Gardening is Our Passion!
Bittersweet members are gardening enthusiasts in and around Jefferson City, Missouri. We love the planning of our gardens at least as much as the execution of our plans. We love talking about our gardens with anyone who we can engage in a conversation. We especially love seeing others' gardens and asking about their experiences, successes and failures. Probably nothing tops a visit to a new garden center...you just can't leave without at least one new plant! There is always room in our gardens for a brand new cultivar or even an old, familiar favorite.
Bittersweet Garden Club was founded in June 1973 and is affiliated with National Garden Clubs, Inc. and Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri, Inc. The objectives of our club are to study the basic art of gardening, to encourage conservation of natural resources, and to cooperate with other clubs and agencies interested in horticulture and conservation.
In addition to our focus on gardening, Bittersweet Garden Club supports a range of meaningful community initiatives including:
Bittersweet Garden Club was founded in June 1973 and is affiliated with National Garden Clubs, Inc. and Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri, Inc. The objectives of our club are to study the basic art of gardening, to encourage conservation of natural resources, and to cooperate with other clubs and agencies interested in horticulture and conservation.
In addition to our focus on gardening, Bittersweet Garden Club supports a range of meaningful community initiatives including:
- Scholarships for Area High School Students: We are committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators. Your sponsorship will enable us to continue offering scholarships to deserving high school students with plans to major in horticulture, agriculture, environmental science, ecology, and natural resources.
- Garden Therapy Workshops for Seniors: Our Garden Therapy Workshops bring joy and solace to senior living communities in Jefferson City and the surrounding areas. These workshops promote physical and mental well-being among seniors, fostering a sense of community and purpose in their lives.
- K-12 Teacher Grants: These grants provide K-12 teachers with funding and resources to develop and execute creative, hands-on projects that actively engage students in learning about horticulture, agriculture, environmental science, ecology, and natural resources.
- Civic Beautification:
- In 2023 Bittersweet Garden Club planted 50 trees in Memorial Park to celebrate our 50th anniversary, and we will continue to plant a tree every year within the Jefferson City Parks system.
- Our club designed, planted, and we continue to maintain the garden at the entrance to Memorial Park, creating a beautiful welcome to all who enter.
- Youth Poetry Contest for K-12 Students: These contests invite students to unleash their creativity and literacy through the art of poetry. The Youth Poetry Contest is designed to foster an appreciation for horticulture, pollinators, environmental concerns, and the beauty of our natural world.
- 4-H Project Support: We provide financial awards to area 4-H members to support individual projects engaging young people in educational experiences to develop life skills and leadership.
- Gardening Resources at the Missouri River Regional Library: Access to educational resources is crucial for community growth. We donate gardening resources at the Missouri River Regional Library, making valuable information and guidance accessible to all.
2024 Bittersweet Garden Club Officers |
2024 Bittersweet Garden Club Members |
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President - Linda Oligschlaeger
VP of Programs - Jatha Sadowski 2VP of Activities - Cris West Secretary - April Burger Treasurer - Nancy Kaiser |
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