“I hope everyone understands the importance of creating or adding to our pollinator environment. We’re happy to lend a hand to make this happen!” said Wild Juniper Nursery owner Tom Jessmore.

The Glen Lake Garden club started in 1976 where meetings were held in members’ homes -obviously a small group in the beginning. It currently has 69 members. According to Laura Lanphier, club member, “So much of what we do is in smaller groups who serve on various gardening committees for our local public gardens and beautification projects.”

Wild Juniper Nursery located at the corner of M72 & South Cedar Road grows over 400 varieties of perennials, shrubs and trees. They offer a diverse selection of locally grown plants from natives to fruit trees.

At the January club meeting, members are learning to start seeds using a method called winter sowing. The locally collected seed and supplies will be donated by Wild Juniper Nursery. The members will then grow the

plants over the summer with a late summer planting scheduled.

“The main planting will go into the “Native Meadow Garden” at Old Settlers’ Park in Kasson Township. This 6.5-acre park sits on Glen Lake and has a small Chapel, Gazebo, dock and playground. We also have plants earmarked for the Glen Arbor Garden, Township Park as well as the Township Hall Garden.” Said Laura Lanphier.

“This is an easy way we can all make an impact. We are working with several schools on similar projects. It’s simple, cheap and always fun to get your hands in the dirt!” says Jessmore.