Woman checking on plants
“Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine to the mind.” Luther Burbank
News
General meetings will resume in person with masks optional.
The Rake and Hoe Garden Club
of Westfield
Our mission is to educate our members and the public in horticulture, floral design, nature and wildlife. We host workshops, field trips and plant exchanges in addition to presenting informative monthly meetings. Our talented members are more than willing to share their expertise with the group.
Members are dedicated to the community and their work with the Lyons Hospital, Cerebral Palsy, Mobile Meals and gardens in Westfield. Rake and Hoe is a member of the Central Atlantic Region of the National Garden Clubs, Inc.
If you have an interest in joining the Club or would like additional information, please contact our membership chair, Sharon Shiraga.
DECK THE HALLS
HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR
Thank you for attending our event!
This much anticipated house tour and holiday boutique is held every four years. Three private homes were decorated for the holidays. Each house was adorned with floral designs and ornaments made by the members and based on the theme selected by the design team.
The proceeds from this event will support the Club’s operation and its numerous service projects.
Upcoming Meetings
GENERAL MEETINGS
Held Noon at the Shady Rest Golf Course -
820 Jerusalem Road, Scotch Plains
Second Wednesday of the month
Officers of the Club
President, Beth Siano
Vice President, Sharon Shiraga
Treasurer, Kathryn Ciurczak
Assistant Treasurer, Betsy Chance
Recording Secretary, Irene Greenstein
Corresp. Secretary, Natalie Peitsinovski
Director, Jeanne Marie Ryan
Message from
the President
Save The Date!
Saturday, December 3, 2022
DECK THE HALLS!
The two biggest events our garden club puts on are Flower Shows and House Tours. They are the fundraisers that enable us to support our many invaluable community services.
This year, as we do every four years, it is time for a Holiday House Tour, known affectionately as Deck The Halls. Homeowners of three private homes in Westfield will be opening their doors to the public for a one-day-only event.
A different team of RHGC members is transforming each home with a different theme: “Winter Fantasy,” “Trees Indeed,”and “Festival of Light.”Another popular feature our “Mistletoe Market,” a boutique of hand-crafted ornaments and holiday décor.
I hope all of our friends, neighbors, and lovers of holiday magic will join us in December. Tickets will be available through this site in October.
I know where I will be on December 3rd. It’s going to be a fabulous event.
Beth Siano, President
The Rake and Hoe Garden Club
of Westfield, NJ
February 8 - "Little Island"
Liman Cheng shares his experience in caring for a public garden in a very unique environment. The "Little Island" project on Pier 55 is part of the new Hudson River Park's ambitious design. After its completion, Cheng cared for its distinctive garden. He describes the experience and his journey in gardening, from private and too-top gardens.
March 8 - "Expert Advice from Our Rake and Hoe Scholars"
Rake and Hoe members who have taken GCNJ courses for certification will share valuable tidbits from what they have learned. Nancy Wallace competition will occur at this meeting.
April 12 - "Are Dahlias For You?"
Eustacia MArsales and Paul Blanton are owners of a cut flower garden business specializing in dahlias. (elmgardendesign.com) Their program will cover all things dahlias - from planting, maintenance, harvesting, dividing and storing dahlias.
* Luther Burbank
Luther Burbank (March 7, 1849 – April 11, 1926) was an American botanist, horticulturist and pioneer in agricultural science. He developed more than 800 strains and varieties of plants over his 55-tear career. Burbank's varied creations included fruits, flowers, grains, grasses, and vegetables.