The Quitman Garden Club geranium sale is back again for spring.

The seasonal fundraiser, which started Feb. 8, features just one southern favorite: red geraniums.

Plants are locally grown and sold in one-gallon containers for $7, a price unchanged since 2012.

“It’s a ‘feel good’ thing,” said Gwen Fleishman, club president. “It’s our only fundraiser and it’s for our charitable works. The geraniums are beautiful and when we deliver to someone, they are so excited.”

The tradition of selling red geraniums started decades ago to fund local projects, such as scholarships for Quitman High School students, aid to area volunteer fire departments, assistance to food pantries and upkeep of the Quitman Library gardens.

The pandemic prompted a pause on meetings, but the tradition of awarding scholarships continued. 

In many ways, the plants seem to sell themselves. Many businesses station the vivid red geraniums outside their establishments, helping generate sales from customers and passersby. 

The 2019 sale resulted in 2,029 plants sold…no small feat for a club that has about 45 members.

Jean Fox is the club’s top seller.

“In the eight or nine years my friend and I have sold geraniums, we have been greeted with big smiles by the businesses in both Quitman and Winnsboro,” Fox said. “They know they can expect big, beautiful plants for either their home or to brighten the outside of their businesses.”

The cheerful blooms are a sure bet to brighten someone’s day, organizers said, noting some people purchase extra plants and have them delivered as a surprise to someone special.

Deliveries will be made again this year to the Wesley House Assisted Living center, so staff can set up a colorful spring display for residents to enjoy.

Orders must be prepaid by March 22 and may be made through club members or by phone at 903-763-8353.

Local delivery by club members is April 5; pickup is set for the same day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Carroll Green Civic Center, 602 McAllister St.

by Jacque Hilburn-Simmons