photos courtesy of the Village of Ridgewood
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, in 2025, The Women Gardeners of Ridgewood will proudly celebrate their 100th anniversary — a century of service, beauty, and dedication to horticulture and the community. While much has changed over the decades, the Club’s mission remains strong: to promote gardening and floral design, support environmental conservation, and enrich the community through green initiatives and education.
🌿 A History Rooted in Purpose
Though gardening clubs in Ridgewood began as early as 1914 with the male-only “Garden Club of Ridgewood,” it wasn’t until 1925 that women had their turn to dig in. Unable to join the men’s club, a group led by Mrs. C.W. Stockton established The Women Gardeners of Ridgewood, launching a new tradition that would flourish for the next 100 years.
By 1932, the club temporarily merged with the Women’s Club of Ridgewood during the Great Depression due to financial hardship. In 1945, it regained independent membership with The Garden Club of New Jersey and continued to grow.
🌼 Commitment to Community
Throughout the years, the Club has led numerous community service projects, including:
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Decorating the Veterans Hospital in East Orange
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Participating in the Skylands Manor Showhouse exhibitions
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Designing and maintaining plantings at the Ridgewood Public Library
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Creating a garden for the Share House for elderly residents
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Supporting the garden at the Children’s Services and Family Counseling building
The Club also provides holiday tray favors for Meals on Wheels, and floral centerpieces for local charity fundraisers.
🌱 Growing Future Gardeners: “Green Kids” Junior Program
In 2007, the Club introduced “Green Kids,” an award-winning program designed for children in Grades 3 through 6. Meeting monthly, the program offers hands-on learning experiences in:
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Gardening and composting
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Nature and wildlife exploration
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Environmental science and sustainability
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Artistic expression inspired by nature
To date, hundreds of young participants have taken part, guided by Club members eager to pass down their horticultural knowledge.
🌷 Education for All: Garden Education Days
As part of its mission to educate the public, the Club hosts bi-annual Garden Education Days, featuring renowned speakers and interactive workshops. Past speakers include:
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Marco Polo Stufano, Wave Hill’s Director of Horticulture
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Helen Dillon, acclaimed Irish gardener and broadcaster
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Lynden B. Miller, author and NYC park designer
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Marta McDowell, author of All the Presidents’ Gardens
The next Garden Education Day is set for April 2026 — details to be announced soon!
🌺 Secret Gardens of Ridgewood: A Must-See Garden Tour
The Club’s signature fundraiser, Secret Gardens of Ridgewood, began in 1994 and has blossomed into one of New Jersey’s premier garden tours. Held every other year, the tour features:
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A dozen or more private, stunning home gardens
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Between 500–1,000 visitors from across the region
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A showcase of diverse horticultural creativity
The 2023 tour was a major success, thanks to sponsors, hosts, visitors, and Club members. Plans are already underway for future tours to continue this beautiful tradition.
🌻 A Blooming Future
As The Women Gardeners of Ridgewood enter their second century, their legacy remains rooted in education, community service, and horticultural excellence. From planting public gardens to nurturing young gardeners, their impact continues to blossom across generations.
Here’s to another 100 years of growing together.
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