Throughout the 75-year history of the Club, there have been many projects and programs that have been a source of enjoyment and pride for club members. In honor of the club’s 70th anniversary, Carol Meritt interviewed many current and former members to get their perspective on what makes the Holliston garden club special.

1930’s: The Beginning

On July 10, 1933, Mrs. Henry Cutler invited 12 friends who enjoyed gardening and flower arranging to her home to discuss the formation of a garden club. The original charter of this new club stipulated that all members be “dirt” gardeners and take an active part either in the presentation of programs or in other phases of the club’s activities. Mary Wells was elected the first Club President.

1940s: The War Years

The Club took part in the war effort on the home front by participating in a town-wide canning project. Members taught the art of canning fruits and vegetables to young women in Holliston. The Club was also active in visiting veterans’ hospitals with flower arrangements.

1950s: Club Traditions Grow

Some traditions we carry on today began during this period. The Open Meeting featured the chair of botany from Wellesley College who spoke on Insecticides, while a speaker from the Garden in the Woods presented Wildflowers in the Garden. Food sales, yankee swaps, flower shows, field trips to gardens far and near kept members busy. The traditional May Plant Sale began during this period.

On the Club’s 25th anniversary, the Club planted Dogwood trees at Town Hall, the Historical Society and at churches in town. Residents were also able to buy the trees for their own yards. Think of that this spring when these still lovely trees are in bloom!

By the end of this era, the Club had begun to participate in educational programs offered through the State Federation Of Garden Clubs. Conservation had become a hot topic and the club aided in both national and state projects.

1960 & 70s: A Tree Grows in Holliston

Continuing with its conservation efforts, the Club took on a number of projects designed to increase the tree population in the town. In 1966, with the tree warden and a group of Middle Schools students, the club planted 30 crabapple trees at the Middle School. Sadly, all but one of these trees were removed when the Middle School was renovated a few years ago. In 1971, in honor of the space program, the club planted a Moon Tree by the police station. A variety of tree seeds were taken aboard the Apollo 14 mission to the moon and the resulting seedlings were distributed to many towns in Massachusetts. Club member Carol Baker planted one of these seedlings, an American Sycamore, at the police station in 1976. This tree, which can grow to about 100 feet high and 10 feet wide is currently about 40 feet high and 15 inches in diameter.

1980s: Changing with the Times

The early 1980s saw an influx of new members who brought a new spark of life to the club. The club celebrated its 50th anniversary with a major flower show and luncheon at the Historical Society. The club also developed the Pocket Garden for the Public Library during this era. Joan Schofield was the driving force behind this effort. With little funding available, the club donated trees, shrubs, and willing hands for the garden and has maintained the site ever since. The stone dog in the garden was placed in loving memory of librarian Phyllis Gilman.

The Club continued to pursue its goal of sharing its love of gardens with the community during the 80s. The Daffodil Trail through the center of town along Washington Street began in the late 80s and the club expanded its Beautification, Arbor Day, and traffic island activities to help “green” the town. The club also held its first Art in Bloom at the Library, combining the art of Holliston High School students with club members’ interpretive floral designs.

1990s: 60 Years and Still Going Strong

For its 60th anniversary, the club held a traditional Victorian High Tea and members came dressed accordingly with hats trimmed in flowers – what else?! Club activities included a “tablescapes” and “traditional” flower show at the Library and the first Club cookbook for fund raising. The Club also organized and sponsored the “Downtown Window Box Competition” to honor the Town’s 275th and the Club’s 65th anniversaries. The Club provided a special program on window box planting for local businesses and ended the summer with awards to the best displays. Many participating businesses still maintain their window boxes today.

21st Century: A Work in Progress

So far, the Club has continued its commitment to the community and its members. In honor of its 70th anniversary, the Club planted over 70 magnolia trees in town and members’ gardens. Another high point was the compilation of a second Club cookbook, which raised $5,000 for the Holliston Food Pantry. We also, thanks to Janice Welenc and Carol Meritt, organized a multigenerational project with Holliston High School students and the Holliston Manor nursing home. The project led to the building of a wheelchair-accessible garden bench, to be used by residents of the nursing home. The Club also hosted two very successful Garden Tours, whose proceeds are earmarked for civic projects to benefit the town of Holliston. In the fall of 2007, a garden of drought and deer-resistant plants was designed and installed at the Recycling Center on Marshall Street.