Town and Country
Garden Club of Ipswich
Our Mission... to promote service to our community and to encourage learning about conservation and good gardening practices.
Fact Sheet Organized: 1965
Federated: 1966
Membership: 90
State Flower:Arbutus
State Bird:Chickadee
State Tree: Elm
Member of National Council Of State Garden Clubs, Inc.
and The Garden Club Federation Of Massachusetts
How We Began: On April 1, 1965 six women were brought together by Nancie Godwin to explore the possibility of forming a second garden club in Ipswich. She was convinced that Ipswich would benefit from a garden club with open membership which could provide community service as well as a place for experienced gardeners to share knowledge and best practices. Six months later they had expanded to thirteen to discuss the name, define the purpose and needs, and explore federation membership. Within a year by laws were written, membership had increased to thirty one and 54 years later with a membership of over 70, we are happily planting, sharing and learning in Ipswich. We meet from September through June and schedule program activities and events which include hands on workshops, lectures, conservation efforts, community planting and Ipswich High School scholarship support. Membership applications are accepted every spring for the upcoming gardening year. We hope you will join us.
Membership Info
We warmly welcome new members!
Membership for Town and Country Garden Club is open to all residents of Ipswich and the surrounding communities. If you have any questions about membership or would like to join our club, please contact our membership chairperson by using the GET in Touch section below.
Get In Touch!
We're happy to answer your questions.
Photos
Announcements & News
Garden Club Gathering 2025
End of Season annual dinner
Community Service 2024
Community Service activity, cleaning up and illuminating the urns on Riverwalk for Ipswich Illuminations.
Community Service 2023
Community service helps in many places of our beautiful Ipswich town all year long. We are busy at the Riverwalk, Library, Ipswich Museum and the DPW entrance area. Our activities range from spring and fall cleanup, planting, watering flowers and shrubs to decorating for the holidays. We encourage every member of our club to join us when they can to contribute to our town.
Scholarship
Town & Country Garden Club of Ipswich (TCGC)
Annual Scholarship
Since 1976, the TCGC has given a scholarship to a graduating high school senior who resides in Ipswich. Each applicant should be interested in pursuing a career in one of the fields of Horticulture: agriculture, botany, landscape design, conservation, forestry, city planning, environmental studies or environmental engineering. In January, the Committee Chairman sends out notices and application forms to all local high schools where Ipswich Seniors may attend. In April, the applications are returned to the schools’ guidance counselors and are forwarded to the TCGC Scholarship Committee. Another responsibility of the Scholarship Committee is the handling of the Ruth Burns’ Memorial Fund. This is an internal club scholarship set up in memory of a former member, Ruth Burns, by her husband, to further club members’ education in flower arranging and related subjects. Any member in good standing can request monies for this purpose through the Scholarship Committee Chairman subject to the approval of the Board.
Program Schedule 2026-2027
WHEN: Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM (note day and time)
PROGRAM: Fall Container Workshop
LOCATION: Nunan Garden Center, 269 Central Street, Georgetown, MA
Our new season will begin with a hands-on workshop at Nunan Garden Center. Linda Zukas will lead a fall container demonstration and then we’ll have the opportunity to create our own containers. Linda will discuss soil, watering, fertilizing and overall care of containers.
You may bring your own container or purchase one at Nunan. Each person will pay for the plant materials and container they select. If weather permits, the workshop may be held outdoors. Nunan’s is offering our club a 10% discount for all plant materials and containers. After the workshop you are welcome to enjoy lunch at Café Sarina.
WHEN: Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM (note day)
PROGRAM: Painting Class with local artist, Jim Maloney
LOCATION: Ipswich Town Hall, COA Cafeteria, Basement Level
Enjoy a creative evening with artist Jim Maloney as he guides us through painting wine glasses inspired by beautiful wildflowers. No experience needed — just bring your imagination and enjoy a relaxing night of creativity, friendship, and fun. The fee will be $10.00 due that evening. The class has a limit of 25 so make sure you sign up early.
WHEN: Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM
PROGRAM: Floral Demonstration by Michael Derouin
LOCATION: Ipswich Town Hall, Meeting Room C, Upper Level
Join us for a floral demonstration featuring Michael Derouin. Michael is an engaging and entertaining presenter whose floral demonstrations offer a different kind of program experience. Michael will create three designs using one cohesive floral palette. Materials are included, and the finished arrangements will be raffled off after the presentation.
WHEN: Wednesday, December 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM (note time)
PROGRAM: Holiday Celebration
LOCATION: Ipswich Museum, 54 S Main Street, Ipswich
Celebrate the holiday season at our annual holiday celebration and gathering. Enjoy the beautifully decorated Museum with fellow garden club friends. Enjoy a glass of wine and feast on an amazing dinner provided by our creative and talented members. Entertainment will be provided.
NO MEETING IN JANUARY 2027
WHEN: Wednesday, February 10, 2027, at 7:00 PM
PROGRAM: Books In Bloom
LOCATION: Ipswich Town Hall, COA Cafeteria, Basement Level
Books in Bloom is a creative program inspired by the idea of interpreting books through flowers, foliage, and design. The recommended book is “The Restoration Garden” by Sara Blaydes and is available on Amazon for $8.73. This is your chance to get creative and show how you can bring a book to life through a floral interpretation. The program offers a fun way to showcase creativity and celebrate members’ talents. More details will be provided at our December holiday celebration.
WHEN: Wednesday, March 10, 2027, at 7:00 PM
PROGRAM: Living with Wildlife in Massachusetts: Tracks & Signs
LOCATION: Ipswich Town Hall, Meeting Room C, Upper Level
Maura Genova, Lead Educator at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield will lead us in a discussion on how tracking and animal sign observation can help us understand the habits of local wildlife, including nocturnal mammals and birds. Members will learn about tracks, scat, homes, feeding signs, and seasonal clues that reveal which animals share the places we live.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 14, 2027, at 7:00 PM (Open to the Public)
PROGRAM: Composting with Black Earth Compost
LOCATION: Ipswich Town Hall, COA Cafeteria, Basement Level
Join us as Andrew Brousseau helps us explore the art of composting. Andrew is an organic waste management expert and the Compost Operations Manager and Partner at Black Earth Compost. Discover how kitchen scraps and garden waste can be transformed into rich, healthy soil. Learn simple techniques to create compost, reduce waste, and nourish your garden naturally. Andrew is a trained soil technician so feel free to bring all your technical questions!
WHEN: Wednesday, May 12, 2027, at 11:00 AM (note time)
PROGRAM: Field Trip to Long Hill Estate
LOCATION: 572 Essex St, Beverly
Long Hill was owned and cared for by the Sedgwick family from 1916 to 1979, their beloved summer home that, in the 1950s, became the year-round haven of Mabel Cabot Sedgwick, an accomplished gardener and author. We’ll tour the estate with Senior Horticulturist Dan Bouchard who will lead us through the beautifully landscaped gardens.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 9, 2027, at 6:00 PM (note time)
PROGRAM: Annual Meeting and Dinner
LOCATION: The Ipswich Inn, Two East Street, Ipswich
COST: To be announced
Back by overwhelming popular demand is our end of year celebration at The Ipswich Inn.
The Ipswich Inn provides a perfect backdrop for us as we enjoy the beautiful patio for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by a buffet dinner in the dining room. We will review and celebrate our success and accomplishments for the year and toast the start of a beautiful summer in Ipswich. More information on costs will follow.
Club Officers 2026 - 2027
President: Pat Bodenstab
Vice President: Kelly Conboy
Recording Secretary: Rotating Board member
Treasurer: Donna Maggio
Corresponding Secretary: Marianne Olmstead
Communication Manager: Marianne Olmstead