Our Activities Around Town
Upcoming Events
Our annual Holiday Boutique fundraiser has allowed us to pay for installation of an automated sprinkler system and to re-landscape with native inkberry shrubs at Memorial Park.
About Our
Community Service Activities
Community Center Water Feature – New 2018
Together with Cranford’s two other garden clubs, and Lily Pad Ponds, we installed a new water garden in the atrium. We received the only grant awarded to a NJ club from Plant America, National Garden Clubs ($1,000), plus $100 grant from Garden Club of NJ. Club members supported raising additional funds by holding a brunch at Pairings and will volunteer to maintain the water garden. (60% participation) ($2,500 budget).
Cranford Centennial Avenue Pool – Since 2017
The Park and Recreation Director asked GTGC to take on the summer planting at the swim club. Huge cement planters were filled with sun-loving sedums and annuals. Horn Family farm- grown specialty Cannas were purchased to make a dramatic showing at the entrance signs. In the fall, we dig up the canna tubers and overwinter for use next year. (75% participation).
Municipal Building and Police Station - Since 2016
Chair- Deb Murphy
Members designed and installed shrubs and perennials in the beds along the front lawn. Boxwood, yellow thread cypress, salvia, coral bells and barberry now grace the township signs welcoming visitors to our community. (in-kind donation) (40% participation).
Community Education- 2018
NJ Flower Shower- Deb Murphy, Chair
Members led a youth program during the annual NJ Garden Club Flower Show. Children decorated a paper container and planted pumpkin seeds after reading the story “The Saved Seed”, by Brenda Moore, Jean Ohlmann and Nancy Hargroves.
(in-kind donation) (40% participation).
Cranford Canoe Club Landscaping Project – Since 2007
Chairs-Janet Pirozzoli & Ellen Rudnicki
We designed and planted catmint, ornamental grasses, oak leaf hydrangea and other colorful perennials in the flower beds at the historic structure. Members maintain the beds and plant annuals in spring and fall to beautify this corner of town.
(Budget $250) (60% participation)
The Spirit of Giving – Since 2006
Each December, members remember the importance of giving by donating essential items to those less fortunate. Previous recipients include the Cranford Family Care Association and the YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter in Elizabeth. Organizations receive care packages that include food and household supplies, clothing, linens, back-packs and school supplies.
Cranford Memorial Park- Spring & Fall – Since 1990
Chairs-Janet Pirozzoli & Ellen Rudnicki
Members plant twice each year around Monument Square and its dedicated rock circle. A red, white and blue scheme is designed in time for the Township’s Memorial Day Parade. Fall is celebrated with seasonal mums and ornamental cabbages.
(Budget $600) (90% participation)
Cranford World Trade Center Memorial –2004 - 2019
Chairs-Janet Pirozzoli & Ellen Rudnicki
Community Education - 2016
In partnership with Hanson Park Conservancy, Green Thumb members ran two educational programs for local residents. Participants designed their own container gardens: lettuce/herb/pansy bowl and hardy succulents with river rocks. (in-kind donation)
Lamberts Mill Academy, Westfield.
Members work with young teens and children and demonstrate about planting and tending a garden. Locations: Trinity Church Day School, Cranford. (in-kind donation)
The Garden Club of New Jersey
The Demarest Garden Club Yearbook Award 2014
Awarded to Green Thumb Garden Club as a small-garden club for the highest-rated club yearbook.
Certificate of Merit with Gold Seal for an Excellent Yearbook – 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018
Riverwalk, Cranford Community Center– 2009
A standard flower show, conducted with the Garden Club of Cranford and Floraphile Garden Club, won the “Near Club Award” from the Garden Club of New Jersey. It show-cased fine horticultural and design divisions, and included special educational exhibits and artistic craft. Cathy Miller, a former White House floral designer, was a featured speaker on dried flower arrangements.
East Orange Veteran’s Hospital –1958 to 2013
The club provided favors to the hospital to brighten patient food trays during the holiday season. (90% participation).
Downtown Cranford Fall and Spring Promotions 2008 - 2009
1st Place winner in “Scarecrow Stroll” contest- “Shabby Chic Green Thumb Garden Witch”.
Honorable mention: “Itsy Bitsy Spider”
2nd Place winner in the “Cranford Goes Bloom” Planter Contest.
Pride in Cranford awarded by the Cranford Chamber of Commerce 2008
Recognition of Green Thumb Garden Club’s efforts to replant and beautify the flower beds and sign of the Cranford Canoe Club.
Post Office Plaza
Together with the Township Committee and two other garden clubs in Cranford, we designed the landscape for the triangle in front of the Cranford Post Office. Additionally, our club purchased and donated the elegant Victorian Fountain which complements our Victorian streetscape.
Hyatt Hills Golf Course
Green Thumb was consulted by Hyatt Hills Golf Course to establish a “Butterfly and Hummingbird” garden. Our club provided advice and suggestions on selection and placement of plants.
Crane-Phillips House Garden Restoration Project – 1997
Green Thumb worked with a professional historical landscape architect to develop a plan and donate a landscape plan for the Cranford Historical Society supporting efforts to restore the property as a living history museum. Club members in line with the goals for the property.
GTGC of Cranford Publications Trophy – 1996
Memorial to member, Eleanor Stout, this is awarded by the GCNJ to a club or individual, for a high quality publication.
Riverbank Beautification – 1962
The club was responsible for planting 213 Azaleas bushes along the Rahway River in Cranford.
Memorial Plantings
· Members planted azalea bushes and a dogwood tree at the entrance to Nomahegan Park in Cranford in honor of member Eleanor Stout
· Two dogwood trees were planted in Hanson Park in honor of members Lucy Lettier and Irene Conti
· To honor a long-time member who unexpectedly lost a young son, Green Thumb donated to one of his passions, restoration of the William Randolph Thorsen House in Berkeley, CA. This 1909 Arts & Crafts-style bungalow is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. www.thorsenhouse.org
Wreath Sale & Holiday Boutique - Since 1984
Our major fundraiser, the first Sunday in December each year.
Cranford Landmark Series - Since 1993
We sell woodcut reproductions of Cranford landmark homes and buildings. The recently restored Trinity Church is our newest rendering.
Hanson Park Project – Since 2005
We support efforts to preserve Hanson Park and the Cranford Canoe Club. Our club commissioned an oil painting of the renowned artist Lloyd Garrison which was used to print holiday cards for fundraising.
