Guilderland Garden Club
The Guilderland Garden Club is a member of District III of the Federated Garden Clubs of New York State, Inc. and the Central Atlantic Region of the National Garden Clubs.
The Guilderland Garden Club was founded in February 1964. Following the National Garden Club Mission Statement, the Club provides its members with educational resources; national, regional and local networking opportunities; promotes the love of gardening and floral design; fellowship; and continues to contribute to make our community a better place to live.
In the summer of 2009, we developed a perennial garden, with the help of the Town's Parks Department, at the Mynderse-Frederick House, circa 1802 and pictured here, in Guilderland Center. The garden consists mainly of flowers from Club members' gardens. Beginning in 2019, we began working with the Town to develop and maintain the landscaping at the historic Schoolcraft House, circa 1835, (pictured below) on Route 20. Our Garden Committee members work diligently to provide the public with two beautiful gardens to enjoy. Our goal is to create gardens that reflect the integrity and history of these wonderful houses. Donations to help maintain these projects are greatly appreciated.
Schoolcraft House
Our Community Connections
History of our Club
The Guilderland Garden Club was founded in February 1964 by a group of women who loved gardening, flower design and making floral arrangements. Today, the Club includes men and women whose responsibilities and interests also include protection, conservation of and education regarding natural resources, i.e. air, water, forest, land and wildlife. Some members of the Club have won awards at local, state, national and international flower shows. In addition, some members hold the designation of Master Gardener and/or Master Flower Show Judge.
Community Service
The Guilderland Garden Club contributes in many ways to enhance the quality of life in our Town and contributes in many ways to the community.
We created and maintain the gardens at both the Myderse-Frederick House and the Schoolcraft House, both of which are open to the public to enjoy. Our Garden Committee members work diligently to provide the public with two beautiful gardens that reflect the integrity and history of these wonderful houses. Photos of these beautiful buildings can be found on our Home Page.
We participate in the annual Path Through History Day, an initiative in New York State that promotes over 700 historical sites and events, allowing visitors to explore the rich history of the state through themed attractions and special events. The Club hosts events at both garden locations for this celebration.
We participate in Hometown Heroes, a program that honors local veterans with large banners placed throughout the town. The Club designs and donates a floral arrangement for the local town ceremony.
As members of the local Chamber of Commerce, we participate in a variety of events in Town, increasing our visibility and recruiting new members.
Scholarship Fund
The Guilderland Garden Club has established a Scholarship Fund for an annual award to a High School Senior in one of the Guilderland District schools who will be studying a horticultural field in college. The Guilderland Garden Club once again announces its 2026 Scholarship. The following local school districts are eligible to apply: Guilderland , Voorheesville and Berne-Knox-Westerlo. To apply, please contact your school’s guidance counselor for an application form. Send questions to the Guilderland Garden Club, PO Box 282, Guilderland Center, NY 12085, Attention: Linda Miller, contact us with the form below or email LAMiller416@gmail.com.
Our Club Officers for 2026/27, pictured above along with Gary Barrack (r), District III President, are: Maureen McNamara, Co- President and 1st Vice President; Judi Golombiski, 2nd Vice President in charge of membership; Merril-Lee Lenegar, 2nd Vice President in charge of publicity; Secretary: rotating monthly.
We raise funds for the local Food Pantries and other local charities. as well as for our Scholarship Program. Photo above: Garage Sale fundraiser.
Annually, the Club spruces up the gardens and creates floral arrangements for Our Lady of Mercy Nursing Home residents in Guilderland on Community Service Day (photo above).
Our 2025 Scholarship Award Winner, Josiah Tanner, is pictured above with Michael Piscitelli, Principal, Guilderland High School (r).
Programs and Events for 2026/27
April 13 Meeting
Native Plants & Groundcovers
May 11 Meeting
On the Edge: The Harrowing Lives of Birds
Business meetings begin at 10 am at Guilderland Town Hall, unless otherwise noted. Programs start at 11am and are open to the public. We meet on the second Monday of the month, April through November. Beginning in October, the Club is busy making ornaments for the Annual Greens Show which is held the first weekend of December. The Guilderland Garden Club sponsors many interesting speakers for our monthly meetings on such topics as cutting gardens, Bonsai, Shaker gardens, Vermicomposting, butterfly gardens, wildflowers and beekeeping. If you are considering becoming a Club Member, please feel free to come to a meeting and talk with one of us. We would love to have you join! We also plan day trips to local sights of interest. Please check back to this page as we announce additional programs/events as they are scheduled.
Learn about easy to grow native perennials that can be added to your landscape to support pollinators and the environment. These plants will reduce your need to water and will eliminate the need for pesticides and herbicides. Also, learn about groundcovers which will reduce the need to weed, mulch or mow . Less work required in your gardens! Speaker: Carole Henry, Master Gardener Program Coordinator.
They fly! They sing! However, it often takes vigilance for birds to survive. In this program, we explore some of the strategies used by birds to successfully make their way in an often hostile environment. Also, learn how bird lovers and other citizens can help protect birds. A colorful PowerPoint presentation is included.
Speaker: Scott Stoner, Owner/Photographer, Naturelogues.
More to come -- check back!
Open House and Greens Show
In 1975 the Guilderland Garden Club and Guilderland Historical Society began decorating the Mynderse-Frederick House on Route 146 in Guilderland Center for a holiday greens show and open house. Planning for what has become an annual free community event begins in late summer. The decorations, wreaths and most of the refreshments are made by Club members and each year the show has a different theme. We thank everyone who has attended over the years!
The 2025 show, "Winter Whites and Lights," once again highlighted the historic Mynderse-Frederick House, filled with decorations, fragrant fresh greens and handmade ornaments made by Club members. We recruited student volunteers from the local high school to assist on Open House Day. Free refreshments, musical entertainment and tours of the house were available and, of course, Santa stopped by for a visit! Ornaments, floral arrangements, decorated wreaths, raffle baskets and other crafts were sold. A portion of the proceeds were donated to community organizations, our Scholarship Fund for local high school students and our local food pantries. Please see photos below from the 2025 show. We thank you for attending and supporting our community events.
