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As Wulf says, "All four of these men believed that agriculture was the basis of the American economy and important for the country's independence from Europe." While all four were avid gardeners themselves and combined the useful with the beautiful at their estates, it was James Madison who was America's first environmentalist. Readers will likely be surprised to learn that American environmentalism has its roots in a speech Madison delivered in 1818 in which he condemns Americans for the destruction of the environment and deforestation.
Wulf's book, as well as her newly published "Invention of Nature," are available at Orinda Books.
The Montelindo Garden Club, whose mission is to support the love of gardening and nature by providing practical information about plants and to support civic gardening and conservation programs, meets on the third Friday of the month from September to May at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Orinda. Meetings start at 9 a.m. and are open to visitors.
"We are open to new members and welcome all who are interested," said club President Joan Reid. The club has 115 members, many from the Lamorinda area, but also from as far as Oakland and San Ramon.
The club often features guest speakers such as Wulf, hosts plant sales, garden tours, and participates in civic beautification. It's a place to learn more about gardening and nature topics as well as enjoy social activities. For more information, visit their website: www.montelindogarden.com.
Other Local Garden Clubs:
Lafayette Garden Club
Meets Second Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m.
Veteran's Memorial Bldg., Lafayette
www.lafayettegardenclub.com
Moraga Garden Club
Meets third Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m.
Holy Trinity Cultural Center, Moraga
www.moragacitizensnetwork.org
Orinda Garden Club
Meets third Thursday of the month at 10 a.m.
Orinda Country Club
www.orindagc.org
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA