We are an active group of women dedicated to beautification and conservation efforts in our city. All members of our club are encouraged to participate in beautification and conservation activities. (See adopted spaces). Our signature daffodils and the beautiful planted Mayor’s signs are a welcoming beacon for all who enter our city.

We are also dedicated to the education of our Marlborough students, young and not so young! We fund a scholarship through the Citizen’s Scholarship Foundation and also offer grants to students and/or teachers for plant or conservation related projects.

We are developing a program for our senior citizens, offering tours and hands on workshops. We are working, in conjunction with, the Marlborough Senior Center to offer the best support we can for our seniors.

Fundraising activities support scholarships, community beautification and horticultural education.

Organizations we belong to:

• The New England Wildflower Society (Garden in the Woods, Framingham)
• The Worcester Horticulture Society (Tower Hill Botanic Gardens, Boylston)
• The Fruitlands Museum, Harvard
• The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts

The Club’s roots grew strong and deep…
The Club’s tree grows strong and tall…

In 1959, five friends, Evelyn Dwyer, Marge Fougere, Rose Kane, Priscilla Pierce, and Roberta Ryan formed a club to expand their gardening knowledge and share experiences. Marlborough was celebrating its tercentennial in 1960 and it seemed appropriate to call the newly formed organization the Colonial Garden Club.

They first met during the day in the homes of various members. In 1967 membership had grown and they began meeting in the Recreational Building on Bolton Street. Since then the club has moved several times to St. Ann’s Parish Hall, then the Peter Rice Homestead, the American Legion, the Sisters of St. Chretienne Hall, the Senior Center, the District Education Center, and currently to the Jaworek Elementary School.

In the early years, the club held plant sales, mini flower shows, and bingo games to pay for guest lecturers. As the membership continued to grow, the club took on projects to benefit the community. The first scholarship was awarded to a Marlborough High School student in 1978, made possible by the proceeds of the Pear Tree Boutique. Scholarships are now awarded annually to students who are Marlborough residents and who plan to further their education in the life sciences. The scholarship program is administered by the Citizens Scholarship Foundation.

Over the years the club has been involved in many civic planting projects. In 1994 the club landscaped the entrance to the Middle School. After joining the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts in 1996, our club won a "Petals Grant" which helped fund a circle garden planted behind City Hall. To celebrate the club’s 40th anniversary in 1999, a woodland garden with granite bench was installed at Ghiloni Park. In 2001 the club was instrumental in planning and orchestrating the planting of hundreds of bulbs, perennials, shrubs and trees at the Women Veterans’ Memorial Park on Maple Street. Over the past few years our tentacles have stretched further with added plantings in other prominent locations throughout the city. In addition, we continue to tend our signature plantings at all the entrances to the city.

Fundraising activities continue to support scholarships, community beautifications, and horticultural education. Our newsletter the Trumpet Vine, along with a Program Booklet keep club members informed of upcoming events, bylaws, and a membership directory.

To be eligible for membership, prospective members must attend two meetings before joining the club. New members are required to participate in the club's civic beautification activities, support all fund raising events, attend a minimum of four meetings during the year, and pay annual dues of $15.

As a new member everyone is encouraged to volunteer. Our organization's success relies on the support of an active membership. There are many committee options available and we hope that new members will choose to join at least one.

Membership Requirements:

• Must attend two meetings before becoming member.
• Board votes on membership.
• Must serve on Beautification Committee for 1 year.
• New member dues are to be paid upon admittance to the club.

You can download the application and mail the completed form to:

Colonial Garden Club of Marlborough
P.O. Box 1032
Marlborough, MA 01752
ATTN: Membership Coordinator

Our club is a member of The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts, Inc.

The Federation is a member of The National Garden Clubs, Inc.
(formerly, the National Council of State Garden Clubs)