As a child growing up in Franklin, I always considered the Clock Tower Square and Rankin Square a part of downtown Franklin. What I did not know and discovered was the Franklin Garden Club had been a part of the town since 1928. The club was disbanded briefly only between 1945 and 1949, due to World War II.
Promoting greater interest in gardening, conservation, and beautification, as well as improvement of private and public property, remains the primary mission. Areas maintained have changed over the years, but Clock Tower Square and Rankin Square are still main focuses of the club.
Currently, 47 members, including Garden Patrons who donate but are not able to actively work in the gardens, make up the club. Membership dues are $25 annually, and our fiscal year runs from July through June. Our monthly workshops help educate the members and provide continuous learning possibilities.
Beautification with safety in mind
We have taken on projects this past fiscal year to address issues neglected for years. We are now taking on trimming and removal of trees, moving and replanting of gardens, and adding fairy lighting throughout gardens to enhance the night ambiance and provide some safety in the dark areas.
The oak tree situated on the corner of Stewart and Phillips streets became unhealthy. The large root system was pushing up the walkway inside the Clock Tower. Also, under the sidewalk facing Stewart Street, the roots were encroaching the water lines underneath the street. We spoke with several people in attempts to save the tree, but due to the tree’s age and the danger it posed, it had to be removed.
Three large crepe myrtles facing Main Street also had to be removed. Their canopies had gotten too tall and were in violation of the fire code. Should a fire break out in the area, these trees would throw embers onto the nearby buildings’ roofs. The club is in the process of working with the County Extension Agent and local nurseries regarding replacements that would enhance those areas.
Three concrete tables and benches were added for people to sit and enjoy our gardens while eating or watching an event downtown.
With increased funding from the Town of Franklin, we built new planters along Main Street, adding plants in them for each merchant. We also oversaw the planting of the “Welcome” signs at the 441 bypass and Highlands Road entrances to Franklin. The median at the bottom of Town Hill, owned by the State of North Carolina, was not being maintained. The club cleaned that area up and is working to make it as maintenance free as possible.
Projects for 2025 include the painting of fences around Rankin Square and Clock Tower Square; these fences had become rusty and worn due to lack of maintenance. Our little shed in Rankin Square is in bad shape, and we need to replace rotting wood and give it a new stain coat.
One of the most important projects that the club spearheaded recently was the repair of the Clock Tower. It, too, was showing years of neglect. The County Commissioners approved a bid in their Jan. 14 meeting for repairs. We were excited to see the Tower freshened up, as it is one of the most iconic visual anchors in downtown Franklin.
Our big event and only fundraiser in 2025 is our annual plant sale. It will be held on Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., in Rankin Square. Sales of plants supplement funding from the Town of Franklin and Macon County, and the event allows us to purchase supplies throughout the year and to fund projects.
Our gardens offer meaningful experiences that shape us, nurture our spirits, and teach us valuable life lessons, as well as build a lifetime of relationships.
Follow us on Facebook at Franklin NC Garden Club for updates on projects and meetings. We welcome both full and part-time residents to join our club. For more information, or to learn how to become a member, [email protected].