The Farmington Garden Club meets monthly. Typical programs include speakers on diverse topics. Programs have included topics like Pruning, Where Do Baby Orchids Come From, Beautiful Arrangements from Supermarket Bunches, Ticks - It's More Than Just Lyme Disease, Foolproof Hydrangeas and many others. We also have floral design and greens workshops throughout the year along with a variety of group field trips. Visitors are welcome and encouraged to attend most meetings, which usually begin with a social period. For more information please see our Events Page.
Since 1941, we have been tending the gardens of Farmington, CT.
Our History
The Farmington Garden Club was founded on October 17, 1941 with twenty charter members and a mission to study and promote horticulture. Meetings were held in the homes of members with tea parties following the meetings. A constitution and bylaws were written and gardening topics reflected the times. A sense of civic responsibility permeated the club goals. Members supported the war effort by hosting canning competitions and selling war bonds and defense stamps, sending seeds to Britain and of course, planting Victory Gardens. The annual Husbands' Night was a fun event and continues today as Guest Night.
On December 12, 1944 the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut approved the Farmington Garden Club as a member. Flower shows were very popular and the Club won many awards at the Hartford Times flower show during the first three decades.
In 1946 the Club was asked to plant and maintain the triangle at Routes 4 and 10. In1950 it was decided to adopt the triangle and the Village Green as the main projects for the Club.
The Farmington Garden Club has continued many of the traditions that were begun years ago. In addition to the triangles and Village Green, the Club continues to beautify the community by planting and maintaining the many “pocket parks” around town. Perennial and annual plants adorn these intersections, giving both residents and passersby alike the opportunity to enjoy seasonally appropriate gardens yearlong.
In addition to the beautification of the town, the mainstay of the Club, Memorial Day and Holiday baskets are created each year for residents who receive meals on wheels. Christmas wreaths are decorated and distributed to non-profits in town. Garden tours have been held to raise funds for local projects with proceeds from the most recent 75th Anniversary Garden Tour slated to restore the Town Green. The Club has also has made contributions to many gardening projects including Farmington schools, Stanley-Whitman House, Hill-Stead Museum, and Farmington Library. An annual scholarship is given to a graduating Farmington High School senior who plans to major in environmental studies or similar major.
What We Have Achieved
Published an open space map and scheduled walks on hiking trails around town.
Provided a shelf of gardening books for the Farmington Library.
Advised the Town of Farmington on what trees should be planted along roadsides.
Awarded a scholarship to a Farmington High School senior each year.
Founding Sponsor of the flower baskets and kissing balls Beautification Project since 2010.
Annual creation of Holiday and Memorial Day floral baskets for the senior citizens.
Decorated Holiday wreaths and distributed them to non-profits in town.
Presented Civic awards to Farmington businesses that create exemplary landscapes.
Made a s contribution of $25,000 toward the renewal of the Town Green in 2020.
Donated over $125,000 to Community Projects in the last 30 years.