What We Do
The purpose of the Millbrook Garden Club shall be to foster the ideals and aims of the Garden Club of America; to educate members of the Club and the public in the knowledge and love of gardening among amateurs; to aid in the protection of native plants and birds; to further appreciation of garden beauty and design; and to improve and protect the quality of the environment through programs and action in the fields of conservation, civic improvement and education.
Flower Shows
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The purpose of a Millbrook Garden Club flower show is three-fold:
• to set standards of artistic and horticultural excellence, • to broaden knowledge of horticulture, flower arrangement, conservation, and other related areas, and • to share the beauty of a show with fellow club members and the public. Flower shows combine artistic vision, horticultural mastery, engineering, and sophisticated craftsmanship to create a brief but brilliant display of beauty in time. |
Garden History & Design
The Garden History and Design Committee seeks to educate members about styles and trends in landscape and garden design, and to demonstrate that American gardens are an integral part of the cultural and social life of the communities where these gardens exist. The committee hosts programs, seminars, workshops and garden visits throughout the year.
In conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Gardens (AAG), committee members work to document public and private gardens. Through these submissions, the AAG collects, preserves and provides access to the history of gardens in America. The documentation process assures that our rich garden heritage is better understood, appreciated and enjoyed by scholars and garden enthusiast alike.
In conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Gardens (AAG), committee members work to document public and private gardens. Through these submissions, the AAG collects, preserves and provides access to the history of gardens in America. The documentation process assures that our rich garden heritage is better understood, appreciated and enjoyed by scholars and garden enthusiast alike.
Horticulture
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The Horticulture Committee stimulates knowledge and a love of gardening by sponsoring lectures, demonstrations, meetings, and projects, and by disseminating horticultural information to members. The Horticulture Committee sends delegates to attend the annual Shirley Meneice Horticulture Conference, which takes place at important botanical institutions and includes all Garden Club of America clubs.
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Conservation
The purpose of the Conservation Committee is to keep the membership well informed on current conservation issues; to promote respect for natural resources and responsibility for environmental stewardship; to encourage our members to identify and carry out conservation work locally; to provide environmental education programs for the general public; and with the Executive Committee’s approval, to work with other conservation agencies and organizations whose programs complement those of The Garden Club of America. The Conservation Committee works closely with the National Affairs and Legislation Committee by sending delegates to the yearly NAL meeting. These delegates will inform the membership of current NAL issues. The Conservation Committee suggests speakers for programs, organizes field trips and meets as a committee at least once per year.
Photography
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The Photography Committee furthers the knowledge and love of gardening and the natural landscape through photography. It promotes the art and science of photography at all skill levels through education. It provides training and/or help in documenting club meetings and events. It provides access to quality photographs for MGC publications. It enhances the quality of the photography division in flower shows.
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Visiting Gardens
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The Visiting Gardens Committee plans trips to educate members in garden history and design, horticulture, and the environment. The committee also facilitates club member visits to the gardens of other GCA club members throughout the United States as well as the gardens of GCA international courtesy clubs.
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Archives
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The Archive and History Committee is the caretaker of Millbrook Garden Club’s history. Founded in 1914 by prominent members of the Village of Millbrook, it soon extended its membership and involvement - and thus its influence, from the Hudson River to the West,to the shores of New England’s Housatonic River to the East, encompassing a 30 mile radius and three states. Its presence and impact on the communities where its members reside are well celebrated in the Archives of MGC. Over 100 years of documents describe these milestones as well as those MGC accomplishments within The Garden Club of America- which it joined in 1915.
The Archive and History Committee receives, organizes, conserves and makes available for research those items which catalogue Millbrook Garden Club’s prominence in developing the culture of American gardening, horticulture, floral design, and conservation – all representing the ongoing legacy of the Millbrook Garden Club. |
