In every part of this world flowers provide a common language, one that all people understand. Eye-catching colors and captivating fragrances speak in their beautiful natural expressions to birth, love, marriage, illness, happiness, even death, and those all too often times we need to say, “I’m sorry.” What would life be like without flowers?

June 24th 1934, a group of 20 women and one man with a common interest in flowers and gardening organized the Des Moines Garden Club. Although men are more often identified with mowing lawns and trimming brush, they appreciate flowers too.

One of the well-proven ways to favorably impress a lady is bring her flowers. You may not get out of the doghouse with flowers, yet you’ll surely move up a notch on love’s ladder.

“One Hundred Years of the Waterland Community” history book reads, “The object of the Garden Club has always been to create a wider knowledge of flowers, to increase and stimulate a general interest in gardening; to bring cheer to those who are unable to grow flowers, to organize exhibits that shall be educational and inspirational and foster any beautification movement that shall be approved by membership.”

Some early meeting minutes show the garden club’s interest in beautifying this city. In 1939 they voted to send a letter to a man about tethering his goats so they wouldn’t eat the leaves and bark off the trees along Des Moines Way, (now Marine View Drive)

As of June 21st, 78 years later, the garden club is still up and running. Sometimes I wonder if the club is one of Des Moines best kept secrets, given there is little publicity or recognition of them.

So, here’s a birds-eye view of activity from Shirley Baker, Des Moines Garden Club vice president, who was recently presented with the “Best in Show” awards for her two floral craft displays.

“I hope all of you are fortunate enough to know a true gardener, you know, one of those people who can put seed in the dirt and in a matter of time share with others the flowers and fruit that grew from a seed. They seem to have the “magic touch” in choosing and growing plants that look good together, and seem to have a “secret source” for those plants you just don’t find at the big nurseries, Baker said.

“If you don’t already know such a gardener, or wish you were such a gardener, I can point you in the right direction: The Des Moines Garden Club. Our local club was organized in 1934, and is affiliated with regional and state clubs that form The National Garden Club, the largest volunteer gardening organization in the world. These garden clubs are dedicated to horticulture education, scholarships, preservation and cultivation.”

Shirley Baker is a fascinating story in herself, and just the kind of lady who loves to make beautiful gardens her work of art for everyone to enjoy. In the spring and summer from sunrise to sunset she is outside with shovel in hand digging, planting, and designing amazing gardens in a bevy of terrific colors and flowering fragrances with vegetables nearby.

She is a gourmet cook of high skills and delightful hostess. Whether it’s dinner or High Tea, you can be sure the event is elegant and food delicious.

Together with her husband, Roger Baker, now retired Des Moines Chief of Police, the Bakers are owners and active partners of their successful company, “The Business of Policing,” that works with law enforcement and public safety agencies to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. Shirley is an officially inactive California attorney. She also worked with King County helping identify historical structures.

Prospects are great for the club’s future, largely due to the dedicated volunteers who give their time and talent to this community’s gardens and flower beautification.

Members meet monthly, at Grace Lutheran Church (24th Avenue South and Kent/Des Moines Road) to enjoy presentations regarding floral design and gardening. They have lunch and delight in the friendship of fellow “plant people.”

Ciscoe Morris, the charming television gardener, was an honored guest at one of the meetings and the club frequently has other expert speakers.

If you share these interests and would like to attend a meeting you would be welcome, just call Joan Younkin at 206-241-1070.

Meantime, here are some events you won’t want to miss if you’re in the mood for flowers, gardening and expert suggestions. The club is hosting a free admission two-day special flower show event on May 4th, 4-6 p.m. and May 5th, 10 a.m.-3pm, at the Des Moines Library, 21620 11th Ave. S.

Sales profits from all events are donated to local schools for educational purpose and student assistance.

Following that is the historic and very popular hosted annual plant sale May 11 and 12th, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. The sale will be held inside the Normandy Park Towne Center, 19901 1st Ave S. Do you suppose this could be one of their secret sources for special plants?

If love makes the world go-round, flowers must be close behind.

Today’s Thought: Put yourself first in high priority with the wind at your back and a smile on your face -- it’s a windy, wacky world.