Indian Hill Garden Club: Where Decades of Friendships Have Bloomed

By Mary Casey-Sturk

In 1921, one lovely spring day, Mrs. Sattler invited some of her neighbors to have tea and discuss the idea of a Garden Club. The guests were Mrs. C. Bart Chapman, Mrs. S. Crawford, Mrs. Otis Cameron, Miss Marion Harrop, Mrs. John Powers, Sr., Mrs. J. Price Osborne, Mrs. S. Flinn and Mrs. Grace Seelye Groesbeck.*

In 2025, one lovely spring day, this writer had the pleasure of meeting current members of the Indian Hill Country Club and learned more about this historic club.

From its founding in 1921, the Indian Hill Garden Club has been cultivating vegetables, fruits, flowers and friendships. Currently, it has over 120 members (including voting members). In 1922, it was decided that it would start a Country Market where they could sell their surplus fruits and vegetables. With a small building near the intersection of Drake Road and Indian Hill Road, the Market was born.

The public was not long in recognizing the excellence of the produce and the market soon became a mecca for people driving out from town as well as for “The Hill” residents. The market was an assured success.*

Then and now, the Market is recognized for its produce, baked goods, preserves and other gastronomical delights! All members participate in the Country Market and through the years funds raised at the Market are used for the beautification of Indian Hill.

This event draws many from the Village as well as surrounding communities, the Club emphasizes that all are welcome. Some savvy shoppers know to arrive early for perennial favorites and even plan their meals around the bounty.

Indian Hill Garden Club member, Megan Joy, shared why she enjoys the Market, “I love Country Market because the air hums with the nostalgic charm of simpler days.  It’s a fleeting, precious throwback in time, where community spirit and the warmth of tradition weave neighbors and friends together.” Adding, “I’m giving away my secrets, but run-don’t-walk to the baked goods table for Shannon Miller’s lavender shortbread with mint icing, Rhys Hilton’s Greek salad dressing made from her yaya’s secret recipe and anything put up from Hayfield Orchards.”

This Year’s Market

“One morning each year, our Indian Hill Garden Club invites everyone in the Village, along w/ their friends and neighbors and others, to enjoy the display of their many talents and support the efforts of our INDIAN HILL GARDEN CLUB in the beautification and forestation of the Village of Indian Hill.” Shares member Susan Gibbs.

This year the Market will be held on Saturday, September 13^th from 11 a.m.-3 pm. At Indian Hill Church (6000 Drake Road). Local vendors, live music, crafts and activities for kids, the popular raffle and wine pull (for those feeling lucky), food and drink and Perch Farm will be back with its Petting Zoo including everyone’s favorite fluffball-the alpaca!

The Country Market this year is chaired by Leigh Anne Meurer and Nicco Conn. It’s more than an event, it’s a celebration of nature’s bounty, community spirit and local talent.

Giving Back

As part of their mission, the Indian Hill Garden Club is devoted to the beautification of Indian Hill public land. Funds raised from the Market make a significant impact on its projects which include reforestation and eradication of invasive species.

Reforestation improves forest health. By planting the right species, reforestation helps make woodland areas more resilient to future challenges and attracts and supports a diversity of wildlife.  As trees grow and consume air, they also remove harmful pollutants from the air. Reforestation helps re-establish forest cover and improves our “natural air filter.”

Where Friendships Bloom

“This is the most dynamic, creative and collaborative group of women.” Shares Megan Joy, “The Indian Hill Garden Club meetings are a boundless source of information.  While you learn about such backyard issues as eradicating invasive plants and dealing with the clay content in the soil, members are also offered an education in such various topics as practicing mindfulness in nature, how to forage for morel mushrooms and ways to reduce food waste.”

Susan Gibbs shares, “Indian Hill Garden Club is a group of those who KNOW and those who WANT TO KNOW how to grow! The exchange is bonding.”

*Report at Meeting of Indian Hill Garden Club, March 13, 1989