100 Years and Growing

The Oak Harbor Garden Club turned 100 years old October 3, 2023

On October 3, 1923, a group of Oak Harbor women organized a civic improvement club. These pioneering women fought to protect a stand of native Garry oak trees which later became Smith Park, saving the trees for future generations. 

The Oak Harbor Garden Club’s mission is to develop a beautiful city through loving care of small areas. Work has already begun to celebrate the Club’s centennial. A group of volunteers has worked with the City of Oak Harbor and the Main Street Association and replanted the 25 large blue pots on Pioneer Way with fresh plants and each pot now has daffodil bulbs that will bloom in the spring. 

Garden Club Plants over 6000 daffodils throughout Oak Harbor to Celebrate 100th Anniversary

Oak Harbor Garden Club planted 6,850 daffodils bulbs all over town in October to celebrate its 100th anniversary taking place in 2023. Next spring everyone will see a cheerful burst of yellow flowers in our community. The city supplied 2000 bulbs to go in the blue pots along Pioneer Way and various parks, and the Club purchased an additional 5000 bulbs. One thousand bulbs have been donated by the Club to the Oak Harbor School district, 100 for each school. All schools are participating and the daffodil bulbs have been planted on their school grounds. 

More 100th year activities:  the Garden Club has a number of other events planned for the coming year to celebrate our 100th anniversary. 

· Participating in the Holland Happenings, St Patrick’s Day and Fourth of July   parades in Oak Harbor

· Hosting a Garden Tour & Tea of six beautiful gardens throughout Oak Harbor on   June 24, 2023

· Holding a community open house in Smith Park on September 30, 2023 to commemorate 100 years

· Partnering with Garry Oak Society and creating a native plant area in Smith   Park