Rural Acres Garden Club celebrates 50 years
The Waco Rural Acres Garden Club was established in the fall of 1974. There were 16 charter members. Agnes Sugg served as its first president. Doris Bowling and Sherry Hester Holland are the only two of the 16 charter members still living.
Waco is a small community and most of the garden club members are related to each other. They are dedicated to making their community noted for its beautiful flowers, vegetable gardens and other contributions.
Rural Acres Garden Club has been affiliated with the Garden Clubs of Alabama, Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs, Inc, and the National Garden Club of America, Inc. for 50 years.
Frances Bowling, Elizabeth Daniel, Carol Glass, Betty Moore, Ann Richeson and Elizabeth Daniel are State Lifetime Members of the Garden Clubs of Alabama, Inc.
To commemorate the Golden Celebration of the Rural Acres Garden Club, members planted a flowering cherry tree in the Cherry Hill Baptist Cemetery.
Betty Moore serves as club historian. Club members enjoy scrolling through the scrapbook and reminiscing about the fun times they have had together.
Elizabeth Daniel plants a cherry tree at Cherry Hill church cemetery for Rural Acres Garden Club.
PHOTO BY SUSIE HOVATER MALONE
Through the years, the garden club members have supported many activities, including the Franklin County Fair by participating in the Jaycees Fair Booth, where they won several awards for their booths.
They have also conducted flower sales for fundraisers; planted trees at the Franklin County Archives; planted trees at cemeteries in memory of families and local leaders; participated in litter pickups and taken other beautification steps for the Waco community; and entered the Woodsy Owl contest.
Elizabeth Daniel shared her enthusiasm for being a member of the garden club.
“I have learned so much about gardening and flowers from Ann Richeson. Ann was so knowledgeable and a wonderful inspiration to me.”
According to medical studies, gardeners live longer because they are active, have better circulation, lower blood pressure, less stress, and improved physical and mental health. Gardening offers a chance to connect with nature and provides a sense of accomplishment and positive selfesteem.
Flower and vegetable gardens in rural areas also offer a multitude of benefits, which include increased food security, enhanced environmental health and improved community well-being.
