The Martha Washington Garden Club (MWGC) recently marked its 90th anniversary with a gala held on March 26 at the Newtown American Legion Hall. One of the many highlights of the day was when Martha Washington (portrayed by Alisa Dupuy) along with her husband, George Washington, presented a special program that delighted the audience with stories about their lives.
The gala was a beautiful blend of tradition, creativity, and community spirit, celebrating the club’s rich history while reinforcing its commitment to education, horticulture, and civic engagement.
MWGC President Anne Edwards warmly welcomed the more than 100 members and guests in attendance, expressing her gratitude for the overwhelming participation of club members and the stunning display of 30 raffle baskets.
The gala’s theme, “Black and White,” was interpreted uniquely at each of the 15 tables, where garden club members created elaborate tablescapes. They were permitted to include one accent color to these floral displays, resulting in a dazzling variety of artistic expressions.
Arlene Gordon, MWGC Acting Vice President and Program Chairperson, shared her excitement about this tradition: “Since I started coming to the Martha Washington Garden Club, this gala has really become one of my favorite events, and one of my favorite parts (of this gala) is the table decorations; it gives everyone the opportunity to use their imagination. We all follow the same theme, yet each table is so different, showcasing the creativity of our members.”
MWGC member, Jeremy Parry, was instrumental in planning and organizing the gala, which also provided an opportunity to reflect on the club’s evolution over the decades. Gordon highlighted the contrast between the club’s early years and today’s more relaxed atmosphere. “It used to be much more formal. Life in general was more formal back then. Members would wear hats and gloves, and meetings included coffee and tea service presented on silver trays,” she recounted. “To become a member, you had to be nominated and have two letters of recommendation. But while some things have changed, our love for gardening, houseplants, and the outdoors has remained strong.”
Long-time members were recognized for their dedication, with bouquets of flowers presented to those who had been part of the club ranging from 26 years all the way up to 52 years. Scrapbooks and memorabilia showcased the club’s history, allowing attendees to reminisce about past events and initiatives.
Ruth Logan, a long-time MWGC member, reflected on the club’s transformation. “It started with just eight women near Doylestown who displayed what they grew, so the club’s emphasis was initially on horticulture. Over the years, we’ve grown significantly, now with nearly 90 members throughout Bucks County. She noted that for a long time, their meetings took place in Yardley before recently moving to the Newtown American Legion Hall where they continue to be held today.
Regina McHugh, a 26-year member, reminisced about the elegant silver tea set that could be over a century old, which has become a cherished piece of MWGC’s history. The tea set remains a symbol of the club’s longstanding traditions.
“It’s incredible to think that the same teapot and serving pieces that our founding members used are still part of our events today,” Edwards remarked. “Every time we bring it out, it feels like we’re connecting with the generations of women who came before us.” The tea set continues to be used at special occasions, bridging past and present in a way that honors MWGC’s legacy
One of the most significant aspects of the gala was its role in supporting MWGC’s scholarship fund. Cindy Singh, Scholarship Chair, emphasized the impact of these scholarships. “The funds raised from our raffle baskets and gala go directly towards our scholarship fund. Over the next few months, our committee will be reviewing applications and selecting recipients,” she explained. “Reading these applications is always inspiring. We see young people passionate about making a positive impact on the environment.”
Barbara Heisler, a long-time MWGC member, read a testimonial from her granddaughter, a past scholarship recipient. “Thanks to the Jane Parr and Martha Washington Garden Club scholarships, I am nearing graduation from Temple University with a degree in landscape architecture,” the testimonial read. “These funds have made a significant difference in my journey, covering the high costs of materials, books, and printing. The award allowed me to focus on my studies and creative projects.”
The Jane Parr Scholarships, named in honor of a beloved former MWGC member, have been a crucial part of the club’s mission to support aspiring horticulturists and environmental scientists. “Jane was an incredibly passionate and knowledgeable gardener,” Singh noted. “She inspired so many of us, and we are proud to continue her legacy through these scholarships.” Her husband gave this club a generous monetary gift in perpetuity to provide scholarships in Jane Parr’s name for the young people in this area.
Beyond scholarships, MWGC has expanded its community outreach through its Chandler Hall Garden Therapy Program. Cindy Singh, who co-chairs the program, shared how it began. “I was volunteering at Chandler Hall as a hospice volunteer, and I mentioned my love for gardening to the activities director. That conversation sparked the idea of bringing garden therapy to the residents.”
Now in its second year, the program has flourished, providing meaningful engagement for Chandler Hall residents. “Last year, we ran a ten-week pilot program, and it was a huge success,” Singh said. “Residents loved it. Many of them used to garden, but can no longer do so on their own. Bringing gardening back into their lives has been incredibly fulfilling.”
Singh described the variety of activities they offer. “We work with sensory elements, using fragrant plants like lavender and marigolds. We’ve made dried flower arrangements, planted seeds in milk jugs, and even created bird feeders using peanut butter and pine cones.”
Rami Cobb, co-chair of the program, highlighted the therapeutic benefits of these activities. “There’s a wealth of medical literature that supports the connection between nature and well-being. Engaging with plants stimulates the senses, improves mental and physical health, and fosters social interaction,” she explained. “When residents see the plants on the table, their eyes light up. It’s truly heartwarming to witness.”
The program operates weekly from April through June, with volunteers working one-on-one with residents. “We have about 17 volunteers from MWGC,” Singh noted. “Chandler Hall rotates groups so more residents get a chance to participate.”
In addition to the gala and community outreach efforts, MWGC continues to offer engaging monthly programs for its members. Gordon shared insights into the club’s upcoming plans. “We always aim to provide diverse and educational programming. Our monthly meetings feature guest speakers, hands-on workshops, and seasonal gardening activities,” she said.
Monthly programs, usually presented by local guest speakers, are varied ranging from flower arrangements, elderberry products, composting, and even learning about bats. The May meeting will feature a local farmer who will talk about gardening and planting seeds.
Gordon emphasized that MWGC welcomes all levels of gardening enthusiasts. “Some members are seasoned gardeners, while others are just starting out. Our goal is to create a space where everyone can learn, share, and be inspired,” Gordon added. “It’s about more than just plants; it’s about building a community around a shared passion.”
Whether through scholarships, garden therapy, or educational programming, MWGC continues to cultivate a love for gardening in the community.
For more information about MWGC and its programs, visit their Facebook page or email mwgc@ymail.com. Scholarship applications are open until May 1, with awards to be presented in June.
