When the Colonial Garden Club of Hollis was organized in 1966, it was the desire and intent of the founders to provide a forum where knowledge as well as the joys of gardening could be shared, Surrounded by the natural beauty of new England, the Club has been dedicated to helping maintain and enhance the beauty of Hollis.
The Colonial Garden Club achieved more than the original founders dared to dream, including many landscaping projects throughout the community:
Contributions have been made to community projects over the years, including:
Working in cooperation with Beaver Brook, the Club participated in the Save the Elm Project and helped establish the Horticultural Library.
Beginning in 1992, the Wheeler House garden was restored in honor of the late Lucie Beebe. Restoration took place over a two-year period and included redesigning the garden as well as rebuilding the stone walls. Today, the garden stands as a testament to the continued dedication of the Club members, who regularly volunteer their time to maintain it.
In 1996, the shed behind Little Nichols Field was rebuilt, a town project initiated by the Garden Club. In 1998, members designed and planted the garden around the flagpole at the new Hollis Brookline High School.
Each spring, the Garden Club provides plantings throughout the town. From the urns in front of the Town Hall to Monument Square, the town pump, Wheeler House, and the Hollis Social Library, all are abloom thanks to the dedication of many Garden Club members. In the winter, members help create a festive atmosphere by decorating the town's public buildings with handmade wreaths and holiday greens.
When electricity and water were not readily available on the Town Common, particularly around the Monument, the garden Club worked to ensure these services were made available, allowing plants to be more easily watered and spotlights to illuminate the holiday wreaths.
With close to eighty members, the Colonial Garden Club has an enormous amount of talented and creative people. Their talents have provided the floral arrangements for:
The Colonial Garden Club's Annual Plant Sale is a wonderful resource for anyone interest in gardening, giving the members an opportunity to share their horticultural knowledge and passion with the community. In 1992, the Garden Club offered its first Garden Tour, illustrating the uniqueness and creativity of local gardeners. It continues as an educational and entertaining endeavor.
As Hollis grows, the Colonial Garden Club's commitment to community service endures. New members may review the Club scrapbook, an impressive visual history of community involvement and Club-sponsored events.