GCH partners with the Connecticut Valley Garden Club to work once again on the Old State House grounds as part of a community effort, this time to save the building from demolition. To raise funds, the two clubs hold a tail-gate sale, a money-raising tour to England’s Chelsea Flower Show, a raffle, a silent auction, a gala event, a tag sale and a flea market. The Old State House remains standing…
In partnership with the Connecticut Valley Garden Club and the Hartford City Parks and Recreation Department, GCH members identify and label approximately 35 trees throughout Bushnell Park. The project was completed with the help of Hartford-area school children.
The trees are planted in anticipation of their blooming in time for Hartford’s 350th birthday in 1986. A plaque was placed on the northwest wall of the pond in Bushnell Park to honor GCH members.
In a joint venture with the Connecticut Valley Garden Club, GCH undertakes the compete restoration of the Sunken Garden at Farmington’s Hill-Stead Museum. The garden was originally designed by Beatrix Ferrand, and the committee followed her original plans as closely as possible, aiming for historical accuracy. This effort included the layout of the garden and paths as well as the flower selection. Garden club volunteers were responsible for researching, buying and planting of plant material. The opening of the restored garden was held on June 21, 1988.
