Flowers are blooming and the beauty of the season is upon us! As we celebrate our Country’s 250th birthday, The Skaneateles Garden Club is excited to be celebrating its 95th year serving our community. 

The Skaneateles Garden Club (SGC),  founded in 1931 by Abbie Gridley, began as a small gathering of women whose interest was the promotion of local horticulture. She and her husband George lived in a notable historic home amidst a picturesque village setting. Now, nine decades later with over ninety members, public service and the love of gardening remains a hallmark of our organization. Civic projects that help to beautify our community can be seen in various constructs, whether along village streets, on buildings or within various municipal grounds. These projects include: Arboretum trees located around the village, the planting and maintenance of the pollinator garden located at the Community Center, the preparation of the Crèche for seasonal display, the maintenance of the hanging baskets that adorn the village business district, the PJ Lemp Memorial Garden at the Barrow Art Gallery, and the downtown Library flower boxes, to name a few. Every two to three years the SGC also hosts a local garden tour featuring homes with an abundance of unique and distinctive garden designs, plants and florae.

Within the scope of our mission, the SGC encourages the artistic use of flowers for home enjoyment, we participate in flower show exhibitions and remain involved in various conservation efforts. Through gardening, floral design, and community outreach the SGC has been the recipient of many state and national awards.

This year, as part of our commemoration, the SGC has published a 95th Anniversary Cookbook. Club members are sharing their favorite recipes including appetizers, soups, entrees, main dishes, side dishes, breads and desserts. With over one hundred and thirty recipes included there is something for everyone! The cookbook sells for just $20 and can be purchased locally at several locations including: 1st National Gifts, DROOZ, Rhubarb Kitchen Shop, The Historical Society Gift Shop and on our SGC website at www.skaneatelesgardenclub.org Savor our delicious recipes, relish in the results, celebrate our 95 years, and delight in the beauty of Skaneateles! Thank you for your continued support.