Author Archives: Jean Shaw

Shortly before the holidays, twenty intrepid NCGC members caravaned to the New York Botanical Gardens to see the famed annual Holiday Train Show and to be delighted by the whimsical interpretations of New York landmarks created out of botanical materials. Bark, acorns, twigs and berries were skillfully and artfully transformed into Grand Central Terminal, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and dozens more captivating structures. After the train show, members were treated to a guided tour of Bunny Mellon’s Botanical Art, masterworks from the Oak Spring Foundation, featuring eighty important works ranging from Warhol to Redoute.     

The New Canaan Garden Club is pleased to announce a financial contribution of $1000 to the New Canaan Land Trust for future stewardship of of the Silvermine Fowler Preserve. Following the purchase, The New Canaan Land Trust will begin additional work on the Fowler property to improve public access in an appropriate way and ensure that the property remain public open space in perpetuity.   According to Garden Club President Jane Gamber, “The Garden Club of America has a commitment to promoting respect for natural resources and responsibility for environmental stewardship. It encourages all member clubs to carry out conservation work locally.” The New Canaan Garden Club has been a member of the Garden Club of America since 1920.   Donations from organizations and individuals for ongoing stewardship of the Silvermine Fowler Preserve can be sent to the New Canaan Land Trust, PO Box 425, New Canaan, CT. 06840.      From Left: Mike Johnson, New Canaan Land Trust Executive Director; Jane Gamber, New Canaan Garden Club President, Lisa Dunn, New Canaan Garden Club Conservation Co-Chair; Walker Holmes, The Trust for Public Land Acting Connecticut State Director; Art Berry, New Canaan Land Trust President     

By Susan Bergen I spend a bit of time every day observing my garden and the natural woods surrounding my home. While I started out focusing on flowers and greenery, I soon realized that plants were only half the story. Gardens are complex living habitats where plants and all manner of creatures form mutual dependencies.   I photograph what I see at ground level – up close and personal, so to speak – then I research each subject to gain a better understanding of how our ecosystems work.     Below is a collection of essays which I have recently published in our club’s newsletter. Click on the link to read. Spicebush Swallow Purple Coneflower Potter Wasps Partridge Berry