THE GARDEN CLUB OF DOWNERS GROVE
Established 1927
PROJECTS
A Project is a major undertaking involving member participation
and the club's financial support for the purpose of furthering
one or more objectives of National Garden Clubs, Inc.,
The Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc., and The Garden Club of Downers Grove.
The Civic Development committee collaborates with local agencies to beautify town areas. They designed and maintain the Blue Star Marker Memorial Garden and Elizabeth Rigsby Memorial Garden in downtown Downers Grove, as well as gardens in the Maple Grove Forest Preserve and the American Legion Post 80. Additionally, they restored and maintain the 1930's-style garden at the Gregg House Historical Museum in Westmont.
Main Street Cemetery, Downers Grove, IL
The Garden Club of Downers Grove has had a presence in the Main Street Cemetery since 1997 with the dedication of a Blue Star Memorial By-Way Marker. It is a tribute to the Armed Forces of America, along with a patriotic themed garden in front of the marker. The Elizabeth Rigsby Memorial Garden and bench is located at the entrance to the cemetery at the top of the stairs. This garden was established in 1998 to honor the work of club member Elizabeth Rigsby. The club also cares for the grave sites of John “Daddy”Wells .who was very active with the Girl Scouts, his wife and daughter; located nearby.
Maple Grove Memorial Garden
Downers Grove, IL
Blue Star Marker
American Legion Post 80
Downers Grove, IL
Gregg House Museum Garden
& Last Straw Event
Westmont, IL
GARDEN THERAPY
Currently the committee shares plants and flower arranging skills with residents at Providence and Saratoga Grove in Downers Grove and Westmont Manor in Westmont. Projects and programs are designed to encourage resident participation and geared toward their basic senses. Committee members love to build community in the nursing homes by ending their visits with a story and songs. Activities are planned throughout the year with outdoor garden planting in the spring.
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SCHOLARSHIPS
Annual scholarships are offered to Masters or Doctoral candidates at the University of Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. Currently two are offered at $2,000 each. In addition, an annual $1,000 scholarship is offered to a Horticulture student at College of DuPage, and an annual $500 scholarship is offered to a club member or family member for continuing studies in horticulture or floral design.
