Santa Monica Creek Trail Beautification in Carpinteria - LINK
Horticulture Committee Growing Plants for Annual Sale - LINK
Santa Barbara Garden Club Beautification Projects:
2010 - 2020 - Santa Monica Creek Trail Beautification.
2000 - Memorial Grove for deceased members at Mesa Park with cooperation of the City Parks Department. Member Don Terrell did the planning and is responsible for the success of this memorial grove of trees. Members names are on plaques at individual trees and a bronze plaque recognizes the club at the entrance.
2001 - Money was provided for a new planting at the McKenzie Lawn Bowling center.
2000 - The rehabilitation Center on De La Vina Street was planted with funding from our club,
1998 - Donation of $1000 was made to the Los Positas Park Association for planting along the Veterans Walk.
1996 - Cactus garden in the island at State and Verde Vista Drive thanks to Tom Long, bronze plaque.
1995 - Botanic Garden donation to complete re-planting of Redwood Grove.
1990's - Rescue Mission Landscaping.
1980's - Palm Garden in Alameda Park.
1980's - Twenty magnolias planted on Bath Street in memory of deceased past presidents.
1980's Los Manos del Mar Landscaping.
1980's - Animal Shelter landscaping.
1980's - Stearn's Wharf landscaping before the fountain.
1980's - City Parks Department's work yard landscaping.
1978 - Landscaping Santa Barbara Airport entrance, an ongoing project with a bronze plaque.
1977 - Re-landscaping of the main entrance to Manning Park in Montecito.
2000 - Memorial Grove for deceased members at Mesa Park with cooperation of the City Parks Department. Member Don Terrell did the planning and is responsible for the success of this memorial grove of trees. Members names are on plaques at individual trees and a bronze plaque recognizes the club at the entrance.
2001 - Money was provided for a new planting at the McKenzie Lawn Bowling center.
2000 - The rehabilitation Center on De La Vina Street was planted with funding from our club,
1998 - Donation of $1000 was made to the Los Positas Park Association for planting along the Veterans Walk.
1996 - Cactus garden in the island at State and Verde Vista Drive thanks to Tom Long, bronze plaque.
1995 - Botanic Garden donation to complete re-planting of Redwood Grove.
1990's - Rescue Mission Landscaping.
1980's - Palm Garden in Alameda Park.
1980's - Twenty magnolias planted on Bath Street in memory of deceased past presidents.
1980's Los Manos del Mar Landscaping.
1980's - Animal Shelter landscaping.
1980's - Stearn's Wharf landscaping before the fountain.
1980's - City Parks Department's work yard landscaping.
1978 - Landscaping Santa Barbara Airport entrance, an ongoing project with a bronze plaque.
1977 - Re-landscaping of the main entrance to Manning Park in Montecito.
The Little Gardens Club joins the Santa Barbara Garden Club
The Little Gardens Club transferred $1,420.38 to our Garden Club for City College Scholarships. The Board decided to add funds so that our contribution would bring the total to $5,000. That amount raised the total of our endowment to the neighborhood of $32,000. Gretchen Hewlett, Director of Development for City College acknowledged receipt with this very nice thank you note.
October 13, 2018
Dear Mr. Olsen:
The dedication of the members of Santa Barbara Garden club in supporting SBCC Horticulture Students is inspirational. Thank you to the entire membership for its most recent addition to the underlying endowment for the club's scholarship.
This will mean more students will receive assistance in achieving their educational goals.
The SBCC Foundation especially appreciates the longtime relationship that has developed between our organizations.
Thanks to all for your confidence in our efforts and our students. You're the best!
Gretchen Hewlett
Submitted by Ralph Olsen
October 13, 2018
Dear Mr. Olsen:
The dedication of the members of Santa Barbara Garden club in supporting SBCC Horticulture Students is inspirational. Thank you to the entire membership for its most recent addition to the underlying endowment for the club's scholarship.
This will mean more students will receive assistance in achieving their educational goals.
The SBCC Foundation especially appreciates the longtime relationship that has developed between our organizations.
Thanks to all for your confidence in our efforts and our students. You're the best!
Gretchen Hewlett
Submitted by Ralph Olsen
History of the Men's Garden Club of Santa Barbara
The formation of the group, later to be known as The Men's Garden Club of Santa, was announced June 16, 1940, when a number of civic leaders, who were amateur gardeners, met for lunch at the Harbor Coffee Shop. A nurseryman, Bert Kallman, who had managed the 1940 Primavera Flower Show, had enlisted the charter members. A.H. Groenink, Santa Barbara Boy Scout executive, had been an active member of the Oakland Men's Garden Club, and aided in the organization here. It was an informal group, with no constitution, rules or dues at that time.
It was decided that the club would take an active part in the development of flower gardens, floral displays and parades, and public park flower plantings. The club intended to draw on many noted gardeners in Santa Barbara and vicinity, and to invite authorities in floral culture, and other related horticultural topic, to address their meetings.
During the Men's Garden Club existence, its members have sponsored many projects for the betterment of the city and county, as well as learning a great deal regarding their own gardens and orchards. One of the longest continuing projects was a Memorial Rose Garden on the premises of the California National Guard Armory. It was started as a memorial to service men at the end of World War II. The Men's Garden Club assumed management of the garden in the late 1940's. It was open week days for public visits, but even when closed passersby could see the attractive blooms through the cyclone fence on Canon Perido Street. Army equipment is now stored on the former garden plot.
The club inaugurated annual garden tours in the early 1970's as a fund raising project. Money raised from these tours was to be used for civic beautification. The tours were held in July and alternated each year between three estates in Hope Ranch and Montecito. Members acted as guides to give information to participants. Tickets were $3.50 per person and each member was expected to sell ten tickets. Bussing was used to carry the public to the Montecito estates due to the narrow roads and limited parking. The last tour year was 1979. They were discontinued due to problems with the bussing and the difficulty in obtaining estates for tours.
In 1980 the first annual plant sale was held as a fund raising project and to replace the estate tours. This has continued every year since, in May, and was held at Mackenzie Park. The exception was in 1990 during the height of the drought. Due to the increasing expense required at MacKenzie Park, the sale site was moved in 1999 to the Elk's Parking lot. One other activity of the club, which is worthy of mention, occurred in its earlier days during the 1950's and 60's. The July Flower and Horse Show was a big annual event in Santa Barbara then, held at the Earl Warren Show Grounds. The club put in a display garden at the show site, with members contributing their labor and talents. Prizes were awarded for the different categories and the club was consistent in winning awards and cash prizes.
It was in 1980 that the club published a booklet entitled, The Santa Barbara Gardener's Guide. Articles were written by club members dealing with plants commonly used in Santa Barbara, and also subjects dealing with other aspects of gardening. It was written as a fund raising project and as a community service. In 1990, in commemoration of our 50th anniversary, this booklet was expanded and updated and is still available. It has been well received by the public.
Since the early 1970's the club's major activity has been the funding of landscape beautification projects throughout the city and county of Santa Barbara. These projects have been the direct result of the club's fund raising efforts, first through estate tours and then through annual plant sales. A list of some of the more notable and successful projects completed over the years follows.
The earliest project, and the forerunner of some very good landscape planting, was the re-landscaping of the main entrance to Manning Park in Montecito. This was done in 1977 and still remains in excellent condition today. The main feature was the planting of four Albizia or silk trees. They are now trees of a large size and never fail to put on a beautiful display of flowers every July. Prior to this a number of palm trees were donated to the city for street tree planting and a new planting was completed at the entrance to the Botanic Garden in conjunction with a new sign.
When the Santa Barbara airport was remodeled in 1978, our club received an award from Santa Barbara Beautiful for its landscaping of the entrance. I was the club's vice president at that time and did the design and worked with the airport's head gardener in planting of the necessary plants. Over the years the planting has been very well maintained and has been one of our top projects. Look for the club's bronze plaque at the entrance the next time you are out there.
The creation of a palm botanic garden at Alameda Park and the planting of twenty southern magnolias on Bath Street in memory of our twenty deceased past presidents at that time, was done in the early 1980's. Also in the 1980's money was given to landscape the City Parks Department's work yard, the Los Banos del Mar pool, the Animal Shelter and the entrance to Stearns Wharf (before the fountain)
In the early 1990's landscaping of the Rescue Mission was funded by our club. That has been very well maintained and one of which we can be very proud. It was in 1995 that we gave another donation to the Botanic Garden to help them complete the re-planting of the Redwood Grove. One of our club's outstanding projects was completed in 1996 and was the result of the efforts of member Tom Long. This is the Cactus garden in the island at State and Verde Vista Drive. This planting has added greatly to the beauty of the neighborhood and has done very well. A bronze plaque gives credit to our club. In 1998 a donation of $1000 was made to the Los Positas Park Association for planting along the Veterans Walk. This was dedicated on Memorial Day of that year. The rehabilitation Center on De La Vina Street was planted in 2000 with funding from our club and in 2001 money was provided for a new planting at the McKenzie Lawn Bowling center.
In addition to all of the beautification projects mentioned, the club started a perpetual scholarship at City College, with annual grants to be given to worthy horticultural students. The initial funding was $5000 in 1990 and since then an additional $5000 has been given in increments over the years. At the present time the fund now stands at around $13000. Each year since the beginning money from the interest has been awarded to two or three students.
Finally, we completed work, in 2000, on the establishment of a Memorial Grove for deceased members. This is at Mesa Park and it was done through the cooperation of the City Parks Department. Member Don Terrell did the planning and is responsible for the success of this memorial grove of trees. Members names are on plaques at individual trees and a bronze plaque recognizes the club at the entrance.
While it seemed that the initial purpose of the founding members was to enhance Santa Barbara's horticulture, members have gained tremendously through luncheon programs with stimulating speakers. All told the club members have heard over one thousand speakers covering a wide range of topics, most dealing with gardening or some aspect of horticulture. The meetings have offered its members not only interesting programs but comradeship with men of like interests. There has always been a free exchange of ideas about gardening, and the plant exchange at each meeting furnishes new plants for taking home. I think most members will agree that their years of membership have been very worthwhile and have made their gardening all the more meaningful. If the charter members from 1940 could see what has been achieved during those years from a modest beginning, I am sure they would be proud and more than pleased. - H Hampton Bell
It was decided that the club would take an active part in the development of flower gardens, floral displays and parades, and public park flower plantings. The club intended to draw on many noted gardeners in Santa Barbara and vicinity, and to invite authorities in floral culture, and other related horticultural topic, to address their meetings.
During the Men's Garden Club existence, its members have sponsored many projects for the betterment of the city and county, as well as learning a great deal regarding their own gardens and orchards. One of the longest continuing projects was a Memorial Rose Garden on the premises of the California National Guard Armory. It was started as a memorial to service men at the end of World War II. The Men's Garden Club assumed management of the garden in the late 1940's. It was open week days for public visits, but even when closed passersby could see the attractive blooms through the cyclone fence on Canon Perido Street. Army equipment is now stored on the former garden plot.
The club inaugurated annual garden tours in the early 1970's as a fund raising project. Money raised from these tours was to be used for civic beautification. The tours were held in July and alternated each year between three estates in Hope Ranch and Montecito. Members acted as guides to give information to participants. Tickets were $3.50 per person and each member was expected to sell ten tickets. Bussing was used to carry the public to the Montecito estates due to the narrow roads and limited parking. The last tour year was 1979. They were discontinued due to problems with the bussing and the difficulty in obtaining estates for tours.
In 1980 the first annual plant sale was held as a fund raising project and to replace the estate tours. This has continued every year since, in May, and was held at Mackenzie Park. The exception was in 1990 during the height of the drought. Due to the increasing expense required at MacKenzie Park, the sale site was moved in 1999 to the Elk's Parking lot. One other activity of the club, which is worthy of mention, occurred in its earlier days during the 1950's and 60's. The July Flower and Horse Show was a big annual event in Santa Barbara then, held at the Earl Warren Show Grounds. The club put in a display garden at the show site, with members contributing their labor and talents. Prizes were awarded for the different categories and the club was consistent in winning awards and cash prizes.
It was in 1980 that the club published a booklet entitled, The Santa Barbara Gardener's Guide. Articles were written by club members dealing with plants commonly used in Santa Barbara, and also subjects dealing with other aspects of gardening. It was written as a fund raising project and as a community service. In 1990, in commemoration of our 50th anniversary, this booklet was expanded and updated and is still available. It has been well received by the public.
Since the early 1970's the club's major activity has been the funding of landscape beautification projects throughout the city and county of Santa Barbara. These projects have been the direct result of the club's fund raising efforts, first through estate tours and then through annual plant sales. A list of some of the more notable and successful projects completed over the years follows.
The earliest project, and the forerunner of some very good landscape planting, was the re-landscaping of the main entrance to Manning Park in Montecito. This was done in 1977 and still remains in excellent condition today. The main feature was the planting of four Albizia or silk trees. They are now trees of a large size and never fail to put on a beautiful display of flowers every July. Prior to this a number of palm trees were donated to the city for street tree planting and a new planting was completed at the entrance to the Botanic Garden in conjunction with a new sign.
When the Santa Barbara airport was remodeled in 1978, our club received an award from Santa Barbara Beautiful for its landscaping of the entrance. I was the club's vice president at that time and did the design and worked with the airport's head gardener in planting of the necessary plants. Over the years the planting has been very well maintained and has been one of our top projects. Look for the club's bronze plaque at the entrance the next time you are out there.
The creation of a palm botanic garden at Alameda Park and the planting of twenty southern magnolias on Bath Street in memory of our twenty deceased past presidents at that time, was done in the early 1980's. Also in the 1980's money was given to landscape the City Parks Department's work yard, the Los Banos del Mar pool, the Animal Shelter and the entrance to Stearns Wharf (before the fountain)
In the early 1990's landscaping of the Rescue Mission was funded by our club. That has been very well maintained and one of which we can be very proud. It was in 1995 that we gave another donation to the Botanic Garden to help them complete the re-planting of the Redwood Grove. One of our club's outstanding projects was completed in 1996 and was the result of the efforts of member Tom Long. This is the Cactus garden in the island at State and Verde Vista Drive. This planting has added greatly to the beauty of the neighborhood and has done very well. A bronze plaque gives credit to our club. In 1998 a donation of $1000 was made to the Los Positas Park Association for planting along the Veterans Walk. This was dedicated on Memorial Day of that year. The rehabilitation Center on De La Vina Street was planted in 2000 with funding from our club and in 2001 money was provided for a new planting at the McKenzie Lawn Bowling center.
In addition to all of the beautification projects mentioned, the club started a perpetual scholarship at City College, with annual grants to be given to worthy horticultural students. The initial funding was $5000 in 1990 and since then an additional $5000 has been given in increments over the years. At the present time the fund now stands at around $13000. Each year since the beginning money from the interest has been awarded to two or three students.
Finally, we completed work, in 2000, on the establishment of a Memorial Grove for deceased members. This is at Mesa Park and it was done through the cooperation of the City Parks Department. Member Don Terrell did the planning and is responsible for the success of this memorial grove of trees. Members names are on plaques at individual trees and a bronze plaque recognizes the club at the entrance.
While it seemed that the initial purpose of the founding members was to enhance Santa Barbara's horticulture, members have gained tremendously through luncheon programs with stimulating speakers. All told the club members have heard over one thousand speakers covering a wide range of topics, most dealing with gardening or some aspect of horticulture. The meetings have offered its members not only interesting programs but comradeship with men of like interests. There has always been a free exchange of ideas about gardening, and the plant exchange at each meeting furnishes new plants for taking home. I think most members will agree that their years of membership have been very worthwhile and have made their gardening all the more meaningful. If the charter members from 1940 could see what has been achieved during those years from a modest beginning, I am sure they would be proud and more than pleased. - H Hampton Bell
Santa Barbara Garden Club Board of Directors
2020 Board of Directors:
Co-Presidents: David Gress, Erik Thorlaksson
Vice president: Robert Allan
Secretary/Treasurer: Mina Thorlaksson
Members of the Board: Trudy Adir-Verbais, Bill Black, Dan Chase, Ray Kolbe, Pam Polan
Co-Presidents: David Gress, Erik Thorlaksson
Vice president: Robert Allan
Secretary/Treasurer: Mina Thorlaksson
Members of the Board: Trudy Adir-Verbais, Bill Black, Dan Chase, Ray Kolbe, Pam Polan
Santa Barbara Garden Club Past Presidents
2013-20 David Gress - Erik Thorlaksson
2011-13 Ralph Olsen 2009-11 Erik Thorlaksson 2007-09 David Gress 2006-07 Don Terrell 2005-06 Alan Johnston 2004-05 Tom Hodson 2003-04 Robert Maxim 2002-03 George Potter 2001-02 Len Jarrott 2000-01 Warren G. Wentink 1999-00 Richard Kennelly 1998-99 Doug Van Sicklin 1997-98 Jack Anderson 1996-97 Dick Verkouteren 1995-96 Harry Stroud 1994-95 Don Terrell 1993-94 Maurey Raffensperger 1992-93 Gilbert Hanke 1991-92 Joseph F. Vokoun 1990-91 Daniel W. Sturt 1989-90 William W. Russell 1988-89 Donald V. Grote 1987-88 Col. H. Ben Walsh |
1986-87 S. Parker Johnston, Jr.
1985-86 H. Theodore Davis 1984-85 James O. Climo 1983-84 Donald L. Pyke 1982-83 James R. Merrill 1981-82 Fred V. Lindsley 1980-81 Thomas A. Long 1979-80 Crutchfield Adair 1978-79 H. Hampton Bell 1977-78 George Gardner 1976-77 Earl E. Yahn 1975-76 John C. Cooper 1974-75 Neal V. Robinson 1973-74 John S. Brookes 1972-73 Charles H. Unger 1971-72 Arthur Sylvester 1970-71 Miles Tinker 1969-70 Joseph Ross 1968-69 Thaddeus Murroughs 1967-68 Frank R. Joy 1966-67 Cleland C. Ross 1965-66 Ralph E. Clark 1964-65 George M. Smith 1963-64 Frederick C Walther |
1962-63 Clement Ausman
1961-62 Ralph J. Marsh 1960-61 Louis S. Leavitt 1959-60 W. Buckley Kilgore 1958-59 Kenneth D. Lamb 1957-58 Robert R. Hill 1956-57 James A. Davis 1955-56 Stanley Parker 1954-55 Joseph Weehselberger 1953-54 Drew Silvers 1952-53 William J. Kelting 1951-52 Del Drake 1950-51 R.B. Moreland 1949-50 W. Lee Coulson 1948-49 D.H. McKee 1947-48 Kenneth Olds 1946-47 Oscar C. Warner 1945-46 Neil G. James 1944-45 Carl Smith 1943-44 Arthur Serns 1942-43 Ronald Beale 1942-43 Robert R. Lee 1941-42 D.S. House 1940-41 A.R.Groeink |