Continuing Projects

Butterfly Catch and Release SGC member Julie Brain raises the Monarch Butterflies from the egg and will show the children of the community how to look for the eggs of the caterpillars on the milkweed, how to pick the leaves of the milkweed, put it in a container, and explain the next several steps so they too can release a butterfly one day. SGC will release, throughout the season, monarch butterflies into our waystation as long as mother nature cooperates. Contact: Julie Brain Members participating 26

Butterfly Waystation-Memorial Gazebo Designed in 2019 the plantings surrounding the gazebo feature plants to attract monarch butterflies. Signage explaining the benefits of planting specific plants for pollinators is displayed. Perennials chosen offer a colorful, attractive and appropriate host and nectar plants for monarchs and other pollinators. As an added bonus, will brighten the gazebo sitting area, making a welcome pathway garden for all who pass from the Borough Municipal Complex to the Community Garden. This garden is registered by Monarch Watch and can be tracked on their website (monarchwatch.org) as the SGC garden named Gazebo Garden for Monarch Butterflies. Contact: Carey French/Rachel Weston Members participating 26 Community Garden The SGC joined the Shrewsbury Community Garden when it opened its gates for planting July 2012. The club renews its membership each season with the purchase of a 60 sq. foot plot that is redesigned each year with a combination of attractive floral displays and vegetables. In 2020 the garden showcased the bright colors of zinnias and cosmos, together with assorted vegetables. Contact: Nancy Schmaltz/Judy Bonanno Members participating: 26

Eagle Garden An eagle sculpture was donated in 2014 by the family of Dorothy Blair Manson, the first female Mayor of Shrewsbury and mother of Shrewsbury Garden Club member Robin Blair. This garden is in front of the Shrewsbury Historical Society Building, where our monthly meetings are held. Contact: Robin Blair Members participating: 26

7

Heritage Rose Garden - Christ Church The Heritage Rose Garden was inspired by eminent horticulturist Stephen Scanniello, curator of the New York Botanical Garden’s famed Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden and President of the Heritage Rose Society, along with members of our club and Robert Kelly of Christ Church. The Shrewsbury Garden Club, received the coveted National Award, May Duff Walters Achievement Award, in 2017 for the preservation of a church garden. Volunteers continue to nurture the memorial’s classic collection. Contact: Nancy Stewart Members participating: 26

9/11 Memorial Gazebo Located near Shrewsbury Borough Hall, the Memorial Gazebo was Dedicated in 2004. The Gazebo is surrounded by memorial benches, pavers and the newly created Monarch Butterfly Waystation in Summer 2019 and maintained by club members. Many town festivities are held here. For the 9/11 Anniversary, an arrangement is placed near the memorial statue. In the winter, together with Shrewsbury Borough Recreation Committee, we add greenery and lights for the Holiday Season. Contact: Susan Berdahl/Judy Bonanno Members participating: 26

Operation Sleigh Bells A Family and Children Services signature program, started in 1909 by Long Branch community leaders, using their personal resources to buy toys and books for impoverished children. Our annual giving back to those in need has been a project since 2012. Contact: Judy Bonanno Members participating: 26

Preservation of the Shrewsbury Garden Club Records In 2018 a 60th Anniversary booklet was printed to represent the history of the club. The club will continue to archive the club’s records (minutes, agendas, photographs, yearbooks and original documents). Copies available for sale. Contact: Ellen Preissller Members participating : 26

8

Shrewsbury Historical Society - A Place for Pollinators In appreciation for the use of holding SGC monthly meetings at the SHS, the club maintains the surrounding garden beds and the two pots at the entry. The planters are filled with a winterberry bush, perennials and annuals to accent for color. Long-established anchor plants and perennials serve as the backdrop for this garden. Contact: Judy Bonanno/Nancy Schmaltz Members participating 26

Walled/Greenhouse Garden This garden, located at the entrance to Manson Park is believed to be the greenhouse for the Wardell Estate. In 2008, the walled garden was designed to give four season interest. It is planted with David Austin roses, butterfly bush, irises, catmint, and fragrant flowers. Contact: Terese Blake Members participating: 26

Wreaths Across America: GCNJ Special Project The members of the club will be sponsoring wreaths to honor an American hero at a participating cemetery. What better way to ensure that the legacy of duty, service and sacrifice of a veteran is never forgotten.

Shrewsbury Garden Club New Projects 2020-2021

Allen House Herb Garden In preparation for the 50th anniversary we will consult with the original garden designer Nancy Stewart and other club members to reinvigorate this colonial kitchen garden. 1974 the original germander hedge was done by cuttings. 20 years have passed since the last redesign and due to global warming, trees growing and sun/shade changes to the garden, we need to rethink some of the herbs and perennials in this garden. We will look into historical accurate herbs, vegetables and flowers to add or replace the ones in the garden. The original germander hedge will be added to our horticulture challenge along with these other plants.

Belle Giblon Celebration SGC member, Belle Giblon celebrates her 100th birthday this year and in honor of that the SGC will plant in front of the SHS an oak leaf hydrangea which is native to the United States. It will provide four seasons of interest to commemorate Belle’s 100 years.

9