In 1923 Calvin Coolidge was the President of the United States, Yankee Stadium opened for the first time and Bernards Township residents gathered to form the Basking Ridge Garden Club. A century later, congratulations to the Basking Ridge Garden Club’s landmark 100 years of service beautifying Basking Ridge and making the community a more beautiful place.
1923 Beginnings
The Basking Ridge Garden Club (BRGC) was founded in 1923 and became a charter member of The Garden Club of New Jersey when it was officially recognized in 1925. They are a member of the Central Atlantic Region of National Garden Clubs, Inc. The would meet regularly throughout the year at the Basking Ridge schoolhouse which later became the Bernards Township Municipal building, now the Brick Academy museum.
The mission of the club is to encourage the spirit of gardening, to urge the preservation of our trees, birds, and wildflowers, to be environmentally aware, and to contribute to the beautification of the community. This they have faithfully done for 100 years.
The purpose of The Basking Ridge Garden Club is to encourage the spirit of gardening, to preserve our trees, birds, and wildflowers, to be environmentally aware, and to contribute to the beautification of our community.
Mision Statement – Basking Ridge Garden Club
Awards
Throughout the 100 years of community service, the Basking Ridge Garden Club has achieved numerous awards and accolades for their efforts on the national stage and in New Jersey as well. The National Council of State Garden Clubs have recognized the BRGC efforts a number of times throughout their history. Recognized for “the greening of Basking Ridge,” a two year effort they preformed for their 60th anniversary.
In 2019, the Basking Ridge Garden Club and its gardening work at a rock garden at the Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge were recognized with a runner’s up award from the National Garden Clubs, Inc. in the category, “Civic Projects with Native Plants.”
Honoring the Basking Ridge Garden Club
Look for a number of exciting announcements, events and gatherings throughout the year honoring the Basking Ridge Garden Club. The Basking Ridge Garden Club meets the first Monday of every month at 9:30am at the Somerset County Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge.
The BRGC activities include seasonal plantings of the township containers providing holiday wreaths for public buildings in the township, planting and maintenance of the Wandering Garden and containers at the VNA of Somerset Hills, and making arrangements four times a year for the Lyons VA Hospital. They also give two workshops yearly at the Senior Wellness Center and the Adult Day Center.
2023 Celebrations
There are a number of celebrations and events underway honoring the century mark for the Basking Ridge Garden Club throughout 2023. Look to the club’s website and social media for additional information. We can’t wait to see the Mr. Local History gift to honor the BRGC as we planted a garden in their honor just before the entrance to Basking Ridge village. Look for the red and gold bed in the Spring of 2023.
Source: Mr. Local History Project which is based in Basking Ridge.
- February 6, 2023 – We Grew it Here: 100 Years of New Jersey’s Horticultural History – Garden Club of Basking Ridge’s 100th Anniversary Celebration
- March 252023 – 100th Anniversary Luncheon., Old Mill Inn 11-3pm.
Additional Information
- Joining the Basking Ridge Garden Club is very simple. As a provisional member:
- No dues or membership fees.
- Shall be up to 6 months in duration beginning on the date of application submission.
- You shall have no voting privileges, cannot hold office or chair a committee.
- Provisional membership requirements as outlined in the bylaws are simple and are as follows: •
- Shall attend 2 general meetings (usually the first Monday morning of the month).
- Shall work in civic gardens.
- Shall attend 1 session of garden therapy.
- Shall participate in 1 fund raiser.
- Join the Basking Ridge Garden Club today – Download a Membership Form
Follow the Basking Ridge Garden Club on Facebook –Click Here
Basking Ridge Garden Club Officers:
- Presidents…Agnes Bailey and Rose Salaki
- First Vice President……………Barbara Burger
- Second Vice President …………….Karen Ellis
- Corresponding Secretary……………..Diane Falato
- Recording Secretary ………………Anne Goldsmith
- Treasurer……………….Barb Barbeau
- Advisor……………………….Patti Pierson
Additional Basking Ridge Mr. Local History Stories
The Mr. Local History Project has an entire section on their website dedicated to the history of Bernards Township – Read More
Thank you for decorating our lives for 100 years! You are all an enduring bouquet that blooms throughout our beautiful town. Thank you with heartfelt gratitude.