By Kami Nguyen
Town Crier Editorial Intern
What started as a club for men who shared an interest in gardening has now blossomed into a group with 44 members from such cities as Palo Alto, Cupertino and Los Altos.
The club went through a change when it dropped the word “men’s” from its name.
“Two years ago we decided to take in more members and now have four or five females,” said Phil Bush, president of the Foothill Garden Club.
He said the club is a chance for those who share a passion for gardening to share tips on fertilizing, plant photography, plant diseases and much more.
Meetings are held once a month at the Presbyterian Church in Cupertino and feature a new speaker each time.
Some meetings also take place at various members’ houses to view different gardens.
The club is open to anyone who has an interest in gardening, whether they are on a beginning or intermediate level.
Bush said he became a member in 1960 and was “royally greeted” by the members.
“It’s really close-knit,” he said, “we all help each other. The people are all bound by gardening and this club gives them another way to enjoy their interests.”
Bush said he has been into gardening since an early age, but never had time because of his work.
As a teacher, he realized taking the time out for gardening gave him time to “relax and ease off.”
“I grow tomatoes … and there’s nothing like picking it right off the vine,” he said. “There’s a sweetness you can’t get in tomatoes you buy in the store.”
As president, Bush is responsible for overseeing the board meetings and activities planning for the club.
The members are organizing a barbecue scheduled for September at Saratoga Springs.
Another important event for the club is an annual plant sale in April at the Rancho Shopping Center in Los Altos.
The money made from the sales go toward scholarships and other gardening businesses.
Four-year member Dick Condy said he joined after hearing about it through the Seniors in Retirement, which has chapters throughout California.
He said gardening has always been his hobby.
For more information on the Foothill Garden Club, contact Dick Condy at (408) 257-8538 or Phil Bush at (408) 252-0665.
