Hudson
Garden Club

Hudson Garden Club (HGC) was founded in 1968 by a group of energetic gardening enthusiasts—Grace Adams, Helen Doyle, Phylis Dyson, Peggy Gilroy, Elvira Jacobs, Sandra Joyce, Sharon Kearney, Teresa Landry, Jean Laviano, Waldro Lynch, Arline Parker, Jeanne Piecewicz, Viola Ross, Claire Shepard, and Jean Simkins – and we’re thrilled to follow in their footsteps!
HGC offers a myriad of activities and events including workshops, a lecture series, excursions, HGC’s annual banquet, participation in Hudson Fest and Hudson Holiday Stroll, decorating Hudson Senior Center for the winter holidays, and more.
The diverse personalities and backgrounds of our members make HGC a vibrant and blooming organization. And you don’t have to be a Hudson resident to become a member, as some of our members live in surrounding communities. Whether you’re an experienced gardener, a novice gardener, or simply curious about gardening, join us!
Mission Statement
The purpose of HGC is to promote a greater interest in gardening, horticulture, conservation, flower arranging, and allied activities and to cooperate in civic betterment.
Affiliations
HGC is affiliated with National Garden Clubs, Inc.; The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts, Inc. (GCFM); New England Garden Clubs; and GCFM Central North District.
Membership Info
Non-discrimination Policy
HGC believes everyone should be treated equally regardless of race, color, creed, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, disability, marital status, national origin, employment status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Dues
Dues are $30 per year. For questions or more information about becoming a member, contact Sandra Leah, Membership Chairperson, at 978-562-7549 or SANSJLEAH@AOL.COM.
Active Members
Active Members pay annual dues, participate on at least one committee (as well as contribute to refreshments, if requested to do so), and have the right to vote and hold office.
Honorary Members
Honorary members are those nominated by the Executive Board and elected by the Club. Honorary members do not pay dues, may not hold office, have no voting privileges or committee responsibilities, but may volunteer to help support the Club in any way.
Life Members
Effective June 1, 2024, Life membership is not available to Club members, with the exception of those who were designated Life members prior to June 1, 2024.
Photos

June 2025 ~ Hudson GC members at Hudson Fest and at The Celluci Memorial at the Town Hall




June 2023
HGC 2023 Scholarship Recipient
Isabella Flint & Grandmother Pat Main
December 2022
Creating Holiday Swags at Cordelia's Farm
April 2022
Ferjulian's Farm Greenhouse
April 2022
Devouring Cider Donuts at Ferjulian's Farm

December 2021
HGC Booth at
Hudson Holiday Stroll

December 2021
Crafting Ornaments at
Hudson Holiday Stroll

December 2021
Making Ornaments at
Hudson Holiday Stroll

June 2021
HGC 2021 Scholarship Recipient Jeremy Bullock & Mom Denise Bullock

December 2019
Decorating Longfellow's Wayside Inn

December 2019
Sprucing a Mantle at Longfellow's Wayside Inn

June 2019
HGC Booth at
Hudson Fest

June 2019
HGC Members at
Hudson Fest
Get In Touch!
We're happy to answer your questions.
For questions or information about HGC, please contact Marianne Vergano-Laughton, Recording Secretary, at 978-568-9756 or MMJLAUGHTON@VERIZON.NET.
Send a message or visit the HGC Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HudsonGardenClub/
Schedule
HGC meetings are held Monday evenings at 6:00 PM at Hudson Senior Center,
29 Church Street, Hudson, MA 01749
unless otherwise specified (see Calendar of Events below).
Monthly meetings take place September through June with the January and February meetings being at the discretion of the Programs Chairperson(s) and refreshments are always served.
2025-2026 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Monday, September 22, 2025 – 6:00 PM – Orchids 101 (Open to the Public)
This enlightening presentation by Massachusetts Orchid Society introduces us to the fundamentals of growing beautiful orchids. Discover the many types of orchids and the cultural requirements—balance of temperature, light, air, water, and fertilizer—to successfully grow these stunning houseplants.
Monday, October 20, 2025 – 6:00 PM – Pumpkin Flower Arrangement (Open to the Public)
Pumpkins are a classic Fall decoration, but have you ever thought of using one to create a flower arrangement? All it takes is some imagination. It’s a fun and easy way to add a touch of whimsy or elegance to your home décor.
Monday, November 17, 2025 – 6:00 PM – Business Meeting (HGC Members Only)
No presentation, no program, no event … just business.
Monday, December 1, 2025 – 5:00 PM – Pizza Dinner and Deck the Senior Center (HGC Members Only)
It’s that time of year again! We’re ordering pizza to fortify our spirits, then decorating Hudson Senior Center for the holidays. Not only is it a delightful way to kick off the winter season, but it’s also HGC’s way of expressing thanks to the Senior Center for letting the Club use the facility to host its meetings.
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 – 8:00 AM – Longfellow’s Wayside Inn Holiday Decorating (HGC Members Only)
Chairperson Theresa Viegas leads a small group of creative HGC volunteers in decorating a room at historic Longfellow’s Wayside Inn in Sudbury, MA. Festive greens and seasonal décor capture the ambiance of winter … beautiful!
Saturday, December 6, 2025 – 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM – Hudson Holiday Stroll (HGC Members Only)
Volunteer your time and join the fun making ornaments with children at the annual Hudson Holiday Stroll! HGC hosts an ornament-making station at this festive community event inside Avidia Bank Financial Center, 17 Pope Street, Hudson, MA.
Friday, December 12, 2025 – 5:00 PM – HGC Holiday Party and Yankee Swap (HGC Members Only)
Kick off the holiday season with tasty food and lots of laughs at the annual HGC holiday party and Yankee Swap! Bring your favorite appetizer, entrée, salad, or dessert to share as well as a $20 to $25 wrapped gift to swap (no candles, calendars, perfumes, or makeup).
Monday, January 5, 2026 – 5:00 PM – Un-deck the Senior Center (HGC Members Only)
The holidays are over and it’s time to take down and put away the decorations at Hudson Senior Center. Many hands make light and quick work, so come on down.
January 2026 – Date/Time TBD – Longfellow’s Wayside Inn Holiday Un-decorating (HGC Members Only)
The time has come to dismantle the holiday décor at Longfellow’s Wayside Inn in Sudbury, MA and Chairperson Theresa Viegas needs a few volunteers to assist with the task.
Monday, February 23, 2026 – 6:00 PM – Make Your Own Seasoning Blends (HGC Members Only)
Looking to spice up your life? From savory to zesty, make your own mixed seasoning packets using herbs and spices! Dave Wheeler of Therapy Gardens leads us through this hands-on workshop and enlightens us about different seasonings, their health benefits, and how to store and use them.
Monday, March 16, 2026 – 6:00 PM – Breakfast in Bed (HGC Members Only)
A flower show exhibit favorite for floral designers is a functional tray table setting where floral elements, decorative trays, and complementary items like candles, dishes, or linens are combined ingeniously. Our very own Donna Shapleigh guides us through the process floral designers use to create tray table settings, incorporating elements that provide depth and visual interest for a striking display.
Monday, April 20, 2026 – 6:00 PM – Stop and Smell the Lilacs (Open to the Public)
Master Gardener Christine Paxhia delves into the history of lilacs, how they came to the U.S., and how to plant, care for, prune and propagate them. The “piece de resistance” is a vibrant photographic showcase of the assorted colors of this favorite spring blossom.
Friday, May 22, 2026 – Time TBD – Tour New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill (HGC Members Only)
Enjoy a glorious tour of the 171-acre site's formal gardens, naturalistic landscapes, conservatories, and woodlands, as well as walking trails and the Wachusett Reservoir views.
Saturday, June 6, 2026 – 8:00 AM Set-up, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM Event – Hudson Fest (HGC Members Only)
Volunteer your time, mingle with the public, and plant seeds with kids at Hudson Fest! HGC hosts a seed-planting booth at this lively, annual event on South Street in Hudson, MA. Experience the excitement … you won’t regret it.
Friday, June 19, 2026 – 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM – Yard Sale Set-up (HGC Members Only)
Saturday, June 20, 2026 – 8:00 AM to Noon – Shop ‘til You Drop Yard Sale (Open to the Public)
Time again to clean your closets, drawers, basement, attic, and garage! Bring your CLEAN items as well as potted plants from your garden to Cindy Provencher’s house on Friday only. Volunteer to help with set-up and/or the event … and a potluck lunch is served on Saturday immediately following the yard sale (head count required). It’s a great fundraiser and always fun!
Monday, June 29, 2026 – 6:00 PM – HGC Annual Meeting and Banquet at 110 Grill, Highland Commons (HGC Members Only)
Delicious food, great company, and lots of laughs are the perfect way to end the year.
Club Officers
2025 - 2027
Co-Presidents: Diane Durand and Terry Mead
Recording Secretary: Marianne Vergano-Laughton
Corresponding Secretary: Sue Ruthroff
Treasurer: Sandra Leah
2025-2027 HGC Committee Chairpersons
Awards: TBD
Conservation: Debbie Freitas
Historian: Donna Shapleigh and Pat Main
Longfellow’s Wayside Inn: Theresa Viegas
Membership: Sandra Leah
Nominating: Diane Durand
Publicity: Diane Durand and Ann Panetta
Programs: Cindy Provencher
Refreshments: Sue Ruthroff and Donna Shapleigh
Scholarship: Marianne Vergano-Laughton
Ways and Means: All Club Members
Yearbook: Terry Mead