Get Into the Holiday Spirit

Organization:  The Rake and Hoe Garden Club of Westfield

Your Name/Title:  Beth Siano, President

Location: 624 Clark Street Westfield, NJ 07090   Our meetings are held at Shady Rest

Email: Elizabeth.siano@gmail.com

Phone: cell:  908-410-4630

How long has the group been supporting the community?

We celebrated our 70th anniversary as a club in June of this year. Our members are primarily from Westfield, Mountainside, Scotch Plains and Plainfield. We also have 11 junior school-age members who work on projects at their own monthly meetings.

How long have you been a member with this organization?

I joined in 2009 when I retired from a career on Wall Street and finally had time to pursue something besides work and family.

What drew you to this organization?

I had always been a gardener, but not much of a flower designer, and I was interested in learning more about both. What I found was not just an education, but a community of enthusiastic members who shared a passion for horticulture, floral design and service. They have become dear friends.

Tell us about the local importance of the Club?

Rake and Hoe members perform many community service projects as outlined below. We also contribute funds to NJ conservation groups and to local elementary schools for projects such as water harvesting at Lincoln, Wilson’s first grade garden and outdoor classroom as well as garden maintenance at Franklin, Tamaques, Washington and Lincoln. We also helped establish a school garden in Mountainside.

In addition, our members attend monthly meetings with guest speakers, workshops and field trips. This year’s topics range from Victorians’ plants, the Little Islands project on Pier 55 in New York, to Brightwood Park and land conservation in New Jersey.

Members join special interest committees including horticulture, flower design, artistic crafts, photography, and garden B’s (birds, butterflies, etc.). Here is where the real hands-on action takes place. Workshops and trips range from flower design 101, division of peonies, botanical jewelry, smart-phone editing to breakfast birdwatching.

What types of tasks do you and your organization perform?

We plant and maintain gardens at Shadowlawn Pocket Park, Westfield Historical Society’s Reeve House, Miller-Cory House Museum, Northside Train Station, and Mindowaskin urns. Our community projects include making flower arrangements for Mobile Meals and area nursing homes, and activities for severely disabled children at Jardine Academy in Cranford. We also have a focus on Veterans. Holiday gift bags are donated to the veterans and Lyons Hospital in November, with cards written by members and Juniors.

Tell us about the big event in early December?

Coming soon, Saturday December 3. Tour three beautifully decorated Westfield homes and visit the Mistletoe Market for hand crafted gifts. This much anticipated house tour and holiday boutique is held every four years. Each house will be adorned with floral designs and ornaments made by the members and based on the theme selected by the design team. The market will be an excellent place to pick up holiday greens and special gift items. The proceeds from this event will support the Club’s operation and its numerous service projects.

How can the community get involved with this event?

Come one, come all. Saturday December 3, 10-4. Tickets can be purchased on our website rakeandhoegc.org or at Barons Drug in Westfield.

How can neighbors get involved with this organization?

We welcome potential members to our monthly program meetings. After attending three meetings, you are eligible for membership. If you would like to attend a meeting or have a question, you can contact our Membership Chairperson through our website rakeandhoegc.org.

Any other information you would like to include?

Participation in our community activities is a requirement for membership, and it’s what keeps our club vital. We currently have 70 members.