Many of us have heard of “painting the town red.” Chances are “plant it pink” isn’t a phrase you’re familiar with ––at least not yet. That could soon change thanks to the Garden Clubs of America and local organizations, like the Swaledale Federated Garden Club in North Iowa. These groups are encouraging communities to make a statement this spring by planting pink flowers for breast cancer awareness.
Other club activities include the annual plant sale, which is held in May and is the club’s only fundraiser. Every year, they visit the garden of a club member. The gather at least one each year to learn about another North Iowa organization or business, Such as Trees Forever, Lime Creek Nature Center or a CSA. The club also hosts a public flower show each year around fall. In December, the club decorates the Christmas Tree at the Sheffield nursing home. The club also has planted trees in Swaledale, as well as flowers at libraries and other places throughout North Iowa.
Because Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds is a proud supporter of the American Cancer Society and related organizations like the Franklin County Relay for Life, we’re pleased to promote breast cancer awareness by planting pink flowers in containers outside our office doors. These containers are maintained each season by Julie Kaduce, our customer service representative, who has been a member of the Swaledale gardening club for the past five years.
“What I enjoy most about belonging to a garden club is visiting with people who have similar interests,” says Julie. “Gardeners tend to be curious and have creative thoughts. I learn something new or discover a new appreciation for something each time I attend a meeting or an outing or help with a club project.”
Julie’s appreciation for gardening stems from the time spent as a child with her mom in Iowa, her grandmother in southeast Nebraska and her aunts in Minnesota.
“We moved around when I was growing up because my dad is a pastor and was called to other churches. My mom always managed to make each new place more beautiful than when we first arrived by planting flowers,” says Julie. “We always had big vegetable garden, too. My younger brothers and I learned how to plant seeds and how to harvest what was ready. We learned how to cook what was raised and how to preserve it for the winter months—it all tasted so good!”
Although Julie loves eating fresh vegetables, she prefers to grow flowers. Time is committed differently when raising, tending to, harvesting, and preserving produce. Instead she joined a local CSA (community supported ag) to provide her with garden-fresh produce, which frees up her time for taking care of flowers.
“When I’m taking care of the plants, the rest of the world disappears. My eyes and thoughts are totally focused on what’s before me,” says Julie. “I just like to have fun and allow others to enjoy our pretty corner of the world. My husband and I enjoy caring for the trees and bushes we have planted over the years, as well as for the flower beds and containers we put together each year.”
To promote a passion for pink, plant pink flowers and share photos via social media using the hashtag #plantitpink.
