In early 2007, the Salem Garden Club met with City representatives to discuss the possibility of planting and maintaining the new traffic island located by the Courthouse. The island is 180 ft. long and contains an underground watering system installed by the State. The Club agreed, and since that time has done seasonal plantings in the seven large urns that greet residents and tourists alike to our fair City. Also, we have expanded beyond the first island to a smaller one located alongside. The planting crew is often stopped while working and offered compliments, thanks, and the occasional cup of coffee!
Over the years, the Salem Garden Club has designed, planted, and maintained the spectacular window boxes that grace the entrance to Salem’s historic City Hall. These magnificent boxes that are changed seasonally are always welcomed with great anticipation and awe.
Everyone enjoys and takes great comfort in lovely floral arrangements. To that end, the Salem Garden Club provides a variety of arrangements on a regular basis to the Salem Public Library.
Flowers make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food, and medicine for the soul.
– Luther Burbank
Each year, just before Haunted Happenings begins in October, the SGC produces over 200 bright orange long tailed bows that decorate the cornstalks throughout the City of Salem. For the City as well as the Club, it is the beginning of an exciting and very busy festive season that continues through Christmas.
A Blue Star Memorial By-Way Marker was placed on the Hawthorne Boulevard Traffic Island in 2013. This plaque honors all Veterans who have served, are serving, and will serve the United States of America. The Salem Garden Club proudly maintains the plantings at this site.
A dedication ceremony took place at the Salem High School on Monday, November 11, 2013 in conjunction with the Veterans Day program hosted by the Veterans Council. It was a beautiful tribute to all Veterans. Present for the ceremony were Mayor Driscoll, Senator Lovely, Representative Keenan, many of our City Councilors, School Committee members, and members of the Salem Garden Club.
Paula Contilli read a message from Helen Weiser, State Chairman of the Blue Star Memorial Marker Program. Celeste Wilson, the New England Regional Chairman of the Blue Star Program, and Andrea Little, the National Garden Club Blue Star Memorial Program Chairman, each spoke sharing their personal pride for our Armed Forces and giving a brief history of the Blue Star Program. The dedication of the plaque was read by Meg McMahon. The Salem High School band provided Patriotic musical accompaniment and members of the band presented a moving rendition of Taps.
In June of each year, the Salem Garden Club awards a college scholarship to a student who is majoring in Horticulture, Landscape Design, Forestry, Environmental Concerns, Land Management, Botany, Biology or other allied subjects.
The 2023 scholarship recipient is Stella Rowley. Stella is a graduate of Salem High School and is a senior at Union College. She is majoring in Geoscience and Anthropology, with a minor in Environmental Policy.
Go to the Scholarship page on this website to obtain eligibility requirements and terms of the scholarship.
The Salem Garden Club meets at the Mayor Jean A. Levesque Community Life Center this season for its regular monthly meetings. Non-members are welcome to attend meetings in October, November, March, April, May, and June. A $5 donation is suggested.
Join our mailing list to receive our newsletter, updates, and information on upcoming events.
