about us
Our Mission
The Redding Garden Club was founded in 1964 "to stimulate interest in and knowledge of horticulture, to assist the town in its conservation activities, to aid in the protection of native trees, birds and wildflowers, and to increase the knowledge of the artistic use of plant material."
We are proud to be a Charter Member of the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut and member of National Garden Clubs.
Our HIstory
Betty Hill, Founder
On June 16, 1964, Betty Hill organized the first meeting of the Redding Garden Club. Always civic-minded, she decided to form the Club after attending the first meeting of the Redding Conservation Commission.
“The best way to explain the importance of conservation is through garden clubs,” she said, and she invited everyone who was interested in conserving the natural beauty of Redding to join. Over fifty women responded, and led by Betty's energy and drive, got down to work.
One of the first things the Garden Club did was endorse the establishment of a Land Trust. To help beautify the town, members sold daffodil bulbs and sponsored town-wide litter clean-ups. Under Betty's leadership, the club launched a youth program, organized flower shows, offered education programs, and soon became an integral part of Redding.
Today, the RGC continues to be a leader in civic beautification and conservation, carrying on Betty Hill’s mission to preserve Redding’s beauty and to protect our native trees, birds, and wildflowers.
Betty Hill, Founder, Redding Garden Club
beginnings
June 16, 1964: Charter Members
Over 50 women attend the first meeting and sign their names as Charter Members. The daffodil is adopted as the official flower and dues are set at $3 a year
November 1964: Town Cleanup
In keeping with the Club's slogan, “Keeping Redding Clean and Green,” members and their families clean up trash near their homes. Photo: Bridgeport Post
November 1964: Christmas Spirit
With the Garden Club in full swing, members attend a lecture and demonstration of Christmas arrangements. Betty Hill is on the far left.
January 1965: Conservation Leaders
The Club takes a leadership role in establishing a land conservation trust in Redding "to preserve for future generations the essential woodlands, streams, and wetlands."
June 1966: First Flower Show
The Club’s first flower show theme is “A Summer Bouquet.”
The first flower show winners are left to right: Mary Clinton, Mrs. Alfred Gruner, and Mrs. Robert Gorton. Photo: Danbury News-Times
August 1, 1967: Bicentennial Parade
The Club enters a float celebrating Redding's 200-year history and wins $75 first prize. As part of the celebration, members plant 42 evergreens and shrubs in front of Town Hall
1967: Junior Gardeners
The Junior Gardener program thrives as children are taught how to grow plants from seed
April 1972: Roadside Daffodil Drift
To beautify the town and celebrate the Club’s official flower, the daffodil, the RGC holds yearly bulb sales. By 1972, over 8,000 daffodil bulbs have been sold. Today, that number stands at over 100,000
Spring 1972: New Members Luncheon
New members attend a luncheon given by president Betty Hill at her home. The menu includes salmon mousse, potatoes gratin, profiteroles on a tree, and rum cakes. Photo: Redding Pilot
April 1973: Arbor Day
The Club's ongoing Arbor Day program brings horticulture into the classroom. Photo: Redding Pilot
June 1973: Flower Show
Five men enter the 1973 Flower Show, interpreting their profession or avocation in flowers. The theme is "It is Still A Beautiful World.” Left to right: Thomas Beck, George Shaker
May 1973: May Day Baskets
Ann Steinsvaag hangs her entry in the Club's May Day basket contest, a revival of an old New England custom. Photo: Danbury News-Times
May 1974: Spring Market
Members Judy Kagan and Beverly Dieringer hold a rug needlepointed by members of the Redding Garden Club and created for display at the Spring Market. The Spring Market marked the beginnings of our current Plant Sale. Photo: Redding Pilot
June 1977: Civic Beautification
Civic Beautification Committee members spend the day planting flowers at several sites around town. Left to right: Laura Brookman, Elaine Thomas, Ginnie Germani, Roz Bragg, Edith Pharr, Mary Mugavero
December 1979: Redding's Christmas Tree
The Club donates a Christmas tree in memory of longtime member Edith Pharr. It is lit on the Town Green every year. Photo: Redding Pilot
September 1982: National Winner
“Going to the Movies” wins the Purple Rosette for Flower Show Achievement from the National Council of State Garden Clubs.
“Going to the Movies” is the Club's largest Standard Flower Show to date
May 1998: Plant Sale Returns
After several years without a Plant Sale, Civic Beautification Chairs Nancy Kaye and Lorraine Halas revitalize the Redding Garden Club Plant Sale. It becomes the Club's premier fundraising and community outreach program. Photo: Redding Pilot
October 2001: Town Hall's New Bench
Redding Garden Club presents a teak bench to the town of Redding, which is accepted by First Selectman Natalie Ketchham. Photo: Redding Pilot
October 2010: Best Website in the Country
National Garden Clubs awards Redding Garden Club a National Certificate of Merit for Best Garden Club Website in the Country