The Newman/Gustine Garden Club is getting ready to sow a little creativity and harvest a lot of charm at its annual Garden of Tables event, set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Al Goman Community Center in Gustine.
Now in its seventh year, the event invites guests to step into a whimsical indoor garden where each table is its own themed oasis—ranging from holidays and seasons to sports, books and childhood nostalgia. Club President Pat Rocha said the idea sprouted after she attended a similar event hosted by Our Lady of Miracles, which eventually came to an end.
“It seemed a natural idea for our club,” Rocha said.
Each hostess selects a theme and decorates her table accordingly, then invites guests to join her for the festivities. As of press time, three seats remained available for those hoping to join the party. Rocha said the creativity on display is always impressive.
“Everyone is so creative in what they do with the table settings,” she said.
The event was originally held in the upstairs room at Pea Soup Anderson’s, but the logistics of hauling decorations up the stairs proved challenging. The club later struck a deal with the City of Gustine: in exchange for providing landscaping outside the Al Goman Center, they could use the facility for their event. The move also allowed the club to expand from 12 tables to 20.
Proceeds from the Garden of Tables help fund the club’s special projects. This year, members are in early talks with the City of Newman about contributing to a nature walk currently under development.
“Nothing is concrete yet,” Rocha said, “but we are talking with them to see if there is something special they may want out there.”
The Newman/Gustine Garden Club meets the third Wednesday of each month, except June through August. Meetings are held at 11 a.m., typically at Perry’s Pizza, and feature guest speakers on topics ranging from vegetable gardening to tree care. Annual dues are $20. The club also organizes field trips, including a popular visit to a lavender farm.
For tickets to the Garden of Tables event or more information about joining, contact Pat Rocha at (209) 761-6890.
