The Little Garden Club Commissions Iris Sculpture for Medical Center
In honor of its 72nd year, The Little Garden Club, a longstanding partner of MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland, commissioned an art sculpture for the expansion at the Medical Center. James Ardis, a local Midland artist, created The Little Garden Irises, which is located in the landscaping just outside of the Medical Center’s Hospital Entrance.
“Club members consider this garden a gift to us, which will preserve memories of many friends who planted and tended numerous gardens on the campus of MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland over the years,” said Mary Reif, president of The Little Garden Club. “The Little Garden Club appreciates co-chairmen of the project Rhea Currie and Kathy Clary. We are grateful for their time and efforts spent toward this project.”
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| Members of the Little Garden Club dedicate an Iris sculpture to MidMichigan Medical Center - Midland. (l to r): Pat Smith, Jackie Amos, Ann Adam, Club President Mary Reif, Christine Lane, Lucia Briggs, Sue Schiewe, Julie Hays, Kathy Clary, Rhea Currie, Elaine Crewes, Jan Young, Scottie Cross and Yoshie Ziarno. Medical Center representatives standing in back are (l to r) Mike Erickson, vice president, Chuck Wakeman, supervisor of Landscape Services and Greg Rogers, president. |
The Little Garden Club was founded in 1940 and began service to the Medical Center in 1955. At that time, the Club planted three gardens in the center courtyard, outside the current Rehabilitation Services Department, which they continue to maintain today.
“The partnership between The Little Garden Club and MidMichigan truly reflects the growth both the Club and the Medical Center have seen throughout the years,” said Donna Rapp, senior vice president and secretary for MidMichigan Health. “The generosity of the Club and its members has been tremendous. We are ever grateful for their time, talents and dedication for beautifying our campus at the Medical Center.”
The Little Garden Club has 28 members with various projects throughout the city of Midland, including garden therapy projects at Pinecrest Farms and Northeast Middle School. The Club also contributes to local senior centers, world gardening, the Salvation Army, Dahlia Hill, Chippewa Nature Center day camp scholarships for children and statewide student scholarships, some of which have helped support Midland scholars.
In 2010, The Little Garden Club received the Community of Midland Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art Organizational Volunteer Award for 30 years of flower arrangements at the Midland Center for the Arts. A member of District 6, The Little Garden Club also received first place awards for design display and design achievement in their division in 2011 and 2012.
MidMichigan’s gardens, Wellness Trails, Spiritual Care Center and Healing Arts Gallery offer patients and visitors an opportunity for quiet reflection. Those interested in more information on these areas may visit www.midmichigan.org/healingarts.
