Soroptmist Garden Gala returns to full clubhouse

By Matthew Nash • March 20, 2024 1:30 am

After a few virtual shows in recent years, avid and novice gardeners alike returned last weekend to pack the Sequim Boys & Girls Club for the 25th-annual Soroptimist Gala Garden Show.

The event, started in 1999 by Soroptimist International of Sequim, brought together 30-plus vendors, several speakers and other goodies centered around gardening for two days, March 16-17.

Veteran gardeners led topics on an array of topics, including berries, vegetables, pruning, and providing information for newcomers.

One visitor, Michelle Cox of Sequim, said she’s new to the area from Colorado and attended to learn more about what will grow in Sequim’s climate.

Vendor David Rogers with Maddie’s Mushrooms from Joyce said it was his first time at the show and he was having a great time and response on Saturday.

Soroptimist organizers said the show’s proceeds are given back to the community through scholarships (Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award) and contributions to local organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Sequim Food Bank and others.

The club also continues to offer a medical loan closet by appointment, just leave a message at 360-504-0231.

Read more about the Soroptimist International of Sequim at sisequim.org and the show at sequimgardenshow.com.

Sequim Gazette photos by Matthew Nash Master Gardener Keith Dekker shares some pruning and planting tips alongside some helpful visual aids, such as planting away from power lines due to safety hazards and because public utility agencies have the right to cut trees away from lines.

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ David Rogers with Maddie’s Mushrooms from the Joyce area speaks to visitors of the Soroptimist Gala Garden Show on March 16 inside the Sequim Boys & Girls Club. He said it was his first time at the show and was having a great time and response.

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Sharon O’Reilly of Sequim purchases some air plants from Rick Owens’ Owens Garden Air Plants from Monroe at the Soroptimist Gala Garden Show. O’Reilly said she likes air plants because, “for me, they live.”