The Arbutus Garden Club is an active organization in Washington County, Rhode Island. It was founded in 1947 by Agnes Ruth Smith and continues to have a creative and energetic membership.
The purpose of the club is to promote, encourage and educate the membership in all phases of horticulture through programs, workshops, shows and civic activities, planned and carried out in our communities. In addition to our meetings, we conduct an annual plant sale in May, a holiday show/sale in November, and present scholarships to at least two graduating seniors from area schools who will be entering a field of Natural Resources.
There are two classes of members: active and honorary based on number of years of membership. Members become honorary after twenty years of active participation and are excused from paying dues. Active members currently pay $20 annually for dues.
Criteria for becoming a member is to have a personal interest in gardening, a willingness to hold office and to share in the work and aims of the club, and the ability to attend at least five meetings per year. To become a member, you may attend a meeting as a guest. Then, if you decide to join, submit an application to the current membership chairperson.
Regular meetings are usually held at 7:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month from February to December, weather permitting. Refreshments are provided by members who volunteer to host a specific month. Meetings are currently held at St Andrew Lutheran Church on East Beach Road in Charlestown, Rhode Island. We do, however, have some variations in the date, time, and/or location. These changes are noted on the calendar.
If you would like to join or find out more about us, drop by St. Andrew's on one of our meeting nights, but do check our calendar first. And, whether you are considering membership or not, please come to our Plant Sale in May and our Holiday Show/Sale in November. You are sure to enjoy both.