After a long, snowy winter, The Garden Club of Old Greenwich recently brought springtime cheer to Sound Beach Avenue downtown with new red, white and blue displays of hardy pansies to help commemorate our country’s 250th birthday.
A truckload of flowers from Eden Farms in Stamford arrived early in the morning while sidewalks were clear, parking was free and the rain had passed. Awaiting the dozens of pansy flats was a group of seasoned GCOG gardeners, armed with trowels, spades and giant water jugs to transform the village into a springtime burst of colorful flowers, as they do each year to mark the changing seasons.
“I love this!” exclaimed Images of Old Greenwich owner Marcos Torno as he opened up for the day. “I am so grateful to the Garden Club of Old Greenwich for generously planting beautiful flowers in front of my store year after year—your kindness and dedication truly brighten our community. We are lucky to have such talented ladies in town.”
The more than 100 year old club has a long tradition of civic beautification, including care of plantings along Sound Beach Ave., Arcadia Rd., the train station, the Butterfly and other gardens at the beach and rotaries throughout town.
The Garden Club of Old Greenwich will host its annual plant sale on Saturday, May 9, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Cohen Eastern Greenwich Civic Center (90 Harding Road).
Perfectly timed for spring gardening and Mother’s Day, this year’s event introduces a new children’s bouquet-making activity.
“We’re changing things up this year, expanding our sale to include fun kids activities and pre-ordering options,” said Char Barnes, GCOG President. “This will be a wonderful way to connect our community with stunning plants and each other, in our gorgeous new space the day before Mother’s Day.”
Pansy planting Betsy Kreuter, Vice Chair, & Susi Orbanowski, Chair of the Civic Committee of the Garden Club of Old Greenwich, and veteran gardener Helen DeLago getting ready to line the village sidewalks with hardy pansies in patriotic red, white and blue.
Shoppers can explore a robust selection of perennials, annuals, and herbs, including many “proven winners” dug directly from members’ local gardens.
New for 2026 is a curated collection of native, pollinator-friendly, and deer-resistant plants. The sale also features organic edibles from Gilbertie’s, pre-made Mother’s Day baskets, and home-baked goods.
“Our plants are proven to thrive in local conditions because they come from our own backyards,” said Club President Char Barnes. “The sale reflects both our members’ expertise and our deep commitment to beautifying Old Greenwich.”
Proceeds fund the Club’s year-round civic work, including the maintenance of the Greenwich Point gardens, village planters, and “Garden Therapy” programs for local seniors.
Early birds can browse and purchase select items online during the week leading up to the event.
Garden Club of Old Greenwich volunteers gather after transforming flower pots lining the village sidewalks to welcome spring. Pictured: Ros Brady, Karin Nye, Marilyn Derr, Susi Orbanowski, Civic Committee Chair, and Angelika Streidt.
Jane Kiefer and Betsy Kreuter, Vice Chair Civic Committee, join other Garden Club of Old Greenwich volunteers planting the patriotic themed pots along village sidewalks.