Garden Club
We are thrilled that approximately 35 of our members are getting outside to reconnect with nature through the BGC Garden Club.
Education is a major component of the BGC Garden Club. Volunteer Jim Lorenz is a member of the Lowcountry Master Gardener Association, an active group of Master Gardeners in Beaufort, Jasper and Colleton counties, dedicated to educating the citizens of coastal South Carolina to meet the challenges of gardening in the Lowcountry. Jim and other volunteers from this group are able to share their knowledge, giving individuals in-depth education about the specifics of growing their own produce. They study pH and fertilizer requirements through soil testing to learn about the nutrients in the soil. Members also learn about composting, germination, watering levels, sun positioning by season and how to revive plants from frost damage in their very own “plant hospital.”
There are two Garden Club Projects at the Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton. The first is a conventional raised bed garden where members plant fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers. Many of the plants start from seeds. Members are involved in all aspects of the garden from deciding what to plant, the care during the growing season and the harvesting. All during this process, members are educated on the fundamentals of gardening, environmental stewardship and healthy eating.
The second project is a hydroponic Tower Garden donated by the Juice Plus company. It is a vertical plastic tower holding plants in pods with a reservoir at the base containing water and liquid fertilizer. The water is pumped up the tower and cascades down watering the plant roots. We have three towers in total--one tower is indoors and grows plants in the winter time using electricity for special artificial grow lights and pumping the water. The other two towers are outside and are using solar power to pump the water while in the sunshine.
With all this freshly grown produce, members learn the importance of growing their own food, as well as the importance of healthy eating. Members are encouraged to work on their gardening skills and to continue to lead healthy lifestyles into adulthood.
On Thursdays in the summer, if they have enough product, Garden Club members take what they've grown to the Bluffton Farmer's Market. All funds raised through the sale of their produce goes back into the Garden Club.
Special thanks to our amazing Garden Club volunteers: Jim Lorenz, Marilea & Brad Lightner, Janet Benway, Keith Gasner, Malinda Blackshaw and Nancy Bryant.
GET YOUR SEEDS HERE!
Lowe's in Bluffton was kind enough to donate TONS of seeds to our Club! So, the Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton is challenging our Club members and their parents to grow their own flowers and vegetables! Download an order form below and the Garden Club will package seed for you to pick up at the Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton.
Be sure to track your gardening methods and take photos to win a prize for our Best Plant Contest!
Download Flower Seed Order Form
Download Vegetable Seed Order Form
