Chelmsford
Garden Club
Organized in 1922, the Chelmsford Garden Club was the first garden club in Chelmsford. At that time the members defined their key objectives as the:
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Beautification of town landmarks and spaces
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Education of horticulture and floral design
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Preservation of trees and forests
For nine decades these objectives have stood as the Club’s foundation and remain the mission of today’s members.
Come Grow with Us!
Membership Info
We welcome new members with an interest in garden-related topics and enthusiasm for becoming involved in our activities and projects.
Annual dues are $45 payable in Spring for the coming year—October through June.
Members serve on the Hospitality Committee for one meeting each year.
They also participate and contribute to the Club’s annual Fundraiser.
Other committees and projects members are involved with include:
• Maintenance of Town space projects, Preservation projects, and Chelmsford Public Garden
• Scholarship Committee
• Conservation, Arbor Day
• Garden Therapy Outreach
• Publicity & Web Projects
• Award Submittals
• Development & Recruitment
Be a guest at an upcoming meeting (see Schedule) and
pick up an application.
Or email: chelmsfordmagardenclub@gmail.com.
Come grow with us!
Daffodil planting at Town Offices
Photos
Get In Touch!
We're happy to answer your questions.
Meeting Schedule
Meetings are held at The Trinity Lutheran Church,*
170 Westford Street, Chelmsford
in the months of October–December and February-June annually.
11:30 – Social and Refreshments,
12:15 – Business Meeting with Presentation to follow.*
Guests are welcome.
*PLEASE NOTE CHANGES TO TIMES & LOCATIONS BELOW:
October 1 – Floral Designs for Fall, presented by Marisa McCoy
November 5 – Spring Bulb Planter Workshop
December 3 – Balsam and Bling, presented by Bill Graham
February 4 – Ikebana Basics, presented by Kit Harbison
March 3 – Pot Luck Luncheon and Program
*NOTE TIMES
9:30 – Coffee is served
10:00 – Meeting and Program: Identifying and Controlling
Backyard Invaders, presented by Peter Russell
11:30 – Luncheon is served
April 7 – *NOTE LOCATION: Weston Nurseries, Pine Hill Road
*NOTE TIMES
10:30 – Coffee is served
11:00 – Program Tools and Techniques, presented
by Weston’s Jim Connolly
Business Meeting to follow Program.
May 5 – Musicals in Bloom, presented by Club Members
June 2 – Annual Meeting and Spring Luncheon
*NOTE: Location & Time to be announced
Program: Garden Thoughts, presented by Jackie Dowling
Announcements & News
Chelmsford Garden Club’s
Butterfly Garden
receives Certification
Established at the Red Wing Conservation Area in 2008,
today the butterfly garden continues to flourish and is stewarded
by Jacqueline Dowling and her committee. During this Arbor Day's
tree planting ceremony, 16 species of new plants were also added
in memory of Gwen Makepeace, a long-time member of the Club.
The Red Wing Conservation Area is project initiated by
the Chelmsford Open Space Stewards (COSS), one in
which the Garden Club has collaborated. Town Manager Paul Cohen
at its 2008 dedication, “The Butterfly Garden is another great example
of volunteerism and collaboration between town residents with a
garden club to enhance conservation land and the beauty of the town."
2019 Scholarship Awarded to
Abigail Meryl Segal
In June this year’s $1,000 scholarship was awarded to Abigail Segal,
a 2019 graduate of Chelmsford High School. She has been
interested in Animal Science since age 6 when her grandfather, a
veterinarian, introduced her to his lifelong work. She plans to
apply this love into her future studies.
An inquisitive, athletic, and original young lady,
Abigail will be attending Bates College in Maine … “to challenge myself
intellectually and make an impact on society.”
Our sincere best wishes and “good luck” to Abby with her college
studies and experiences, and in her future endeavors.
Abigail is pictured with her
parents and grandmother
Club Officers
President
Cynthia Bryant
Vice President
Lois Alves
Recording Secretaries
Carolyn Langevin & Jill O’Sullivan
Corresponding Secretary
Janet Altobello
Membership
Carol Merriam & Jean Tucker
Treasurer
Susan Callahan
Assistant Treasurer
Jackie Dowling
Advisor
Carol Cannistraro
Parliamentarian
Jackie Dawson
Directors:
Third Year Co-Directors - Mary Donnelan-Main & Deb Taverna
Second Year Co-Directors - Edith Parekh & Susan Suarez
First Year - Carol Cannistraro
Fulfilling Our Mission
Beautification:
The ongoing efforts of our hard-working members and the Club’s generous financial
support are visible year-round throughout Town Center and North Chelmsford center at
Vinal Square. Donations to organizations such as Chelmsford Open Space Stewards
further support our town. Projects include:
• Chelmsford Public Garden
• Blue Star Byway at Veteran’s park
• Town Offices
• Center Commons
• Adams Public Library
• Chelmsford Center for the Arts
• Daffodils for Chelmsford
• Heart Pond Memorial
Education:
• Programs and Speakers – Through the year members and guests benefit from a wide
range of garden-related experts presenting a variety of topics: floral arranging,
gardening, environmental issues, history, and other topics.
• Garden Therapy Outreach – In collaboration with The Power of Flowers Project,
visits to Town Senior Center and a local Nursing Home deliver creativity and smiles
to seniors as they arrange flowers, sing, and share memories.
• Annual Scholarships for Chelmsford Students – $1,000 is awarded to a student
planning to pursue a major in horticultural or a related science. For details about
applying, email
• Arbor Day Events – Annual tree plantings in public and preservation areas have
contributed to Chelmsford being named a “Tree City.”
Preservation:
“Let the children guard what the sires have won.” is our Town’s motto. Helping to
preserve and enhance historical properties remains a key mission for the Club. Trees
have been planted on these properties on Arbor Days over decades along with other
garden projects:
• “Old Chelmsford” Garrison House (listed on National Register of Historic Places)
• Red Wing Farm Conservation Site
