Our History

Had it not been for five passionate gardeners living in Brookline many years ago—visionaries with a deep love for all things horticultural and a desire to share that passion with others—this history might never have been written. Fortunately, their organizing skills matched their enthusiasm, and their dream soon blossomed into reality.

On April 1, 1930, a meeting at Mrs. Peterson’s home on Walnut Street led to the formation of the Garden Club of Brookline. Twenty-seven people attended, with Mrs. Harwood presiding. A constitution was drafted, and initial membership was capped at 35. Early activities included garden tours and a flower arrangement competition, with top honors going to Mrs. Abbot Peterson. By the end of its first year, the club expanded membership to 50 and had gained recognition in the community.

Over the years, the Club’s focus broadened to include conservation and civic projects. In 1932, they joined efforts to create a children’s garden, participated in the Iris Show and Massachusetts Horticultural Society events, and began a tradition of Christmas table decoration exhibitions. In 1935, they donated seeds to Pierce School children and helped landscape Devotion School. The Club also began hosting educational lectures on gardening and nature.

By 1936, membership had grown to 60. That year, they sponsored a teacher from Pierce School to attend the Lost River Conservation Camp, a tradition they upheld to support environmental education. Mr. Paul Dempsey taught vegetable gardening, and the Club supported the Baker School’s Nature Course. They also sent flowers to the Brookline Library and joined civic decoration competitions, including work with the Women’s Republican Club and Chelsea Naval Hospital.

During WWII, the Club contributed to war efforts by aiding the Brookline War Garden program and planting a large vegetable garden on the Brandegee estate in 1943. The produce was processed and distributed to local hospitals.

In 1955, the Club celebrated its 25th anniversary, proud of its growth and civic contributions. A standout project involved planting at housing units for the elderly in Brookline Village. By 1965, the Club had 60 active members, 6 associate members, and one honorary member, continuing its legacy of service and community beautification.

The Club has continued its educational and public legacy into the 21st century, by providing lectures on a variety of topics, advocating conservation, civic efforts and partnerships. Its members have supported the Brookline Food Pantry, provided horticultural books for the Brookline Public Library and sponsored visits from the Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s Plantmobile at each Library branch. The major thrust in the past few years has been to participate in the Pollinator Pathways activities. The group plants the gardens and maintains them throughout the year. Five pollinator gardens have been planted in Brookline with the assistance of the Brookline DPW and Parks Department. It also contributes to institutions in the area- Allandale Farm, Fisher Hill Renovation, Fairsted, Brookline GreenSpace Alliance, Arnold Arboretum.

Today, the Garden Club of Brookline celebrates 95 years of service.