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Every time I drive by the water tower on Scales Street in Reidsville, I want to stop and wander through the rose garden planted next to it.

Peering out my car window, I can see the pinks fade into yellows and yellows into reds.  I can practically smell the riot of blooms.

For years I had read on the sign that it was sponsored by the Reidsville Men’s Garden Club. Last week, I decided to find out more about these men who have chosen to work their green thumbs to the bone to share this beauty with all of us.

Spencer Richmond is the treasurer of the group and one of the main keepers of the rose garden.

Richmond made a promise to Sam Fairchild, co-founder of the club, before Fairchild  passed away in 2003 that he would look after it. He strikes me as a man who keeps his promises.

Richmond retired from American Tobacco in 1994 and is one of the busiest retirees I’ve ever met.  Not only is he a member of the Men’s Garden Club, he’s also a member of the Lion’s Club, on the board for Habitat for Humanity, a deacon at First Baptist Church, and a member of the Baptist Men.

Yet he still finds time to raise a large vegetable garden, tend the flowers in his yard, and prune, spray and deadhead the roses. 

Richmond’s beloved wife, Velma, passed away two years ago.

“I could fix the washer and dryer but I didn’t know how to wash clothes,” Richmond said. “I’ve learned to use the stove.  And a neighbor told me how to clean the bedroom—close the door.”

The couple gardened together, often working side by side in the Memorial Rose Garden.

The Women’s Garden Club named its memorial garden Velma’s Garden. Behind the club’s building on Pennrose, Velma’s Garden is a lovely place to enjoy a bit of solitude.

The Men’s Garden Club was formed in 1961 by Fairchild, who held a B.S. in botany and operated Fairchild Nursery, and by Charlie Talley, the gardener at Chinqua Penn.

At the time, there were nine women’s garden clubs in Reidsville and none for men.  Initially the men did not even allow women to attend meetings, but they have relaxed that rule over the years.   

The focus of the club is on ornamental plants. One of the main projects the club undertakes is a “Yard of the Month” from April through September each year. Reidsville is divided into nine districts, and members drive the streets checking out lawns, looking for a winner in each of the districts.

In addition to the nine districts, one award goes to a commercial property.

Photographs of the winners are published in the News & Record. The Yard of the Month awards are one way the club promotes community and civic improvement.

The club also sponsors an annual scholarship for Rockingham County students who want to study horticulture. Applications can be obtained at the club’s Web site. The club earns money to fund the scholarship by holding a plant sale each spring. 

Meetings are held the fourth Monday of each month from January through October at the Women’s Garden Club at 1711 Pennrose Drive. They include speakers and programs pertaining to horticulture.

Several times a year, the club has social events including a hamburger supper, a steak supper and ice cream socials.

In November, the group has an awards night at Pennrose Country Club that includes dinner and entertainment. In addition to the Sam Fairchild Award for members, these days, they even give a Woman of the Year Award. 

Joni Carter lives in the Bethany community. Contact her at writetojonicarter@gmail.com