Scarborough Garden Club History
History of the Scarborough Garden Club
The Scarborough Garden Club was founded in 1975 by a group of dedicated women who shared a passion for gardening and a desire to contribute to their community. They gathered in each other's homes to exchange gardening knowledge, tips, and plant cuttings. The club was initially led by Hilma Thelin as President and Eleanor Irving as Secretary/Treasurer.
In the same year, the club formed a committee to care for the garden at the historic Hunnewell House, which dates back to 1684 when Captain Richard Hunnewell first settled in Scarborough. The garden surrounding the house, including its iconic flagpole garden, was recently restored to reflect the types of plants that would have been present during the 17th century. The restoration, guided by Ann Hancock, incorporated historical plantings, and members of the club contributed by adding new plants and a traditional bee skep, with a wooden shelter crafted by John McClean.
The Hunnewell House served as a gathering place for the club's early meetings, and it was also the venue for craft fairs. The club’s first formal meeting and tea were held there around 1978. In recognition of their efforts to preserve the Hunnewell House gardens, the club was awarded the prestigious New England Regional Award for restoring a historical garden
Throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, the club became a prominent participant in local flower shows, earning over 200 certificates from the National Garden Clubs, as well as numerous blue ribbons for their displays.
In 2003, club members Martha Richie and Dorothy Pitcher initiated the creation of the Garden of Hope, a peaceful and beautiful, white-themed garden located at Maine Medical Center in Scarborough. This garden was designed to provide a calming space for patients, visitors, and staff, and it continues to be maintained by the club.
In 2006 the club dedicated a tree to the town’s Memorial Park which stands today as one of the lovely features of the park.
One of the club’s most important annual events is its Plant Sale, which serves as the primary fundraiser for its many community projects. Through the funds raised, the club supports a variety of local nonprofits, including food donations to Project Grace for Thanksgiving, contributions to the land trust, school gardening initiatives, and participation in Sustainable Scarborough Day.
Additionally, since 2006, the Scarborough Garden Club has been awarding a Scholarship Fund to a second-year student from Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) studying horticulture. This scholarship is awarded every two years to support the next generation of horticulturalists.
In 2024, to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the club sponsored a park bench with the support of the library and AARP. The bench overlooks the pond between the library and Wentworth School.
From its humble beginnings with just 18 members, the Scarborough Garden Club has grown to become one of the largest garden clubs in Maine, continuing to foster a love of gardening while giving back to the community it serves.