The Four Flags Garden Club of Niles encourages interest in all phases of home gardening and promotes better horticultural practices, civic beauty and conservation of natural resources. The club marked its 45th anniversary March 29.

The club was organized on March 29, 1966 through the efforts of four women: Mrs. Irick, Mrs. James, Ms. R. Langendonk and Mrs. R. Tormey. The first regular meeting was held May 19, 1966. Eleven members voted to adopt the name “Four Flags Garden Club.”

Within a short time, the club became affiliated with the Federated Garden Clubs of Michigan, Inc. and the National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc., and was certified as a member on May 18, 1967.

Joanne Fintze was the first club president and held the position three times; she continues to be an active member.

Suzanne Beauchamp is the current president and has been an active member for six years.

Over its 45 years of establishment, club members have participated in hundreds of gardening and beautification projects in and around the Niles area, working with schools, the Berrien County Youth Fair and civic groups, among others.

The main project of the club centers on the Niles Historic Amtrak Depot, where members plant and care for the gardens.

In conjunction with the Four Flags Apple Festival each fall, club members meet incoming trains on the Saturday morning of the festival weekend, distributing apples, cookies and cider to arriving and departing passengers.

The clubs hosts Hometown Christmas the first Saturday of December at the train depot. Club members decorate the depot inside and out with fresh greenery. Refreshments are served, local dignitaries and Santa visit and a musical performance is held. The event ends with the lighting of the depot roof lights.

Over the years, various fundraising efforts have been undertaken by the club in order to raise funds for the various community projects the club supports. Its annual plant sale is held in May at Riverfront Park.

New members are welcome. For more information, call Elaine at 683-5292.