Garden Club of Woodbridge Outings

On May 24 several members of the Garden Club of Woodbridge made a field trip to Peony Heaven at Cricket Hill Garden in Thomaston, CT. Cricket Hill Garden is a family-run, 7-acre landscape specializing in tree and herbaceous peonies. Fragrant peonies in a multitude of colors greeted members as they toured the gardens (see photo of Cathy Wick admiring a deep pink peony). Members learned that tree and herbaceous peonies are native to Eastern China and wild herbaceous peonies are found growing throughout the Mediterranean regions of Europe. These perennials are long-lasting and fairly easy to maintain. At the conclusion of the tour, we leisurely walked through the gardens, admiring the fruit trees and ornamental trees and shrubs that Cricket Hill Garden staff also cultivates. Prior to leaving, a number of members bought peony trees to plant in their home gardens.

The annual meeting of the Garden Club of Woodbridge was held in a greenhouse at Bethany Farm and Nursery, Woodbridge, CT on June 14. Bethany Farm and Nursery is a wholesale and retail landscape nursery. Garden Club members brought chairs into a greenhouse on Bethany Farm’s property where a business meeting ensued. New officers for the Garden Club were chosen. Cathy Wick was elected the club’s new president. Joanne D’Angelo, outgoing president, was recognized for her tremendous leadership. Delegated club members provided a variety of sandwiches and desserts. After lunch members were given a tour of some of the thousands of plants, trees and shrub options grown at Bethany Farm and Nursery. Of course, members couldn’t resist shopping for their own gardens.

All gardeners are welcome to join the Garden Club of Woodbridge. If interested, please send Judy an email at Jsmam@aol.com for information.