Sergio Torres, Sebastian Pujols and Bobby Santarosa. Not pictured John Stines.

According to the “Fillmore Herald” Newspaper, published December 28, 1923, a new garden club was organized that would function as a County wide garden club. The mission would be, “to promote interest in the subject of gardening and to foster community beautification through district projects.”

This Ventura County Garden Club has continued to function and serve out its purpose by providing labor, funds or items each year to the communities represented by its membership. These communities include Fillmore, Santa Paula, Ventura, Oak View, Ojai, Camarillo, Oxnard and Somis in rotation. This time Fillmore is the recipient of $200 + dollars and Teresa Reese, vice president for the club’s 2015-2016 term chose to purchase plants for a butterfly garden at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley-Fillmore site on First Street and a smaller project at the One Step A La Vez location.

Three different types of lavender, celosia, rosemary, alyssum and native milkweed have been planted with the boys providing the labor.

Vision 2020, Civic Pride Committee contributed $25 to purchase rails for completing a bench that was donated by Teresa Reese, so the young people could have a place to sit and enjoy their garden. “We are fortunate to have the support of so many groups and citizens in the community. Thank you to the Ventura County Garden Club for the wonderful donation. The children were excited to help with the planting.” stated Ari Larson, board president of the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley (serving the cities of Fillmore, Piru and Santa Paula). For more information on the Ventura County Garden Club and/or the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley please call Linda Nunes at 805.302.7527 and 805.525.7910 respectively.