NORTHVILLIAN
April Showers this past week have enabled our yards, greenspaces and parks around the Northville community to see the advent of daffodils, crocus, tulips, trillium, violets and other flowers, bringing bright Spring colors to our town. Northville is gearing up for a plethora of spring flowers that will bless our gardens in our “Hamlet in the Hills.”
The Garden Clubs and the Beautification TEAMS are planning to share their time and talents on floral displays around town at places such as the Mill Race Village, the Downs River Park, the City Park behind City Hall and at the Log Cabin welcome center, along with other community parks.
We just had the Tigers’ glorious opening day victory on Friday, and with that, our Chamber is gearing up for their own Opening Day for their Farmers’ Market on May 7th. Also, as part of our Memorial Day celebrations, the Chamber will sponsor their annual Flower Sale downtown (5/23-24). Because Spring has Sprung, this week I will highlight the Garden Clubs & the Beautification Commission efforts through time.
Activities going on in town today:
TASK FORCE MEETINGS
- Cemetery Renewal Task Force – 4/13/26, 7PM City Hall (Dave Marold – Chair)
- Bicentennial Task Force Mtg – 5/6/26, 7PM City Hall (Rick Sharpe – Chair)
HISTORIC GARDEN CLUBS & BEAUTIFCATION EFFORTS IN NORTHVILLE …
I was fortunate to grow up in one of Northville’s Better Home and Gardens houses, which was the old Eaton House in Orchard Heights on Eaton Drive. I am still on that street today, with the largest tree in the City (191 inches around – 16 Feet) in front of our home. Growing up, I would plant close to 500 dahlias yearly in the floral gardens, along with keeping up the fruit trees and the vegetable gardens around my folks’ home (Gardening is part of my early DNA).
Northville Garden Club
1936 – The Northville Garden Club Branch of the Michigan Division of the National Farm & Garden Association (started in 1914) first met in town on May 25, 1936 at the New School Church (now in the Mill Race Village). The branch was sponsored by Mrs. Henry (Clara Bryant) Ford (National President 1927-1934). The Ford family had relatives in town and in the 1880’s they honeymooned here. Later, they also brought friends here including the Vagabonds Group of Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone & John Burroughs to show off Northville’s beauty.
- Historically, the Garden Club provided academic scholarships funded by flower shows.
- In 1998, the branch name was changed to the Northville Garden Club, and today they are gearing up for their participation in our Bicentennial Celebration in 2027.
Country Garden Club of Northville
The Northville Country Garden branch of the Woman’s National Farm & Garden Association was established in 1977. The group has historically been dedicated to community improvement through service, conservation, and education.
- Every summer they host their annual Garden Walk. Proceeds from the event provide college scholarships to local high school students and support environmental causes.
- Members of the Club maintain beautiful gardens in many public spaces in Northville.
Beautification Commission
- The Northville Beautification Commission was established in 1967 and has served the City faithfully since that time.
- The Commission encourages the planting and preservation of trees, flowers, and shrubbery to improve the visual aesthetics of Northville. They also participate in educational programs, encourage active support of the community, and have reviewed construction projects and proposals on occasion.
Our Trees Are Part of our Beauty, Too
As we celebrate Earth & Arbor Day in weeks to come, we will recognize our Sustainability Team. Notably, this year has been a big year for TREES (1400 trees were added in the award-winning Downs River Park). Trees tremendously enhance the beauty and charm of Northville, along with all our colorful flowers. Historically we have had many State and National Tree Champions. Here are just a few of the recent “Tree Achievements”:
- Established the Northville Tree Champions to focus on the care and enrichment of our TREE Canopy. (40+ members that augment the work of the Garden & Beautification Team).
- Thanks in part to their efforts, the City of Northville is a Tree City USA – 5 years running.
- The Northville Tree Champions sponsor the Spring Blossoming Tree Contest, where you can Email a photo of your favorite blossoming tree – more details in the coming weeks.
You can see with our topography of hills, water, and greenspaces, we have a deep appreciation for our natural surroundings. The flowers, vegetation, and sustainability of this community over the years have been a high priority. Our Garden Club groups and the Beautification Commission have long played a big part in supporting Northville’s natural splendor.
Thank you for all you do to keep Northville GREEN and our waters BLUE. As our Bicentennial approaches, let’s keep our community engaged in gardening activities for both today and for the tomorrows to come.
Keep that Northville Gardening Faith!
Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville