The Garden Club of Downers Grove was founded February 28, 1927, by a group of women who were members of the Downers Grove Women’s Club and were interested in beautifying their community. A constitution and bylaws were established, officers and committee chairmen were elected, and dues were set at $1.00 per year. The objectives set then remain the same today: to advance gardening, develop home gardening, further city beautification, stimulate interest in cooperative gardening, and protect forests, wildflowers, and birds.
Many of the committees established in 1927 are still active, namely, Program, Flower Show, Wayside and Parkways (now Civic Development), Flower Exchange (Horticulture), and Plant, Fruit, and Flower Guild (Garden Therapy).
The work of the Plant, Fruit, and Flower Guild began May 23, 1930. From May until October, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and jellies were delivered weekly to the tubercular ward of Cook County Hospital. In 1978, the name was changed to Garden Therapy, and emphasis was placed on serving local nursing homes. Today, the committee shares plants and flower arranging skills with residents of three local nursing homes: Manor Care in Westmont, Snow Valley in Lisle, and Providence in Downers Grove. Projects are designed to encourage resident participation.
The Civic Development Committee works with local agencies for the beautification of town areas. They designed and maintain both the Blue Star Marker Garden and the Rigsby Memorial Garden in Main Street Historical Cemetery in downtown Downers Grove.They planted and maintain a garden at the American Legion Memorial in Maple Grove Forest Preserve in Downers Grove. In addition, they restored and maintain a 1930s-style garden at Gregg House Historical Museum in Westmont.
Mrs. H. M. Lyman formed a junior club of grade school children in 1929. In 1966, the club was named Lyman Junior Garden Club in her honor. For years the junior club was comprised of members’ children, their friends, and neighbors, and they met in members’ homes. In 1991, the junior club was established at Highland School in Downers Grove where it remained until 2000. Today, the club again is comprised of members’ children. Their activities include maintenance of the Downers Grove Historical Museum Wildflower Garden. Education workshops for children are conducted at the museum in conjunction with the Downers Grove Park District and are open to the public.
In November 1968, The Garden Club of Downers Grove held its first major fundraiser, which became an annual event. It originally consisted of a luncheon and floral design program held in a local church. Food was prepared and served by Club members, using the church kitchen. In 1971, baked goods and a white elephant sale were added. In 1983, the event was moved to the Carlisle in Lombard where it has remained. Currently, the event consists of a luncheon, floral design program, raffle, bake and goodie table, and boutique tables (crafts, needlework, fresh and dried arrangements...all the handiwork of Club members). Proceeds help support the Club's programs, scholarships, and civic projects throughout the year.
The Club’s scholarship program has awarded fellowships to post-graduate students in the Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences Department at the University of Illinois, as well as grants to undergraduate students in Horticulture and Conservation at College of DuPage. Recently, an annual scholarship has been offered to a Club member or family member.
Each year, the Club celebrates Arbor Day by planting a tree at a local grade school, with a ceremony involving the children.
The Club has hosted 21 Flower Shows since 1964, the latest in July 2009.
A number of Club members are nationally accredited landscape design consultants, gardening consultants, and environmental consultants. One is a nationally accredited Flower Show judge.
The Executive Board meets in members’ homes on the first Monday of most months, except on the second Monday in September. No meetings are held in January, July, or August.
In the early years, the Club’s General meetings were held in members’ homes, but as membership grew, they were held in local churches, the Hummer Park field house, the Morton Arboretum, and even a firehouse. In 1985, the meeting place was changed to Lincoln Center.Currently, General meetings are held the third Monday of the month in January, February, March, April, May, September, and October at 12:30 p.m. in Lincoln Center. At each meeting, the Horticulture Chairman presents gardening tips, shares plants with members, and answers gardening related questions. The Conservation Chairman reports on current environmental issues. The highlight of each meeting is a gardening related program—such as floral or landscape design, environmental or horticulture lecture, workshop, etc. Refreshments and an opportunity to socialize with members and guests follow the program. Periodically, an education workshop is held prior to the General meeting.
In June, a picnic and plant sale is held in a member’s garden. An annual bus trip takes members and guests to private and public gardens outside the area. In July and August, members tour local gardens.
Each year, the Club’s committee chairmen submit books of evidence under the guidelines of The Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc.’s award program. As a result, the Club is the recipient of many district, state, regional, and national awards.
The Garden Club of Downers Grove is a charter member of National Garden Clubs, Inc., Central Region, and The Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc., District II. Club members have held Board positions at all levels—national, regional, state, and district.
Garden Club on July 2008 Bus Trip
