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Martha Stewart Opens Up About Garden Club Exclusion
Martha Stewart, the renowned lifestyle expert, recently shared her feelings regarding not being invited to her local garden club, expressing a desire to be more included in the community.
In a candid interview with NPR’s “Morning Edition”, the 83-year-old revealed that, despite her extensive experience in gardening, she received no invitation to join the group. “I had to work to get into a garden club,” she shared, reflecting on her 20-plus years of living in Maine without being asked to participate. “Even though I let people come for garden tours to see my gardens, I was never invited to the garden club.”
Stewart’s Journey into Gardening
She expressed surprise at her prior exclusion, ultimately feeling that perhaps the club thought she was too busy to join. “They asked me for a garden tour and I said, ‘You know, I’d love to belong to the garden club.’ And so then I got an invitation,” she noted, indicating that her status as a public figure might have inadvertently created a barrier. “I think it’s less about being intimidated by me, just thinking maybe Martha doesn’t have time to be a member of the garden club.”
During the interview, she opened up about the emotional impact of being left out: “I just — it kind of hurt my feelings that I wasn’t considered one of the girls,” she remarked, emphasizing her desire to connect with the women in her town who are part of the club.
Gardening as a Lifelong Passion
Stewart’s affinity for gardening traces back to her childhood, when she first began gardening with her father. As she promoted her 101st book, she reiterated how gardening has been a source of joy throughout her life.
When the topic of competition among gardeners arose, she insisted that gardening clubs do not have to evoke a sense of rivalry. “You don’t have to show off your plants,” she explained. Although she acknowledged that she could easily win awards with her plants, she prefers to enjoy the hobby for its own sake. “I would love to take all the prizes. But I think gardening is such a joy,” she added.
Additionally, Stewart shared some practical advice for gardeners dealing with pests, suggesting, “Get a dog. They chase the squirrels away from everything. It’s so funny.”
Reflections on Past Experiences
Stewart has made significant investments in her Maine property, Skylands, which she purchased in 1997 and has since expanded by acquiring a neighboring estate. In a blog post, she described it as a serene retreat filled with numerous activities, including hiking and exploring local gardens, further showcasing her deep-rooted passion for gardening and connection to nature.
In addition to her Maine estate, Martha Stewart maintains an apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and a residence in Katonah, north of New York City, highlighting her diverse lifestyle and commitments.
As Stewart continues to be a prominent figure in gardening and lifestyle, her recent reflections on inclusion in local clubs resonate with many who appreciate the joy of shared interests and community bonds.
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