Garden Club News
Needham Garden Club Awards 2025 Scholarship
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This year the Needham Garden Club awarded the 2025 scholarship to Christopher Camozzi. The $3,500 award is given to a student who has shown enthusiasm for the study of horticulture, botany and concern for the environment, and who will continue to pursue these interests in their post-high school studies.
Christopher demonstrated that he was a motivated, hardworking student who excelled in advanced courses. Despite a heavy course load and delving with enthusiasm into extracurricular activities, he discovered (in Christopher’s words) a “deep love of bringing spaces to life…transforming ordinary areas into something beautiful and inviting” while working with his father landscaping their yard. |
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Christopher was a dedicated volunteer at, among other programs, a preschool that is heavily based on outdoor learning. Christopher is headed to Bates college where he is planning to major in Environmental Science, Conservation or Horticulture.
Flower Arrangements for a Senior Prom
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Members of the Flower Arranging Committee created centerpieces for a Senior Prom at Briarwood Rehab & Healthcare in Needham.
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Unsung Hero 2024-2025
We are pleased to announce that Nancy Yablonski has been named as our Unsung Hero for 2024-2025. This Award of Appreciation is given to someone in the Needham Garden Club who has quietly assumed additional responsibilities above and beyond the call of duty.
Diana Conroy (Co-president), Nancy Yablonski, Anne Carlson (Co-president)
Nancy is a woman with an intensity and drive that served her well in the business world and then has gone on to serve the garden club well. As tri-chair of the Ways and Means committee, she raised our profits to heights never seen before. Was there a bargain to be had in the metro-west area? Rest assured that Nancy would find it! Was there work that could be done weeks before the wreath and arrangement workshop? Nancy is not only on it but she will have it organized into a spreadsheet and made sure that not only was there plenty of attendees, but they would have a marvelous time.
She has also done a spectacular job as our skilled and generous club photographer. Many a meeting has occurred when hours after the program, we can enjoy the memories via her photos. Nancy has captured the moments in our club life that we will cherish and smile over in years to come.
She has also done a spectacular job as our skilled and generous club photographer. Many a meeting has occurred when hours after the program, we can enjoy the memories via her photos. Nancy has captured the moments in our club life that we will cherish and smile over in years to come.
Nancy is also a talented flower arranger and is extraordinarily generous in taking on Art in Bloom projects – being willing to sit back in case there are not enough projects left or picking up one at the end when the choices are hard.
While taking a well-deserved break from the Board next year, the Needham Garden Club is very fortunate that Nancy is not taking a break from the club, and will continue to be a voice, bring her ideas and indomitable spirit and perhaps picture us when we least expect it.
While taking a well-deserved break from the Board next year, the Needham Garden Club is very fortunate that Nancy is not taking a break from the club, and will continue to be a voice, bring her ideas and indomitable spirit and perhaps picture us when we least expect it.
New additions: Asiatic Lily, Astilbe, Dianthus, Geranium Maculatum, Lamium, Molinia Skyracer Grass, Myrtle, Phlox, Rose of Sharon, Shasta Daisy, Siberian Iris, Solomon Seal, Yarrow, Yellow Bleeding Heart.
Here is a peak of just some of the plants we have this year, including many natives.
Aster , Bee Balm, Bellflower, Bleeding Heart, Cardinal Flower , Catmint, Columbine, Coneflower, Coral Bell, Coreopsis, Echinacea, Ginger, Gladiolus and Caladium Bulbs, Goat's Beard, Heuchera, Hosta, Jacob's Ladder, Ladies Mantle, Lupine, Mayapple, Milkweed, Monarda, Obedient Plant, Pearly Everlasting, Rose of Sharon, Salvia, Scabiosa, Sedum (3 varieties), Sweet Joe Pye Weed, Sweet Woodruff, Veronica
In addition, we also have 5 foot Garden Obelisks, Rabbit Deterrent Plant Protectors, a variety of herbs and plant pots and a spectacular large planter created by Deborah Trickett of The Captured Garden.
Come early, you might find something unusual, or the perfect plants to fill the empty spots in your garden.
Needham Garden Club Revamps Noyes Park
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In April, the Needham Garden Club in collaboration with the Needham Parks and Forestry Department and Hartney Greymont revitalized Noyes Park
(located at the intersection of Great Plain Avenue and Central Street in Needham). Flower beds were enlarged, trees trimmed, old shrubs replaced with new ones and a water bucket was installed to make maintenance easier. |
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October 2024 Members' Mixer
Every October, we celebrate fall flowers & new members by hosting a club mixer. The members form groups to design arrangements based on a theme chosen by the Flower Arranging Committee. The groups then come together at the October General meeting to make and present their arrangements.
2024's theme was a tablescape celebrating "Travel Across America".
2024's theme was a tablescape celebrating "Travel Across America".
Want to join in the fun? Become a member and put your creative vibes to work!
Hawaii
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Salem, MA
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Arizona
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Michigan
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The Southwest
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Unsung Hero 2023-2024
We are so please to announce that Jane Brand has been named as our Unsung Hero for 2023-2024. This Award of Appreciation is given to someone in the Needham Garden Club who has quietly assumed additional responsibilities above and beyond the call of duty.
Anne Carlson (Co-president), Jane Brand,
Gail Davis (Co-president)
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This year’s choice for Unsung Hero is not a person about whom there have been NO songs. There have been MANY songs, but the songs about her have been quietly sung.
Jane has most aptly served on our Board as the Recording Secretary, the Editor of the Newsletter, and Member of the Nominating Committee. She is always superb at her job. When she speaks at our Board meetings, she speaks after thoughtful deliberation. Board Members look to her for wisdom and take guidance from her comments. |
She has participated in the last two Bylaw Review Committees. Her background as a lawyer, her Garden Club memory, her facility with language, her knowledge of process, and her wise counsel made her vital to the work of those two Review Committees. Those of us who have worked with her in this capacity know how important she is.
She has also participated in many Committees. Always ready to volunteer her time and her talent, with no need to call attention to herself. She is one of the last to leave when the responsibilities of an event are winding up.
The Needham Garden Club thanks Jane for her wisdom, her kindness, her knowledge, and her strong desire to do all that she can to make our Garden Club projects a success.
She has also participated in many Committees. Always ready to volunteer her time and her talent, with no need to call attention to herself. She is one of the last to leave when the responsibilities of an event are winding up.
The Needham Garden Club thanks Jane for her wisdom, her kindness, her knowledge, and her strong desire to do all that she can to make our Garden Club projects a success.
Just in Time for the Fourth
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Karen Taggart sent this picture of how she repurposed her spent Allium stalks for a very cute decorating idea. |
Needham Garden Club Awards Annual Scholarship - 2024
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Needham High School student, Nevan Sujit, is this year’s recipient of the annual Needham Garden Club Scholarship. The $2500 award is given to a student who has shown enthusiasm in the study of horticulture and concern for the environment, and who will continue to study in that area at the college level. |
During his Needham High School years, for his Eagle Scout Project, Evan demonstrated his concern for environmental issues by building beds at the Needham Community Farm, which focused on plants that attract pollinators. He combined his interest in engineering and sustainability by designing Microbial Fuel Cell devices, which turn wastewater into electricity renewability. Evan spends every summer, farming with his grandparents in rural India. He attributes his concern for the environment to his grandmother, who has taught him the importance of being a steward of nature.
In August, Nevan will attend the University of Pennsylvania, where he plans to pursue a degree focusing on engineering and sustainability.
Gail Davis and Anne Carlson, 2023-2024 Co-Presidents of the Needham Garden Club, presented the check to Nevan. Funds for the scholarship were raised from donations and proceeds from the Garden Club’s Spring Plant Sale and the Wreath and Arrangement Sale.
In August, Nevan will attend the University of Pennsylvania, where he plans to pursue a degree focusing on engineering and sustainability.
Gail Davis and Anne Carlson, 2023-2024 Co-Presidents of the Needham Garden Club, presented the check to Nevan. Funds for the scholarship were raised from donations and proceeds from the Garden Club’s Spring Plant Sale and the Wreath and Arrangement Sale.
Needham Garden Club Participates in Art in Bloom 2024
Needham Garden Club's Entry in the Mass
Horticulture Festival of Trees Event
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The Needham Garden Club placed their 5th entry in the Mass Horticulture Festival of Trees event with a “Santa Takes a Break” entry featuring an Adirondack style rocking chair and imagining Santa finally able to rest and relax after his busy season.
Ticket sales go towards the maintenance of the buildings, grounds and plantings at the Massachusetts Horticultural Society at Elm Bank. Our “Tree Creation” contribution was led by Diana Conroy, and executed by a clever and most enthusiastic Committee. |
December 2023 - Wreath, Ornament & Arrangement Sale
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Thank you to all of our loyal patrons who came out to support our Wreath, Ornament & Arrangment Sale. It was so nice to see old and new friends. And a tremendous thank you to all of the Garden Club members who made gorgeous wreaths, ornaments, arrangments & decorations. Happy Holidays! Click here to take a look at all the festivities. |
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October 2023 Members' Mixer
2023's theme was a tablescape for a cocktail party from any era or season.
Ring-a-Ding-Ding - It's Cocktail Time in the 30's & 40's
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Art Deco - All in Silver & Black
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Kentucky Derby Time - Celebrate a Win
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Peace & Love - Right from the 60's
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Formal Party - Celebrate the Holidays
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Cocktail Party Somewhere - Tropical Paradise
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 Doggie Party - Best in Show
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Needham Garden Club Awards Annual Scholarship - 2023
Needham Garden Club Awards Annual Scholarship
Needham High School student, Caroline Pollan, was this year’s recipient of the annual Needham Garden Club Scholarship. The $2000 award is given to a student who has shown enthusiasm in the study of horticulture and concern for the environment, and who will continue to study in that area at the college level.
During her Needham High School years, Caroline was a member of the Environmental Action Committee, participated in the Youth Climate Leadership Program, worked with campers as a Counselor in Training at Drumlin Farm, and worked in the aviary at the Franklin Park Zoo.
In August, Caroline will enter Rice University, where she plans to major in Environmental Science and Conservation.
Debbie Wentworth and Gail Davis, 2022-2023 Co-Presidents of the Needham Garden Club presented the check to Caroline. Funds for the scholarship were raised from donations and proceeds from the Garden Club’s Spring Plant Sale and the Wreath, Arrangement, and Jewelry Sale.
Needham High School student, Caroline Pollan, was this year’s recipient of the annual Needham Garden Club Scholarship. The $2000 award is given to a student who has shown enthusiasm in the study of horticulture and concern for the environment, and who will continue to study in that area at the college level.
During her Needham High School years, Caroline was a member of the Environmental Action Committee, participated in the Youth Climate Leadership Program, worked with campers as a Counselor in Training at Drumlin Farm, and worked in the aviary at the Franklin Park Zoo.
In August, Caroline will enter Rice University, where she plans to major in Environmental Science and Conservation.
Debbie Wentworth and Gail Davis, 2022-2023 Co-Presidents of the Needham Garden Club presented the check to Caroline. Funds for the scholarship were raised from donations and proceeds from the Garden Club’s Spring Plant Sale and the Wreath, Arrangement, and Jewelry Sale.
Unsung Hero 2022-2023
Lori Hall has been named as our Unsung Hero for the year 2022-2023. This Award of appreciation is given to someone in the Needham Garden Club who has quietly assumed additional responsibilities above and beyond the call of duty.
This year, Lori took on every task imaginable for this year's Plant Sale, even though she was not yet a chairperson.
From her first Horticulture Committee Zoom meeting in January, Lori shouldered any task with equanimity, as a way to "learn the ropes" of the Plant Sale. She went far beyond the expectations of Committee participation. Whether potting up plants at the Container Workshop, and then babysitting about a third of those containers, proposing new ideas for kid-oriented pail-sized wildflower gardens (then creating them on her own), making signs for the Sale day, reviewing the master list of Committee tasks, foraging at the Swap Shop for plant containers, suggesting new ways to raise Club funds and advertise Club events, or responding to countless pick-your-brain emails, the list of her contributions is basically endless.
As an Off Board Member, Lori Hall has been very much On Board. When someone needed to step up to new responsibilities, Lori Hall quietly made things happen for our Club. We are so pleased to name Lori Hall as this year’s Unsung Hero.
This year, Lori took on every task imaginable for this year's Plant Sale, even though she was not yet a chairperson.
From her first Horticulture Committee Zoom meeting in January, Lori shouldered any task with equanimity, as a way to "learn the ropes" of the Plant Sale. She went far beyond the expectations of Committee participation. Whether potting up plants at the Container Workshop, and then babysitting about a third of those containers, proposing new ideas for kid-oriented pail-sized wildflower gardens (then creating them on her own), making signs for the Sale day, reviewing the master list of Committee tasks, foraging at the Swap Shop for plant containers, suggesting new ways to raise Club funds and advertise Club events, or responding to countless pick-your-brain emails, the list of her contributions is basically endless.
As an Off Board Member, Lori Hall has been very much On Board. When someone needed to step up to new responsibilities, Lori Hall quietly made things happen for our Club. We are so pleased to name Lori Hall as this year’s Unsung Hero.
Needham Garden Club Helps with Eagle Scout Project
The Needham Garden Club received a request from Nevan Sujit, an Eagle Scout in Needham. He asked for our help with his Eagle Scout Project, constructing and planting a Pollinator Garden at the Needham Community Farm. Members of our club donated pollinator and native plants to him as well as money for his project.
We recently received this note and pictures from Nevan.
We recently received this note and pictures from Nevan.
“I am emailing to share with the Needham Garden Club that I completed my Eagle Scout Project!
I wanted to thank the Needham Garden Club once again for the flower donations as well as monetary donations from members of the club. The donations went a long way towards my Eagle Project. I was able to build the five garden beds as well as the educational panel over the course of five volunteer sessions and with the participation of over fifteen members in my Troop. Over the course of the summer, the pollinator flowers planted should bloom.
These garden beds are helping to attract pollinators, especially bees from the nearby beehives, so they can thrive on the Farm. The panel as well has information that will raise awareness for years to come about the importance of pollinators. I am incredibly proud of the impact I was able to make with my Project!
Again, this would not have been possible without the support of the Needham Garden Club!"
I wanted to thank the Needham Garden Club once again for the flower donations as well as monetary donations from members of the club. The donations went a long way towards my Eagle Project. I was able to build the five garden beds as well as the educational panel over the course of five volunteer sessions and with the participation of over fifteen members in my Troop. Over the course of the summer, the pollinator flowers planted should bloom.
These garden beds are helping to attract pollinators, especially bees from the nearby beehives, so they can thrive on the Farm. The panel as well has information that will raise awareness for years to come about the importance of pollinators. I am incredibly proud of the impact I was able to make with my Project!
Again, this would not have been possible without the support of the Needham Garden Club!"
See the process and final result below...
June Field Trip to the Mary May Binney Wakefield
Arboretum's Dogwood Days
Needham Art in Bloom
Here are the beautiful arrangements that our members created for this year's Art in Bloom held at the Public Library.
Thank you to all who helped make this year's Wreath, Arrangement and Jewelry Sale the best we have ever had!!!
September General Meeting: Dahlia Fall--What to Do? |
October General Meeting: Members-Only Mixer |
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Speaker Betsy Szymczak provided a brief history of the discovery of dahlias and their introduction into the American garden. We learned how to select dahlia tubers, where to plant and how to water and fertilize them. Staking or not; digging or not. Storing over the winter and then waking them up. This informative program was followed by a brief discussion of the American Dahlia Society Classification (ADS) and how to enter a Dahlia Show.
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Every October, the Needham Garden Club celebrates fall flowers and new members by having a club mixer. The members form groups to design arrangements based on a theme chosen by the Flower Arranging committee. The groups then come together at the October General meeting to make their arrangements. Then they presented them to the membership. Afterward. the group came together for lunch.
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Coming Soon: Wreath, Arrangement and Jewelry SaleIt's never too early to start thinking about Christmas. At least that's what the Ways and Means committee says. They have already been well at work making lovely wreaths and holiday items to sell this December 3rd at the Congregational Church on Great Plain Ave. And back by popular demand-the jewelry sale! This could be your one-stop shop for gifts this year. Note: Only cash and checks will be accepted.
MEMBERSFor more information about our club's activities read our newsletter in the Members Only Section. |
NGC Board 2019-2020
Did you know...
that as a member of the Needham Garden Club you are also a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts (GCFM)? Click here to learn about the benefits this wonderful organization offers each and every one of you. |
Join us at our monthly meeting
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Club meetings are held September through May on the third Tuesday of the month in the Community Room of the Needham Public Library (1139 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA) at 9:30AM unless otherwise stated.
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