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In honor of the winter holidays (2006), the Queen Anne's County Garden Club adorned the Queen Anne statue in Centreville.

Love to Garden?

Consider a Garden Club

By Judy Grillo

When I hear the phrase garden club I'm immediately brought to a scene from an E.M. Forster novel. You know, proper ladies in starched white dresses with wide-brimmed hats sitting among trellises and flowering trees sipping tea from fine china.

Thankfully, that isn't the scene among the garden clubs that flourish on the Eastern Shore . The members of these active clubs are knowledgeable about gardening, floral design, landscaping, conservation, and horticulture and their dedication extends to the care and beauty of many of our historic places and public spaces.

“Members bring a tremendous amount of skills and know-how on plants, gardens, and ecological issues to share with each other in a very receptive, nonintimidating atmosphere,” says Anita Williams, a 7-year veteran of the Chestertown Garden Club.

Each garden club is unique in its ability to serve members' interests and the community, yet there are many similarities among them. Garden clubs offer members a wide variety of educational programs, hands-on experience, new friendships, and a shared interest in civic and environmental concerns.

Most offer monthly programs, which vary by club. They may be presentations, demonstrations, or workshops on topics such as small floral designs, basic pruning techniques, creative holiday wreath designs, growing lilies, trends in landscape design, and much more. Trips are often on the agenda; they may be for home and garden tours, the Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage, flower shows, or historical society house tours.

Says Arline Mayer, of the Queen Anne's County Garden Club, “Age certainly changes the dynamics of the projects that we want to do, but you couldn't keep me away from this opportunity to mix with such a gracious and well-educated group. I was in the club 30 years ago, left when I had children, and couldn't wait to return!”

Because a club's success results from members' ongoing commitment, “formal” garden clubs require active members to attend a minimum number of monthly meetings, be involved in specific projects and activities throughout the year, pay annual dues, and serve on committees. Most clubs also work with youth groups to encourage an early interest in design, horticulture, and the environment.

“The social aspect is key to our success,” says Linda Armiger, of Kent Island Garden Club, “and through this affiliation, we often discover other interests that we have in common.”

The majority of Eastern Shore garden clubs are members of the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland. This organization, a charter member of the National Garden Clubs, provides education, resources, awards, events, and networking opportunities beyond what each individual club offers. These affiliations also bring benefits such as invitations to conferences, specially arranged tours, and access to well-known speakers and mentors. To join one of the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland, contact the federation's office at (410) 296-6961 or e-mail fgcofmd@aol.com for details.

“Members bring a tremendous amount of skills and know-how on plants, gardens, and ecological issues to share with each other in a very receptive, nonintimidating atmosphere,” says Anita Williams, a 7-year veteran of the Chestertown Garden Club.

A Partial List of Eastern Shore Garden Clubs

Caroline Garden Club
Region served: Caroline County

Year established: 1957

Number of members: 36

Membership profile: Female, 45–80 years old, from Caroline County and surrounding area

Membership requirements: Active members must attend six meetings annually and be involved in hands-on projects. Associate members have 10 years of club experience and choose meetings and projects of interest. Honorary members are past members who are currently inactive. All members pay dues.

Meetings and ongoing projects: Nine meetings annually, which may include a business meeting, hands-on workshop, presentations, and demonstrations. The club meets on the second Friday of each month at the Caroline County Public Library. An ongoing relationship with the Caroline Historical Society includes landscaping for the Log Cabin, floral design for special events, and beautification planning for a Quaker Meeting House. The club decorates the Denton Courthouse at Christmas and Adkins Arboretum for the holidays and the Fall Family Festival.

Upcoming: Fiftieth anniversary celebration

Youth program: Yes, with special events throughout the year

Federated club: Yes

Nonmember events: Local residents are welcome to attend programs and trips as space is available.

Chestertown Garden Club
Region served: Kent County

Year established: 1931

Number of members: 54

Membership profile: Mostly female, 40–-80 years old

Membership requirements: Active members attend at least five meetings a year, serve on committees when asked, participate in the annual fund-raising event, decorate the parks at Christmas, hostess meetings, and are involved in pilgrimages and flower shows during given years. Active member dues are $30/year. Associate members have been active in the club for 10 or more years, are required to help if available, and pay dues of $35/year. Full-time and part-time area residents are welcome to join.

Meetings and ongoing projects: Ten meetings annually, which may include a business meeting, workshop, presentations, and demonstrations. Ongoing hands-on projects include beautification, maintenance, and holiday decorating at Fountain and Memorial Parks as well as continued maintenance of the Wilmer Park project. In 2006, the club received a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust, and, with more than 200 volunteers, replanted the 1-acre Wilmer Park Marsh with more than 15,000 native plants.

Upcoming: Kent County Tour of Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage in 2008

Youth program: Young Gardeners Program in conjunction with fifth graders at the Kent School

Federated club: Yes

Nonmember events: Members may bring local guests to two luncheon programs per year, with trips open on an “as available” basis. May Mart, a fund-raising event the Friday before Mother's Day, is open to the public and held at Fountain Park . Guests are also invited to a Christmas workshop to make wreaths and swags for town parks and office buildings and the Chester River Hospital 's Nearly New shop.

Dorchester Garden Club
Region served: Dorchester County

Year established: 1930

Number of members: 84

Membership profile: Female, mostly over 50, from Dorchester and Talbot Counties

Membership requirements: Active members attend at least four business meetings annually, must enter three mini-flower shows throughout the year, and pay dues of $20/year. Associate members have been active in the club for 3 or more years, may participate as able, and pay dues of $25/year. Honorary members have made significant contributions in the past. Most meetings are held at the Cambridge Yacht Club.

Meetings and ongoing projects: Ten meetings annually, including a June picnic and a holiday party in December, in addition to programs. Civic improvement projects, including gardens at Long Wharf and SailWinds Governor's Hall, plantings at the County Courthouse, an herb garden at the Dorchester County Historical Society, maintenance of the Butterfly Garden at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, and Christmas wreaths on the Dorchester County Courthouse and Dorchester Art Center.

Upcoming: Foundation plantings at the Maple Elementary School, a patriotic tree planting in memory of a local soldier, and landscaping for a Blue Star Memorial in Dorchester County. Participants in the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland District 1 Flower Show.

Youth program: Young Gardeners Program in conjunction with Maple Elementary School in Cambridge , with a focus on gardening, conservation, and endangered species. Also offers two scholarships annually to county high school students who are pursuing related college studies.

Federated club: Yes

Nonmember events: Provisional memberships are available to those who wish to transfer from another club and participate. Trips, and the annual gala and silent auction, are open to the public. The Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland District 1 Flower Show is open to the public on May 22 at Ocean Pines Yacht Club in Ocean Pines, Maryland . In addition, sales of holiday wreaths are a major fund-raiser.

Four Seasons Garden Club
Region served: Wicomico County

Year established: 1957

Number of members: 40

Membership profile: Female, 40–80 years old, from Wicomico, Dorchester, and Worcester counties

Membership requirements: Active members attend at least five meetings per year, actively participate in projects and events, and pay dues of $20/year. Associate members were active in the club for 5 or more years, help as available, and pay dues of $23/year. Honorary members have contributed outstanding service for many years. To become a member, you must attend three meetings before filing an application.

Meetings and ongoing projects: Ten business meetings annually, followed by presentations and workshops. The club maintains two community gardens, at the Ward Museum of Wildlife Art and at the Poplar Hill Mansion ; landscaping for the Rockawalkin Schoolhouse with the “Young Gardeners”; and projects with residents at the Anchorage Rehab and Nursing Home to plant the outdoor gardens and an indoor herb garden and do multiple herbs & food workshops throughout the year. The club decorates the Poplar Hill Mansion for the holidays every year; this year's theme, A Golden Christmas, reflects the club's 50th anniversary.

Upcoming: June 1 auction and picnic, which are open to the public, to be held at a member's home and garden.

Youth program: Young Gardeners Program in partnership with Pemberton Schools

Federated club: Yes

Nonmember events: See The Daily Times for listings.

Kent Island Garden Club
Region served: Queen Anne's County

Year established: 1977

Number of members: 30

Membership profile: Female, 40–80 years old, primarily residents of Kent Island and Grasonville

Membership requirements: Active members attend at least four meetings per year and actively participate in projects and events. Sustaining members were active in the club for 4 or more years and help as available. Two honorary members have contributed outstanding service since the club's start. Active and sustaining members pay dues.

Meetings and Meetings and ongoing projects: Ten meetings annually, on the second Friday of the month, which include presentations, workshops, and field trips. Beautification projects focus on support of the Kent Island Heritage Society, including design and maintenance of plantings at the Cray House, the train station, and the historic post office in Stevensville. The club does plantings for the Historic Christ Church , the Kirwan House Museum , and the Kent Island Library and runs a garden therapy program with residents at Heartland House two to three times per year and holds an annual spring plant sale in May in conjunction with Kent Island Heritage Days.

Upcoming: Establishing a Let Freedom Ring Garden of native plants and trees at the new Kent Island Fire House. 40th anniversary celebration planned.

Youth program: Young Gardeners meet the third Wednesday of the month after school at the Kent Island Library for lessons and hands-on projects. The club also offers two scholarships annually for young gardeners to attend youth camp in the summer.

Federated club: Yes

Nonmember events: Spring plant sale and biannual Fall Fling fund-raiser in October.

Oxford Garden Club

Region served: The Town of Oxford

Year established: 2003

Number of members: 64

Membership profile: Mostly f emale, 40–70 years old, f ull-time and part-time Oxford residents

Membership requirements: Active members attend at least four meetings per year, actively participate in projects and events, and pay dues of $30/year. Sustaining members support the club but do not participate regularly. Dues for sustaining members are $25 a year.

Meetings and Meetings and ongoing projects: Ten business meetings annually, followed by presentations and workshops. The club meets on the first Thursday afternoon of the month at the Oxford Community Center . Ongoing projects include plantings and holiday decorating of the Oxford Customs House and urn plantings seasonally at the Oxford Community Center . The club also participates in a marketplace every year on Oxford Day.

Upcoming: Plans are in place for a Blue Star memorial marker in Oxford , a Heritage Garden in partnership with the Oxford Museum , and floral designs for the Oxford Fine Arts Fair. Events this year will include a trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show .

Youth program: The Young Gardeners Program began in 2005 with a bulb planting project at a historic church in Oxford and now meets three to four times per year after school.

Federated club: Yes

Nonmember events: Monthly presentations and workshops are open to nonmembers. The club holds a native plant swap and sale in May that is open to the public, as well as a Secret Gardens of Oxford Tour in June.

Queen Anne's Garden Club
Region served: Queen Anne's County

Year established: 1934

Number of members: 43

Membership profile: Female, aged 40 and up, from Queen Anne, Church Hill, and Stevensville.

Membership requirements: Active members attend at least five meetings per year and actively participate in projects and events. Sustaining members were active in the club for 15 or more years and help as available. Honorary members have contributed outstanding service for many years.

Meetings and ongoing projects: Nine business meetings annually, followed by presentations and workshops. Ongoing projects include floral decorations for Centreville businesses and design and arrangements for historic homes, offices, and public buildings countywide.

Upcoming: A flower mart at the Queen Anne's County Courthouse and landscaping for the Hospice Center in Centreville in 2008.

Youth program: Young Gardeners Program in conjunction with Queen Anne's County schools.

Federated club: Yes

Nonmember events: Think Green! Flower Show on November 14 at St. Luke's Parish Hall in Church Hill, starting at 1 p.m.

Talbot County Garden Club
Region served: Talbot County

Year established: 1917

Number of members: 109

Membership profile: Female, ages 30 to over 90, current or prior Talbot County residents

Membership requirements: Active members attend at least four meetings per year, participate in work days, and serve on at least one committee. Associate members were active in the club for 4 or more years and continue to attend meetings and work days of their choice. Both active and associate members pay an annual fee. Honorary members are selected from among those who have contributed outstanding service for many years. Potential new members must be proposed by a current member and meet meeting and project work requirements.

Meetings and Meetings and ongoing projects: Eight business meetings annually, followed by presentations and workshops. The club holds Easton Beautification Day each spring and maintains the gardens at the Historical Society, the County Courthouse , the Mayor and Council Building , the County Library , and the base of Bay Street . It also established the children's garden at Idlewild Park , maintains the nearby fountain garden, and established and participates in the maintenance of the garden at Hospice House.

Upcoming: Talbot County Tour of Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage in 2008

Youth program: Young Gardeners Program in conjunction with fifth and sixth graders at the Country School

Federated club: Yes, and member of the Garden Club of America

Nonmember events: Speaker portions of the eight monthly meetings are open to guests and are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month from October through May.

Wicomico Garden Club

Region served: Wicomico County

Year established: 1933

Number of members: 50 +

Membership profile: Female, ages 20s through 80s, from Somerset , Wicomico, and Worcester counties

Membership requirements: Active members attend at least six meetings per year, participate in work days, serve on at least one committee, and pay an annual fee of $25. Lifetime members offer their expertise but have no specific membership requirements.

New members must have an interest in, and dedication to, community beautification.

Meetings and Meetings and ongoing projects: Ten meetings annually, on the second Friday of the month , which include lunch and a speaker or workshop. Ongoing projects include landscaping for Coastal Hospice at the Lake, ground maintenance for Life Crisis Center , fall flower arrangement workshops at Assisted Living of Mallard Landing, floral arrangements and opening tea at Poplar Hill Mansion , and development of a monthly garden planner for the region.

Upcoming: Donation of fifty trees to the City of Salisbury Freedom Grove

Youth program: Not at this time

Federated club: No, call the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce at (410) 749-0144 for further information.

Nonmember events: Nonmembers are welcome to attend monthly programs and trips throughout the year as space is available.

Start a Garden Club

Perhaps you want to share gardening experiences with friends and acquaintances, learn more about organic gardening, or extend your skills to a project in your community. Then starting your own club may be a great idea!

Here are some tips to getting started. Whatever your club's purpose, remember to have fun!

Arrange a place and time to meet and recruit members.

Set the date and time for the first meeting, then get the word out. Submit meeting information to your local newspaper, post fliers in your area, and submit details to What's Up? Eastern Shore magazine for inclusion in our calendar.

Act as temporary leader to get started.

Ask attendees to share their gardening interests and define the club's goals. You may want the group to draw up bylaws, a common practice. Be sure that everyone shares contact information.

Dig in!

Choose a project and get started. Once the club starts to take root, introduce yourself to the community and network with local agencies, schools, and other groups.

Freelance writer Judy Grillo lives on the Eastern Shore.