🎧 Weld Said | Episode 6 | Greeley Garden Club Leaders Talk 70 Years of Growing for Community

When people talk about growth in Greeley, they usually mean new buildings, big projects, and development.But there’s another kind of growth happening here too.In this episode of Weld Said, Mary sits down with Mary Fagerberg - one of the founding members of the Greeley Morning Garden Club - and current president Deb Martinez to talk about nearly 70 years of tending gardens, building community, and showing up for the city in a quieter way.At 99 years old, Mary Fagerberg is still connected to the work she helped begin in 1956. Her efforts are a reminder that some of the most meaningful contributions to a community don’t come quickly, and don’t stop after a season.Together, they share stories of the gardens they care for, the people they’ve impacted, and why growing things (literally) still matters.🌸 Upcoming Events🌿 Plant & Bake Sale📅 May 9, 2026🕗 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM📍 Sanborn Park, GreeleyA longtime community favorite, this annual sale features vegetables, annuals, perennials, and—new this year—native plants to support water-conscious gardening. Proceeds fund local garden projects and community beautification efforts.🌷 Greeley Garden Tour📅 June 20, 2026🕗 8:00 AM – 2:00 PMTour five private gardens across Greeley and see the creativity and care happening in backyards and neighborhoods throughout the city. Tickets are $15 and available online and at select local businesses.🔗 http://greeleygardenclub.com🌿 Did You Know? The work of the Greeley Morning Garden Club can be seen throughout Greeley and Evans, in spaces both visible and quietly tucked into neighborhoods.Some of the gardens they help care for include:* Centennial Library Circle Garden* Pearl Usher’s Memorial Garden at Madison STEAM Academy* Anna Stead Memorial Garden in Evans (Southmore Park)* Linn Grove Cemetery gardens, including the estuary, Soldier Field star, and Mary’s Garden* Guadalupe Community Center vegetable garden, where food is grown for community useThey’ve also supported gardening efforts across the city through grants, tools, and partnerships - helping others start and sustain their own growing spaces.🌱 Why It MattersThere’s a version of Greeley that gets talked about all the time—growth, development, what’s coming next.And then there’s the version that’s already here.The one held together by people who show up without recognition. Who plant, weed, water, and care for spaces most of us pass by without thinking twice.For decades, much of that work has been carried by women like Mary Fagerberg and the members of the Greeley Morning Garden Clubn- quietly shaping the look and feel of this city.They are part of the heart of Greeley.And like many things that matter, their work doesn’t continue on its own.It needs new hands. New energy. A new generation willing to step in, learn it, and carry it forward. If you’re interested in learning more about the club, visit the website and show up for the next meeting or event! 🌱 Photo Gallery from 70th AnniversaryWe didn’t get our episode out in time for the 70th Anniversary Party, but we’re sharing a few photos here from the event. The first photo is Fagerberg from many years ago. Second photo includes our guests Mary and Deb. The rest are a few of the items that were on display at the celebration. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit greeleyfreepress.substack.com