About Us

Overview: 

The Waltham Garden Club’s purpose is to promote the love and knowledge of gardening, plants, and flowers among the people of Waltham and surrounding communities.

We are members of The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts, Inc., National Garden Clubs, Inc., and New England Garden Clubs.   Click here to learn more about these organizations.

The Waltham Garden Club is a non-profit organization run by a board of six officers and several committee chairpersons. We have over 70 members.

The Club has regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month from September to May. Club members also join together throughout the year in many community events or civic development programs.

Our History:

The Beginnings

 In November 1941, to promote gardening in the city, a group was formed known as the Waltham Better Gardeners. The first official meeting was held at the State College Field Station on Beaver Street (later renamed the University of Massachusetts - Waltham Field Station and as of March 2022 owned by the city of Waltham).  Master gardeners, Mrs. Conrad Jensen and Mr. George Dickey helped coordinate these early sessions. The first few meetings had presenters focus on topics such as the general care of plants, propagating plants and shrubs from cuttings, and the use of chemicals and fertilizers.  

In 1943, the group changed its name to the Waltham Better Gardens Club. The late 1940’s saw the club publishing its first yearbook. In 1975-1976, the group’s name was changed to the Waltham Garden Club, as it has been known since.  A club newsletter, The Grapevine, was started in 1973 and continues today. 

Activities

Over the years, the club produced flower shows, themed tea parties, victory gardens for the war effort, and a Home Front advice column in the local paper. The Club has sponsored many community projects such as reforestation at Prospect Hill Park, civic beautification of Route 128 and other key areas, poster contest for the 100th Anniversary of the Forest Service, and creation of a Green Guide. 

The Club participates with great enthusiasm in many city and state events as well as with local organizations including - Historic Waltham Days Parade, Waltham Public Library - Books in Bloom Flower Show, Massachusetts State Library Capital Blooms, and Art in Bloom at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.  Many community focused initiatives became ongoing annual projects.

Today

The Waltham Garden Club continues to be a welcoming community to everyone. With our variety of programs, we have something for everyone. The Grapevine newsletter is sent out electronically.  Our website was recently completely redesigned and upgraded and we are on social media!  

In 2021, our general monthly meetings resumed in person with members having to adhere to city wide public health protocols. The Carriage House at Gore Place is the new home for all Club meetings.  The use of this beautiful location rekindles a past partnership between the club and this historic estate in Waltham.