HISTORY

The original group, called The Perennial Society, began with a brief invitation to a meeting which appeared in the Neighbors Section of the newspaper in January of 1989. This organization was conceived by M. L. Mancheski, who acted as our organizer and group leader. Steve Lesch and Pamela Mather served as directors until officers could be elected and bylaws written and approved.

The original membership of 44 names has now expanded to over 800. From its inception, the organization has had two main goals. The first is to further educate our members about perennials, their care, upkeep, and use in good garden design. This is to be done through regularly scheduled programs and trips to area gardens and businesses. Our second goal is to evangelize the use of perennials as plantings throughout our growing community. An early workshop in August of 1990, held at the home of Chris Bylsma, dealt with plant division, mulches, fertilizing, and fall cleanup. Frank started our newsletter, Perennial Notes, in April of 1994.

Frank and Ed sit for a spell.

Header photos, left to right: Lynn Campbell Hertel, Linda Brazill, Joseph Smoot