Federated Garden Clubs of Ct

Janet Spaulding _{on Google}

Apr 5th, 2024

Connecticut is rich in volunteer opportunities but to me the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut present one of the best ways to volunteer for community projects, learn about gardening and horticulture and contribute in hands-on projects rather than simply writing a check to a group you dont really know. I write this because for many years I was fortunate to be the Awards Chair for the Federation. That meant that applications and information about the hundreds of projects these clubs undertook each year around the state reached me. Among them were member-supported and created gardens delivering fresh vegetables to CT food banks and elderly housing plus some even grown each year by women in the Niantic State Prison overseen by club volunteers. Programs teaching about growing plants took over many schools around the state, including one at the Simbury Town Farm as an after school program for children from lower income families. The planting of pollinator gardens to support dying bee populations, restoration of historic gardens, cooperative work with towns to create garden areas to divert road runoff during todays more aggressive stormsthey were all done by volunteers whose desire to learn and contribute to the maintenance and growth of their communities inspires them to step out each year and give back to CT towns and their citizens. If you are looking to find new friends who embody our unique Connecticut Spirit of Volunteerism, you couldnt do better than join a club in your area. You will learn so much, have access to the Federations educational programs and join a strong group of do-ers who make it happen for so many people in so many ways. You will be warmly welcomed. I was.