WESTFIELD-A boutique featuring yard art and ornaments is among the surprises that await patrons at the Westfield Garden Club’s fundraiser on May 14.
“This sale is the best bargain around,” said Sandi Gil, garden club chair.
The Garden Club, a division of the Westfield Woman’s Club, had taken a hiatus from the annual plant sale but with new leadership, the idea was once again resurrected. During the course of several months, the 25 active members engaged in four workshops creating a multitude of flower baskets and planters that promise to get one’s attention.
Sandi Gil, president of the Garden Club, a division of the Westfield Woman’s Club, and Muriel Nihill, co-chair of an upcoming plant sale and boutique, give us a sneak peek of what one will find at the sale.
“We had three members who especially stood out helping us with the projects,” said Gil. “Jean Rosenblum, a professional designer, ensured that some art would have a three-dimensional perspective. Michele LaPalme, a professional artist, helped our members with color combinations, and Sandy Lehman was the creative person behind our outdoor chair plant stands.”
“The boutique will feature one-of-a-kind items,” said Muriel Nihill, who is co-chairing the event with Lehman.
The 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. event on the lawn of the woman’s club will feature close to 300 plants including perennials, annuals and those suited for indoors.
“Our perennial offerings will include an assortment of daisies, lilies, bee balm flowers, and herbs including chives and peppermint,” said Nihill. “Our annuals will include pansies and petunias.”
Nihill noted that bee balm flowers are “wonderful” additions to a garden since butterflies, hummingbirds and bees are attracted to them.
Additionally, the women noted that baby red maple trees will be available, as well as some shrubbery including lilacs and Rose of Sharon.
Prices will range from $1 for “little pots” with a single plant, to $2 for a “small pot” with two plants, to bigger pots with taller plants for $3 and higher. Shrubs will run up to $10 each, depending on its size.
Since the flowers will only be greenery at the time of the sale, the women will display an index of what each flower will look like in full bloom. Also, the women have cleverly designed markers made of venetian blinds that will describe each plant, including if it requires sun or shade.
“All of our plants were raised for our area so they are very hardy,” said Gil.
Nihill added that a variety of silk flower arrangements will also be for sale, all made by members during the course of the four workshops.
“Our silks will be arranged in ornate baskets as well as vases, and the arrangements are gorgeous,” said Nihill. “Also expect little treatments including bird nests to make each piece unique.”
Indoor plants will also be plentiful and will include Aloe vera, spider plants, philodendron and ivies.
The boutique is expected to also draw a lot of attention with “unusual” items including mini-chair planters that will be hand painted.
“We will have very unique floral arrangements,” said Nihill, “perfect for front doors, porches, or as centerpieces in your home.”
Boutique offerings will mostly range from $10 to $35.
Rounding out the festive affair will be the women from the club’s Creative Cooks on Court who will be offering coffee, cold drinks, bottles of water and light refreshments including muffins, cookies, cupcakes and finger foods for a nominal fee. Also, a raffle of gift baskets is planned.
Proceeds raised from this event will assist garden club members in continuing its mission of beautifying the grounds of the woman’s club.
“Our landscaping is based on the seasons,” said Gil, noting that club members also ensure that decorative wreaths are hung outside of the club as well as inside in key areas of the building.
The Westfield Woman’s Club is located at 28 Court St., diagonally from the Westfield Athenaeum. On-street parking is available as well as using the Episcopal Church of the Atonement parking lot.
“We will offer assistance in getting your purchases to your car,” said Gil.
In the event of rain, the sale will be conducted under tents on the lawn.
“Come early because the one-of-a-kind items will go fast because of our prices,” said Nihill.
Gil echoed those sentiments.
“We are going the extra mile on each of our pieces for sale,” said Gil, noting their attention to detail was a top priority by every member.
The Westfield Woman’s Club was founded in 1914. Individuals interested in becoming a member will find membership information available at the event.
