Martha Stewart Reflects on Snub from Local Garden Club

Martha Stewart Reflects on Snub from Local Garden Club

Martha Stewart, the iconic lifestyle guru known for her home and garden expertise, recently expressed her dismay over not being invited to her local garden club. At 83 years old, Stewart revealed her feelings during an interview with NPR’s Morning Edition, describing a sense of exclusion from a community she highly values.

Seeking Belonging in Her Hometown

In the candid interview, Stewart shared, “I had to work to get into a garden club.” She recounted that despite her long history in the gardening community, she never received an invitation to join the local club in Maine, where she has owned a home for over 20 years. “Even though I let people come for garden tours to see my gardens, I was never invited to the garden club,” she lamented.

Initially, Stewart was unsure why her membership had been overlooked. However, a recent shift occurred when club members finally requested a tour of her garden. This pivotal moment led to her receiving an invitation to the club. “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,” she reflected. Her statement highlighted the commitment needed to participate in such community activities.

Feelings of Exclusion

During the interview, host Michel Martin remarked that the club should have considered inviting Stewart earlier. The lifestyle mogul responded, “Well, of course they should’ve. But I’m not ‘you know what’ about it.” Ultimately, Stewart candidly admitted, “It kind of hurt my feelings that I wasn’t considered one of the girls.” This sentiment resonated with many who understand the importance of community and belonging.

Stewart, who recently released her 101st book, reflected on her childhood connection with gardening. She began gardening at a remarkably young age, likely before she was even three years old, under the guidance of her father. This early exposure laid the foundation for her lifelong passion.

The Fear of Intimidation

The topic of intimidation arose when Martin mused that amateur gardeners might hesitate to engage with Stewart due to her prominence in the field. However, Stewart swiftly rejected this notion, advocating for inclusivity within gardening communities. “Gardening clubs don’t have to be competitive,” she asserted.

Stewart emphasized that gardening should be a source of joy rather than competition. “You don’t have to show off your plants,” she explained. Although she acknowledged that her entries would likely win many accolades, her focus is more on enjoying the gardening experience than on securing awards. “I love to go to the shows and see what people are doing,” she stated, showcasing her enthusiasm for community participation.

Humorous Gardening Tips

In her characteristic style, Stewart also shared practical advice for gardeners dealing with pesky squirrels. “Get a dog,” she suggested humorously. “They chase the squirrels away from everything. It’s so funny.” This lighthearted tip reflects her approachable personality, making her expertise relatable to everyday gardeners.

Unresolved Feelings About Past Snubs