On October 21, ten members of The Garden Club of Newtown attended the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut (FGCCT) 97th annual Awards Meeting at Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville.

This very popular event was attended by more than 320 garden club members from across the state. Clubs large and small were represented. In addition to the many awards, there were garden-related vendors, raffles, and a delicious dinner.

The Garden Club of Newtown was recognized by FGCCT with four awards, all related to the club’s very successful "May in Bloom" Flower Show presented in May at Newtown Community Center.

The club was honored with Flower Show Award Citation-Education and The Mary Loncin Flower Show Award, the latter "for the top evaluated Standard Flower Show with the highest score,” according to the program notes; past Garden Club of Newtown President Paula Toi received a Flower Show Citation-Design for her "Outstanding Design"; and Peggy Townsend, longtime club treasurer, was honored with a special Club Certificate of Appreciation. Her citation noted, “Beyond her role as Treasurer, Peggy has contributed in many leadership positions, most notably chairing the club’s Flower Show, ‘May in Bloom,’ held in May 2026. Her dedication, reliability, and service have made her a source of pride for this club and a valued member of its success.”

On each of the dozens of dining tables in the banquet hall were floral centerpieces, featuring bright orange pumpkins. Garden Club of Newtown members Peggy Townsend, Joan Alexander, Sue Greco, and Jane Sharpe were among those to create unique centerpieces to be raffled off at the end of the luncheon.

Established in 1955 and currently hosting members from Newtown and surrounding communities, The Garden Club of Newtown is a nonprofit club that contributes to various organizations in Newtown.

Its mission is to inspire interest in horticulture and artistic design, to support conservation of natural resources, and to promote civic beauty.

The club maintains a number of gardens within the town, enhancing its beauty. Members also maintain several rows at the municipal Victory Garden, offering members the opportunity to learn about horticulture while producing crops to be donated to local food pantries.

The Garden Club of Newtown is a member of National Garden Club, Inc and The Federated Garden Clubs of CT, Inc.

The club meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, September through June, at C.H. Booth Library in Newtown. New members are always welcome. To learn more send e-mail to info@gardenclubnewtownct.org or visit gardenclubnewtownct.org.