Wadena Garden Club membership has grown in recent years, reflecting a trend toward home gardens and sustainability.
The club now has more than 30 members, said Shirley Hartjen, who organizes the Yard of the Month.
Each month, the group meets to learn about a new facet of gardening, yard maintenance or different plants. Last week, the club had a tour featuring four yards in the area. Members saw yards featuring a variety of plants and landscaping to get ideas for their own yards.
"We often have speakers such as Kent Scheer talking about native plants," Hartjen said.
Recently, the club learned about Meadow Blazing Stars and how they attract monarch butterflies. Scheer had Meadow Blazing Stars available to purchase and several members planted them.
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"It's been interesting to see how the plants are doing and we'll have to follow up to see if they attract monarchs," Hartjen said.
Other topics have included rain gardens, weed control using goats and raised bed gardening. Upcoming programs include knowing what's in the food people eat and fruit trees native to Minnesota.
"It's surprising that we haven't had repeat topics over the years," she said. "We always seem to have something different or new and we can bring in many different kinds of speakers."
The Wadena Garden Club sponsors the Yard of the Month each summer. It was started in 2004. Nominations are taken for the Yard of the Month and a sign is placed at the chosen yard each month. Those who receive the Yard of the Month do not have to be part of the Wadena Garden Club. Members take nominations and choose something eye catching or unique.
The club has had plant swaps and shows in the past and welcomes new ideas and exchange of ideas.
The Wadena Garden Club will have a potluck picnic at Kent Scheer's Green Island reserve Tuesday, Aug. 25. Typically, the club meets the fourth Thursday of the month at St. John Lutheran Church in Wadena.
Anyone interested in joining the Wadena Garden Club can call President Mary Schmit at (218) 631-3854.
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