Norwich Garden Club members working on the Gordon Park garden on the corner of South Broad and West Main Streets. The club plants and tends to three gardens in downtown Norwich: the Gordon Park, the Memorial Rose Garden adjacent to Guernsey Street, and a colorful garden located in front of Minty's Candies and Treats. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH — The Norwich Garden Club (NGC) provides service projects for the community throughout the year. Each spring the club plants and tends to three flower gardens in downtown Norwich. Despite unseasonably cool followed quickly by unseasonably warm weather in late May, garden planting has been completed by members.

The Memorial Rose Garden, located at the far end of the library property adjacent to Guernsey Street, features pink roses and petunias, with Hosta accents. It was established in honor of longtime member and community leader Mary Jane Jacobi. This garden brings a cheerful pop of color throughout the summer and early fall.

Gordon Park is located on the corner of South Broad and West Main Streets. The Ladies Village Improvement Society, from which the NGC originated in 1932, helped to create the park many years ago. It was upgraded in 2012 and NGC was then asked to plant the crescent-shaped flower garden adjacent to West Main Street. This garden features Mother of Thyme and Salvia perennials in the back with a foreground of purple and white petunias, coordinating with the hanging baskets throughout downtown Norwich.

The third area is a colorful garden near Minty’s Candy Shop and the Colonia Theater. In 2022, the garden was completely cleared, except for the roses. The garden was then designed with colorful perennials throughout and with a border of annuals. In May 2023, club members weeded, trimmed, and mulched the area.

First Vice President Jane Coddington reports that club members are thrilled to see that most of the perennials planted in 2022 are vibrant. We have a few new surprises planted for midsummer color – stay tuned for that! In 2022, it was reported that candy store customers and pedestrians stopped to take pictures and compliment the colorful garden. A success!

NGC hopes you enjoy these gardens all summer. We invite you to join us in our gardening programs, adventures, and projects. Contact club President Della Eriksen for more information and/or to join the club at 607-334-7404.

-Information provided by the Norwich Garden Club