Garden Club
of
Amherst
ABOUT US
Our Mission
The purpose of the Garden Club of Amherst is to foster the interests of its members in everything pertaining to gardens, and to show active concern for the beautification of the local area and for the preservation of its natural resources, extending this concern to similar state and national issues.
Our History
The Garden Club of Amherst (GCA) was founded on August 27, 1915, when Mrs. William J. Newlin invited five friends to meet at her Amherst home. The club grew quickly, and members contributed to the community by distributing plans for home gardens, organizing plant exchanges, donating garden books to the town library, and working to stimulate public interest in home gardens.
In 1928 the GCA joined The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts (GCFM) of which we are still a proud member. Each May since 1951, the GCA has held a plant sale on the Amherst Common. Members share plants from their gardens and knowledge with the community at the sale. All sale proceeds are donated to local organizations and, since 1990, fund an annual scholarship for a horticultural student at the University of Massachusetts.
In most ways the GCA keeps to its original purpose—to help one another with our gardens, indoor and outdoor, and to help the town be an attractive place. We share our experiences with gardening, enjoy presentations, and occasionally take trips to visit other public or private gardens. The club currently has 45 members, including honorary and associate members.
Announcements & News
We are currently working with the
Kestrel Land Trust property.
Schedule
Program Schedule 2025
Any non-member interested in attending a program should
contact the club for further information.
January 29
Topic: Garden Design 101
Speaker: Mary Jo Maffei, Garden Path Design
February 26
Topic: Designing with Native Plants
Speaker: Heidi Dollard
March 1
Susie’s Dinner, Set-up at 5:00 pm, Dinner at 6:00 pm
Bring your own plate, etc.
March 26
Topic: The Man Who Loved Trees
Speaker: Annaliese Bischoff, Author
April 30
Plant Sale Preparation Party
May 15
Plant Sale Table Set-up
Amherst Town Common
May 16
Plant Sale Set-up
Amherst Town Common
May 17
Plant Sale
Amherst Town Common. Wear a hat, name tag, etc.
June 25
Speaker: Tom Clark, Director, Mt. Holyoke Botanic Gardens.
On-site location. Brief business meeting to follow
July 30
Tour of Marie Anne Kostecki’s Garden
Brief business meeting to follow.
August 27
Tour of the grounds of New Salem Art Museum Brief business meeting to follow.
September 24
Annual Salad Luncheon
Location: Black Birch Winery
Bring your own plate, etc.
October 29
Annual meeting
Review of year and election of officers
Club Officers
President: Leslie Lorber
Co-Vice Presidents: Nina DaDalt-Korza & Leslie Fisette
Treasurer: Sharon Rogalski
Secretary: Theresa Smith
Photos
Get In Touch!
We're happy to answer your questions.
We may be reached by mail at:
Garden Club of Amherst
PO Box 3466
Amherst, MA 01004
Or by email at GardenClubAmherst@gmail.com