Founded in 1921 by Mrs. Rowland G. Hazard, the South County Garden Club of Rhode Island was formed to increase the knowledge and cultivation of flowers and to stimulate the love of beauty in gardens. Today our mission remains the same with the addition of the encouragement of civic planting and the conservation of our natural resources". In 1921, the annual dues were $5.00 and we had 30 members. Our membership and dues numbers have grown exponentially since 1921 but we remain committed to education, horticulture, floral design, conservation, civic planting, and the preservation and restoration of our landscape.
Proposed by the Newport Garden Club and the Garden Club of Philadelphia, the South County Garden Club of Rhode Island became a member of the Garden Club of America in 1924. In 1930, the South County Garden Club was a founding member of the Rhode Island Federation of Garden Clubs. We have a long an illustrious history in the Garden Club of America (GCA). Mrs. Melvin Sawin, our President from 1939 - 1942, became President of the GCA from 1950 -1953. We have won two Founder's Fund Awards:
But more than blue ribbons, awards, and silver bowls, the South County Garden Club of Rhode Island has always been a group of dedicated, interested gardeners and conservationists who simply care about their community.
Proposed by the Newport Garden Club and the Garden Club of Philadelphia, the South County Garden Club of Rhode Island became a member of the Garden Club of America in 1924. In 1930, the South County Garden Club was a founding member of the Rhode Island Federation of Garden Clubs. We have a long an illustrious history in the Garden Club of America (GCA). Mrs. Melvin Sawin, our President from 1939 - 1942, became President of the GCA from 1950 -1953. We have won two Founder's Fund Awards:
- in 1941 for the "Continuation of the Study of Sclerotium Delphinii" and
- in 1953 for the design of the 18th century garden at the Cocumscussoc Association's Smith's Castle.
- In 1954 with the Newport Garden Club, Little Compton Garden Club, and Bennington VT Garden Club we won the GCA Medal of Merit for the Early American Keeping Room at Cocumscussoc.
But more than blue ribbons, awards, and silver bowls, the South County Garden Club of Rhode Island has always been a group of dedicated, interested gardeners and conservationists who simply care about their community.