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 Patricia Bodenstab at 978-771-3325 or ph.bodenstab@gmail.com
Get In Touch!
We're happy to answer your questions.
Photos
Announcements & News
Community Service 2024 - 2025
Thanks to Town and Country Garden Club of Ipswich members who gathered for spring cleanup to beautify the grounds at The Riverwalk and town library.
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.
Schedule
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
The Monarch Gardener - Katie Banks Hone
7:00 PM
Ipswich Town Hall, 25 Green Street - Meeting Room A – 2nd Floor
Program Description
Sustaining the Monarch, One Yard at a Time
Learn about the monarch butterfly – its natural history, migration, the reasons for its decline and
the many conservation efforts that are currently underway along its migration pathway.
Learn how to experience an entire season of blooms and what you can plant in
your own yard to help monarchs and other pollinators.
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Ten herbs everyone should know and grow – Karen O’Brien, author, lecturer and Master Gardener
6:30 PM (please note time)
Ascension Church, 31 County St. – Boone Hall
Program Description
Join us for a presentation on lesser-known herbs that make a great herb garden. We’ll explore an herb butter and a lavender salt scrub that will add new dimension to your garden and kitchen.
We will sample an array of herbal concoctions which will enliven your life throughout the year
and set a course for your own herbal adventure. There will also be samples to try and plants to smell.
The cost is $8.00 per person and includes all necessary materials and supplies.
Please bring cash or a check (made payable to Karen O’Brien) to the program.
Wednesday, November 13th, 2024
Plum Island and Beyond; Sea Level Rise in a Warming World – Bill Sargeant, NOVA consultant
and author of 27 books about science and the environment.
7:00 PM
Ascension Church, 31 County St. – Boone Hall
This program is in conjunction with the Ipswich Garden Club and is Open to the Public
Program Description
For the past 5 years Bill has been using Plum Island as a case study for sea level rise. In this presentation he will be taking questions and discussing his books on Plum Island, Cape Cod, New Orleans, and the Merrimack River.
Books will be available for purchase by cash or check.
Wednesday, December 11th, 2024
Holiday Celebration
6:00 PM (please note time)
Ipswich Museum, 54 S. Main St.
Please join us for our annual holiday celebration and gathering. Enjoy the beautifully decorated Museum, crafted by the creative hands of our own members. Enjoy a glass of wine and feast on an amazing dinner also provided by our talented members. Entertainment will be provided. This is one program you won’t want to miss!
~No meeting in January 2025~
Wednesday, February 12th, 2025
Techniques and Tricks for Houseplants
Nunan Florist and Greenhouses
11:00 AM (please note time)
269 Central St., Georgetown
Program Description
Are your houseplants thriving? Join us as Steve Flynn, Sr. guides us through the proper care and maintenance of the most common houseplants. He will teach us the techniques and tricks you’ll need to make your plants flourish. After the program, take some time to browse the nursery and pick up a new plant or two. Nunan’s is offering our Club a 10% discount on items purchased. Café Sarina will be open for you to enjoy lunch or refreshments on your own.
Thursday, March 12th, 2024 at 7PM
Gardening Panel Discussion lead by Mary Maloney, Pat Beirne, Connie McCausland and Jill Sczepanski
7:00 PM
Ipswich Town Hall, 25 Green Street - Meeting Room A – 2nd Floor
Program Description
Join us for a lively discussion by our own members and take advantage of their vast knowledge and skill. Mary will speak to us about the creativity of her backyard garden. Native plants are Pat’s area of expertise and will offer ideas and suggestions for your garden. Master Gardener, Connie will discuss trees and shrubs and their importance in the garden. Jill’s landscaping skills are the envy of many, and she will show us how she created an oasis of beauty and relaxation. Bring your garden questions for the experts.
Wednesday, April 9th, 2025
Hands on Floral Decorating Workshop – Connie McCausland, Master Gardener and Flower Show Judge
7:00 PM
Ipswich Town Hall, 25 Green Street - COA Basement Level
Program Description
Connie is back this year for another fun and creative hands-on workshop. Learn how to arrange beautiful spring blooms while enjoying great company. This program is perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of spring to their home decor. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, Connie will guide you every step of the way. Don't miss out on this opportunity to unleash your inner florist!
Wednesday, May 21st, 2025
(please note date and time)
Field Trip to Bedrock Gardens
10:15 AM tour
Bedrock Gardens, 19 High Road, Lee, NH
Program Description
Bedrock Gardens is a public garden that integrates unusual botanical specimens and unique sculpture into an inspiring landscape journey. This 30-acre site has recently transitioned from a historic farm and private garden
to a public oasis of horticulture, art, and inspiration.
Our tour will be led by Executive Director, John Forti, an expert garden guide and will begin promptly at 10:15 AM. The tour is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours in length. The cost is $20.00 per person.
A sign-up sheet will be available, and the tour is limited to 30 people.
Carpooling is suggested and the distance to Lee, NH from Ipswich is approximately one hour.
Additional details will be provided later.
Wednesday, June 11th, 2025
Annual Meeting and Dinner
6:00 PM (please note time)
Ascension Church, 31 County St. – Boone Hall
Program Description
June is a time for celebration and our end of the year meeting and dinner for our wonderful club.
A hearty and delicious pot-luck dinner will again be provided by own members.
Let’s gather to conclude a wonderful Garden Club year with friends
and enjoy the beginning of a beautiful summer of fun.
Club Officers 2024 - 2025
Co-Presidents: Rose Brown & Heather Campbell
Co-Vice Presidents: Vacant
Recording Secretary: Deb Markos
Treasurer: Donna Maggio
Communication Manager: Marianne Olmstead