Monticello Garden Club Plans Flower Show & History Session

Because of the pandemic, the annual Monticello Garden Club’s Spring Flower Show had to take a hiatus. The flowers kept blooming, but the club could not gather in large groups. Now, the club is returning to a long standing tradition.

This year, the Flower Show will be held at the historic Thomas Persons Hall on Thursday, April 27. Doors will open to the public for viewing at 5:30 p m. There will be two divisions—horticulture and design. There are six divisions in the horticulture division, and five in design.

Later that evening, in conjunction with the Jasper County Historical Society meeting at 7 p.m., Mary Lou Jorden will present a program about the history of the Garden Club and West View Cemetery. (Many people do not know that the Garden Club actually owns the West View Cemetery, and has since the 1930s).

Did you know the Monticello Garden Club has the distinction of being the second oldest in the nation? The club was organized in May 1896. From the minutes of early meetings, it was organized “to promote the cultivation of flowers, shrubs, and all plants which will tend to beautify the town—or anything else to improve the town.”

At that time, plans were made to host “displays” as well as flower shows that became important civic occasions.

The public is welcome to attend the show and the Historical Society meeting. The Garden Club asks everyone to join them as they continue a treasured tradition of the Monticello Garden Club.