About the Guild

The Lakeside Garden Guild was organized in September of 1969 by a group of 14 women who got together monthly to share plants and information regarding when and how to grow plants lakeside. As there were no "viveros" at the time, the only way to acquire plants locally was to exchange plants and share cuttings. To this day, 30 to 40 Guild members meet monthly at a member’s home where a program is presented. The various topics include many aspects of gardening along with the design and preparation of flowers for arrangements.

In addition to hosting monthly meetings and the show, the Garden Guild published a Planting Calendar and Garden Guide specific for the Lakeside climate. The first edition was produced in 1979 with subsequent editions in 1989, 2001, 2004 and 2014.

Community Project

Our passionate Guild has turned our shared love of flowers and nature into a powerful force for community improvement. Using the proceeds from our annual flower show—a beloved local event—we have funded a wide array of meaningful community projects over the years. Our efforts have beautified and revitalized public spaces, supported education, and strengthened community pride. Our goal is to uplift and care for the community through our annual projects.

One of our ongoing efforts is a highly praised graffiti removal campaign in the town of Ajijic. With brushes, paint, and dedication in hand, volunteers regularly repaint walls, clean up defaced surfaces, and restore the town’s colorful charm. This project not only improves the visual appeal of the area but also encourages civic responsibility and discourages vandalism.

Flower Show

Celebrate the beauty of blooms and the spirit of community at the Annual Lakeside Garden Guild Flower Show! Presented by the talented members of the Guild, this vibrant event features an array of stunning floral creations, each lovingly designed and displayed in an elegant, party-style atmosphere. Guests are invited to stroll through breathtaking arrangements, enjoy light refreshments, and connect with fellow garden enthusiasts.

All proceeds support our yearly community project, helping us make a lasting impact—one flower at a time.

Officers

Jan Alswager

PRESIDENT

Susan Cole Bainbridge

VICE PRESIDENT

Janet Capetillo

Corresponding secretary

Janine Kirkland

TREASURER

Sue Williams

RECORDING SECRETARY

Bonnie Newman

PAST PRESIDENT (2023-2024)

History of the Garden Guild

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Est. 1969

Past Presidents

1968-1970 Babs Howlett 1970-1971 Fern Weisinger

1971-1972 Frances Carson 1972-1973 Helen Manwell

1973 (six months) Pauline Mitchel 1974-1975 Betty Matthews

1975-1976 Kathryn Berry 1976-1977 Josephine Perry

1977-1978 Edith Scatens 1978-1979 Pepa Rewinkel

1979-1980 Sybil Grouix 1980-1981 Frances Thompson

1982-1983 Ruth Anderson 1982-1983 Rita Cohen

1983-1984 Ruth Netherton 1984-1984 Lori Asper

1985 (six months) Margaret Newberry 1985-1986 Ruth Netherton

1986-1987 Jo Deer 1987-1988 Jean Williams

1988-1989 Ann Canty 1989-1990 Billie Erickson

1990-1991 Muriel Moore 1991-1992 Elise Brewer

1992-1993 Betty Prather 1993-1994 Nancy Price

1994-1995 Mary Prud’Homme 1995-1996 Maile Bowles

1996-1997 Deborah Greenfield 1997-1998 Becky Arthur

1998-1999 Suzanne Rowe 1999-2001 Ann Gill

2001-2002 Ann Deans 2003-2004 Margaret Putnam

2005-2006 Mary Payne 2006-2007 Donna Carnell

2007-2008 Marilyn Bowra 2009-2009 Averil Miller

2009-2011 Joyce McNiven 2011-2012 Mart Bragg

2012-2013 Stacy Girton 2013-2014 Barbara Sherritt

2014-2015 Averial Miller 2015-2017 Bonnie Newman

2017-2019 Georgia Barneburg 2019-2020 Joyce McNiven

2020-2021 Sue Williams 2021-2022 Sue Williams & Allegra Willis

2022-2023 Allegra Willis 2023-2024 Bonnie Newman

2025–present Jan Alswager