Civic Gardens
Our Club has designed and developed this collection of gardens throughout the town of Madison in support of ongoing civic beautification. These gardens are tirelessly maintained by Club volunteers and are open to the public.
ALLIS-BUSHNELL HOUSE GARDEN
PERENNIAL GARDEN
In association with Madison Historical Society, our Club developed perennial gardens to compliment the house built in 1785 at 853 Boston Post Road.
For more info about the Allis-Bushnell House:
madisonhistory.org
BAUER PARK APPLE ORCHARD
Bauer Park is a 64.5-acre former farm owned and managed by the town of Madison. Our Club assumed the management of its apple orchard. New Club member Tom Cleveland spearheaded the planting of 22 heritage apple and pear trees at Bauer Park over the last couple of years. The trees were donated by Mad4Trees, as part of its outreach to add at least 200 native trees to Madison by the town’s 200th anniversary by 2026. In April 2023, a dozen volunteers planted the trees, which are historic trees-the Roxbury Russet apple developed in 1600, and the Exposus Spitzenburg was a favorite in the early 1800s. Be sure to visit Bauer and look for the new trees and their custom tags – they make for fascinating reading. There are 6 heirloom pears along Copse Road; the apples line the Farm’s dirt road and are at the end in the New Orchard. An additional 6 apple trees were added in April 2024 on the hillside over the dirt track opposite the farm house.
BAUER PARK BEES AT BAUER
The Garden Club is supporting the project of developing bee hives in Bauer Park to increase pollination by honey bees, which are responsible for the pollination and growth of one-third of the world’s fruits, vegetables, chocolate, coffee, nuts and spices. Beekeepers Lewis Strauss and Deirdre Prisco have developed two hives that each contain 12,500 honey bees near the community gardens in Bauer Park. We appreciate their vigorous efforts to restore pollination, and teach about the benefits of bees. Hope you will BEE there at Bauer.
A National Garden Club certificate of merit was awarded to our Club for the Bees at Bauer project. This is the first time our Club has been recognized by National Garden Clubs, Inc.
BAUER PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE LIASON
Coming soon…
BAUER PARK FARMING PROJECT/ORGANIC GARDEN
The Club plants and maintains an experimental/educational plot located in the Bauer Farming Project.
DEACON JOHN GRAVE HOUSE
NATIVE PLANT WALK & PERENNIAL GARDEN
The Club’s Native Plant Walk, located in the wooded area along the east side of the Deacon John Grave House, features native and woodland plants along a shaded pathway with seating.
In coordination with the Deacon John Grave Foundation, our Club designed and maintains two traditional perennial gardens located between the house and barn at 581 Boston Post Road.
For more info about the Deacon John Grave House: deaconjohngrave.org
EAST WHARF BEACH GARDEN
SEASIDE GARDENS
Located at East Wharf Beach Park on Middle Beach Road, these lush gardens have been designed to thrive along the shoreline, and also provide year-round beauty and habitats for wildlife.
MADISON'S GOING DAFFODILS!
More than 5,000 daffodils were originally planted in 12 locations on the Daffodil Trail throughout the town of Madison. The Club works to maintain and expand Madison’s Daffodils for future spring enjoyment.
Delighted by the fabulous display of 5,000 daffodils blooming in 2021’s spring, the Club planted another 20,000 bulbs that bloomed in 2022’s spring. Thrilled with the beautiful flowers, we’d planted another 1,000 bulbs in fall 2022! Bulbs have been added to plantings at Deacon John Grave, East Wharf, Bauer Park, the Allis Bushnell House, Veterans’ Garden, Pollinator Pathway garden and the Post Office, and several new locations–the Senior Center, and a walkway alongside the Walker Loden shop! To see daffodils, click here.
Download a digital map from our home page or pick up a map at the DJG House or the Scranton Library.
VETERANS’ AND 9/11 MEMORIAL GARDENS
At the Madison Town Green, these gardens honor veterans who lost their lives in service of our country, and citizens lost during the September 11 attacks. The 9/11 and James Madison Gardens were redesigned in 2023 as a texture and tapestry garden with plants suitable for on a shady site. The defining challenge of deep shade governs this garden as the overhead canopy grows larger and tree roots rob moisture from the soil. Garden Club members duties include scheduled watering and weeding the maple seedlings so prevalent. Plant material will be evaluated and adjusted in the future. Ground cover vinca minor will fill in, while spring bulbs will give a vibrant burst of color.
