Rowayton Gardeners was organized in 1957 by Mrs. John F. Falsey, Mrs. Lewis E. Gage, and Mrs. Peter Leavitt. These women envisioned a group that would share and experience the joys of gardening. Their vision quickly grew to include civic awareness and a commitment to beautify our community.
The Club’s civic beautification efforts began with its establishment. Club members’ first project was to trim lilacs at the Jenkins boatyard and install and maintain flower boxes atop Bailey beach pavilion. In 1959, the Gardeners purchased terrariums for the Rowayton Library, (for placement in the building on Rowayton Avenue that now houses the Rowayton Arts Center). In 1960-1961, the Gardeners began donating flowers (often from members’ gardens) to the Library on weekly, year-round basis.
In 1966, the Library and the new Community Center moved to Highland Avenue and the Gardeners provided flower arrangements for their dedication that September. Members decorated the doors for Christmas, purchased a clock for the Library reading room, and commenced plantings at the Community Center. Today, the Gardeners design, plant, and maintain the rose beds and all other gardens on the Community Center/Library property.
The Club’s annual fund raisers, (Christmas Market and Spring Market) are held at the Community Center. The proceeds from these sales provide a large part of the funding necessary for civic beautification projects as well as environmental, youth and senior programs. Over the years, we have been proud to receive grants from the Rowayton Civic Association and the 6th Taxing District for special capital projects in our community. Donations from local businesses and individuals are always welcome. Please contact our Treasurer, Dianne Scott, if you would like to support us in our efforts!
For a more complete history taken from our archives and now updated annually, click here.