Garden club has beautified Mount Prospect for 54 years

Since it was established May 8, 1963, the Garden Club of Mount Prospect has beautified the community far and wide.

The garden club's meetings, programs and projects are crafted to fulfill the vision of the club's 54-year-old mission to "encourage interest in gardening and horticulture, artistic use of plant materials, civic beauty and conservation of natural resources."

The club's ultimate goal has always been to beautify Mount Prospect. In 1997 and 2011, its dedication and hard work was paid off when it received a "Shining Star" award at the Celestial Celebration Gala.

There are several organizations and groups the Garden Club of Mount Prospect supports. Among them are Nature Conservancy, Citizens for Conservation, Stillman Nature Center, Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation, Chicago Botanic Garden, Garfield Park Conservatory, and International Dark Sky Association.

In addition to supporting larger organizations, garden club members maintain and tend to several gardens around town. The club does local projects for the village of Mount Prospect.

It is in charge of bulb planting and ground maintenance of the Mount Prospect Historical Society; designed, planted and provide seasonal maintenance for the Arlene Prchal Butterfly Garden; assists Timber Ridge students and staff with a vegetable garden; and provides floral arrangements to village departments during National Garden Week.

The Garden Club of Mount Prospect has worked diligently to ensure Mount Prospect is a beautiful, nature-conscious community. So next time you're walking through the Historical Society campus or the Arlene Prchal Butterfly Garden, be sure to stop and smell the roses.