Organized in 1973, the Bittersweet Garden Club planted the seed of community, gardening and service in Central Missouri. Shortly after their founding, they joined the Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri and are also affiliated with National Garden Clubs, Inc.
Named after the American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens), the club has over 80 garden enthusiasts in and around Jefferson City that also focus on socials, activities and volunteering.
The club's objectives include the essential art of gardening, promoting the interest in horticulture and encouraging the conservation of our natural resources. This club not only leads on a conservation front, but also with a sense of community and service to Jefferson City and Central Missouri through their activities and programs.
A recently developed program is “Garden Therapy,” where members lead workshops at local assisted living communities to instruct and help residents with projects and crafts to socialize and entertain. Members of the club assist the residents in completing crafts and provide refreshments to enjoy. This is a rewarding activity for both Bittersweet members and the residents.
Working with the Samaritan Center, assisted living communities, the Missouri River Regional Library and JC Parks, the Bittersweet Garden Club is a staple in town and exemplifies what community leaders and groups should strive for.
The Bittersweet Garden Club has a presence throughout much of Jefferson City and with JC Parks. Most notable is the president’s project, which creates a welcoming sight for parkgoers at the entryway to Memorial Park. The garden beds were designed to be a pollinator-friendly source of pride for the club and community. The club upholds the entryway all year long by mulching, pruning, seasonal cleanup and ongoing maintenance. Current Bittersweet Garden Club president, Jeannine Brickey, is dedicated to continuing the Memorial Park project as her own in 2023.
The club dedicated a Blue Star Memorial on August 17, 2014 at McClung Park. The memorial is a part of the Blue Star Program which honors men and women that serve in the United States Armed Services.
Apart from the physical aspect of gardening throughout central Missouri, the impact that this group has on the community is unparalleled. Their yearly scholarship program awards local graduating high school seniors who are continuing their education in fields related to horticulture or agriculture. Every year, the club hosts The Garden Tour as an annual fundraiser that is the main generator of funds for their scholarship program as well as the club’s other programs throughout the year.
The Garden Tour is held on the last Sunday in June, this year being June 25, 2023. This event is a self-guided tour of five beautifully landscaped gardens in the Jefferson City area for viewers to discover fresh ideas and techniques that can be added to their own gardens.
The club’s kindness permeates through every activity and program they’re involved in. From Garden Therapy to planting flowers around town, the Bittersweet Garden Club’s generosity and service ripples throughout central Missouri.
Member Highlights:
Jill Dobbs, Vice President, Director, Private Banking – Central Bank
How long have you been a member of Bittersweet Garden Club?
I have been a member since 2011.
What do you enjoy the most about the club?
I enjoy being a part of the Scholarship Committee. It’s rewarding to be involved with a group that helps young people follow their career dreams in the area of horticulture, agriculture or landscape design.
What do you enjoy most about gardening/landscaping?
My yard is my happy place. I work in an office setting all week so I love getting outside in the evenings and on weekends. The fresh air and hard work make me feel healthy.
What is a quick tip for aspirational gardeners or young gardeners?
My advice is to find a local mentor. Of course, there is a ton of information out there online and in books/magazines, but there’s nothing like getting advice from someone who actually gardens in your same area/climate.
What advice do you have for those wanting to become leaders in the community?
Just say yes! There are so many opportunities to get involved here. Consider those causes that you are passionate about and get in touch with the organizations. They will be thrilled to have you join. Once involved, be willing to step up and lead even if it’s not something you’ve done in the past. Trying new things is how we grow into the person we are intended to be.
Rosella Reinkemeyer
How long have you been a member of Bittersweet Garden Club?
12 years.
Why did you join the club?
Because of my love of gardening and encouragement from a co-worker who was a Bittersweet member. She said the members are so friendly and nice and you exchange gardening tips and ideas. It is the best thing I ever did after the loss of my husband 14 years ago.
What do you enjoy the most about the club?
Everything! Being with members with a shared interest in gardening, meeting new friends, social aspects, trips to help gain more gardening knowledge, working in the gardens on the Garden Tour, serving on club committees, for instance, Garden Therapy with Nursing Home residents, etc.
What is a quick tip for aspirational gardeners or young gardeners?
Do your research on gardening to see what will work for you. Attend workshops and seminars, visit garden centers and attend the local Bittersweet Garden Tour to view different gardens for ideas! Everyone’s garden is unique, so adapt gardens as needed for your own.
What advice do you have for those wanting to become leaders in the community?
Leadership is shown in a variety of ways. Have a vision and listen to others. Leaders need to work alongside their community just as much as they need to lead. Find a mentor, give and get support from one another and show that you care.
Alice Longfellow, Founder of Longfellow’s Garden Center and host of call-in radio show "The Garden Spot" every Saturday morning on KLIK and KFRU
How long have you been a member of Bittersweet Garden Club?
38 years.
Why did you join the club?
I was looking for a way to meet other gardeners. I moved to Missouri in 1984 and planned to start Longfellow's Garden Center (which opened in 1987). The contacts and friends that I made in the club in those early years taught me a lot about gardening in Missouri - what plants to use, how to solve certain gardening problems, and what resources were available for materials and information. Bittersweet Garden Club is an energetic group of people who are equally passionate about gardening, and each member brings their own special skills to our group. I still learn something new with every club gathering.
What do you enjoy the most about the club?
Using our knowledge and resources as members to help others, whether through the garden therapy program, the annual garden tour, maintaining display gardens like at the entrance of Memorial Park or other civic projects. I was not very active in the club during most of the years I owned Longfellow's, but since leaving the Garden Center in July 2022, that door has opened for me to participate in more club activities.
What do you enjoy most about gardening/landscaping?
I thrive on being outside, having my hands in the dirt, plus pruning and weeding. Being able to visualize "what can be" is exciting, and even better when that vision comes to fruition.
What advice do you have for aspirational gardeners or young gardeners?
Find multiple sources of information to access as you explore gardening and develop your "green thumb." The internet is not the end-all to understanding plants and gardening. Through real-life experiences provide the best education, utilize the Extension Center, local garden centers, gardening groups and local gardening classes and seminars.