If patience is a virtue you hold dear as well as caring for things, owning a collection of tools and having an affinity for the outdoors, you could be a gardener.
The Renton chapter of the Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs is looking for such members.
Lorraine Miller says gardening is just right for those who just want to have fun.
Miller is publicity chair of the Chinook District Garden Clubs, of which there are about 19 in the surrounding area.
She said the clubs are always looking for new members. Her club, the Sunset View Garden Club, has about 20 members.
The clubs are responsible for a number of projects and activities in the area. The Sunset View Garden Club keeps a garden at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, they visit different nurseries in the area, meet to problem-solve, share tips and secrets. They also donate to the WSFGC Teachers, the Chinook District, natural disasters, nature conservancy, Tahoma National Cemetery and the Lake Wilderness Arboretum.
Miller has been a member since 1994.
Of the wet spring so far this year, Miller said, although it’s kept them from working outside, it’s produced some beautiful flowers and vegetation.
“I think the cooler weather has been good because now we can enjoy flowers later, instead of just a really hot spring and then they’re gone,” she said.
The proof is in her Japanese maple which is in perfect red bloom. Walking through Miller and her husband David Latimer’s property, there are cedar and apple trees, irises, peonies, purple ajuga, squash, peas, raspberries, Bear’s Britches and Egyptian Walking Onions, to name a few products of their hard work.
Miller said the club also gets to hear from guest speakers and watches movies of gardens from around the area.
“I just know that it’s a lot of fun; we just really enjoy our friendship, the new people we meet and get in [the group],” she said. “It’s fun.”
The Sunset View Club meets the third Thursday of every month at the Renton Masonic Lodge, 505 Williams Ave. S. in Renton.
For information on how to become a member or upcoming events contact Jenny Byers at 425-255-0859 or Kay McDonald at 206-922-3143.
