennial Garden at the Municipal Center Park,
• Anniversary Rose Garden at the Municipal Center Park,
• Sign Post Garden at Mansfield Avenue and Poplar Street,

*The cost of an Enjoy Book is $25.00. Please contact Phyllis Abinanti at 412-922-1797 or any club member to purchase this valuable book.