Community Programs
Our members volunteer their time to support these programs, and the Club provides financial contributions.
E.C. SCRANTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY LIASON
801 BOSTON POST ROAD
For many years, the Club has contributed a significant number of books on floral and landscape design, horticulture and conservation. Additionally, the Club has donated $50,000 to support the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library’s renovation and expansion.
ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
This committee’s goal is to inform and educate members about environmental and conservation issues impacting our gardens, as well as the environment of our community and beyond. Pertinent and interesting information will be distributed via monthly emails entitled “Beyond Our Gardens”. Current Connecticut and where relevant, federal legislative action regarding environmental and conservation topics will be included. A list of resources will be compiled and regularly updated, including online sources, as well as books and DVDs available at the Scranton Library.
HEALING, THERAPY & SENIOR GARDENING
For over 55 years, the Club has sustained strong community outreach through its Garden Therapy Committee. In 2024, National Garden Clubs changed the committee name to “Healing, Therapy & Senior Gardening”, better reflecting the wide range of programs conducted across the country. In February 2022, the Club joined forces with the Senior Center Meals on Wheels to create and deliver seasonal flower arrangements alongside their meals, often referred to as “Petals With Plates.” This program was our response to the epidemic of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection, as described in a recent US Surgeon General Advisory. The 60 or so families that receive Petals With Plates are most grateful for brightening their day with the healing power of nature, whether daffodils, sunflowers, roses, zinnias, or evergreens. And six to eight times a year, members have a chance to be surrounded by flowers and meet other members, all for a good cause.
YOUTH EDUCATION & ACTIVITIES
The goal of this committee is to help children develop and grow an appreciation of nature and gardening, with an emphasis on the importance of native plants and pollinators. Scouts and school groups have participated with Club members in a variety of activities including lessons of native and invasive plants, pollinators and beneficial insects.
The children have assisted in planting annuals at the Veterans’ Garden and have planted daffodil bulbs around Madison. They have also brightened the holiday for the Madison Senior Center by creating floral and greens holiday arrangements for dining tables. Hand made cards often accompany floral arrangements to Meals on Wheels recipients.
