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's Main Street Cemetary, as well as gardens in the Maple Grove Memorial within the DuPage Forest Preserve and the American Legion Post 80. Additionally, they restored, refreshed and maintain the 1930's-style garden at the Gregg House Historical Museum in Westmont as well as actively participate in the Gregg House Ice Cream Social and Last Straw fundraiser events. There are 25 GCDG members who tend these gardens yearly.
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.
This year planting of the Rigsby Garden included marigolds, vinca (periwinkle), dusty miller, begonias and alyssum to compliment the hostas, heuchera (coral bells), tall phlox, purple cone flower, sun king aralia and two barberry bushes.
The Blue Star Marker is planted by our member, Cyndy and her husband who have been tending this garden for over 10 years changing the design each year to reflect the red, white and blue theme.
Maple Grove Memorial Garden
Downers Grove, IL
The WWII stone monument in Memorial Park stands as a permanent tribute erected by the community to honor 43 local service members who made the ultimate sacrifice including a Medal of Honor recipient Fred Faulkner Lester. The GCDG has been caring for the memorial garden since 1999. Planted this year includes annual white periwinkles to compliment the white and purple cone flowers, daylillies, black-eyed susans, irises, milkweed and sunflowers that bloom throughout the spring and summer.
Blue Star Marker
American Legion
Post 80
Downers Grove, IL
In 2025 GCDG redesigned section 8 & 10 of the garden. The Westmont Park District provided funds for the spring planting and plants for the new design. In the spring of 2026 existing plants were transplanted to other areas. The ground was rototilled, & amended before the plants for the new design were planted in the spring as seen below. This garden is tended by 15 members. Over 300 annuals and perennials have been planted throught the garden.
Gregg House Museum Garden
Ice Cream Social & Last Straw Event
Westmont, IL
Last Straw Event
Monarch Way Station
2026 Certificate
GARDEN THERAPY
Currently the committee shares plants and flower arranging skills with residents at The Pearl of Downers Grove and The Downers Grove Senior Living. 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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