About the Garden Club of Norfolk
The Garden Club of Norfolk is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing gardening through education, community service, and civic beautification. Our members maintain public gardens, support community projects, promote environmental stewardship, and create opportunities to learn, share ideas, and connect with fellow gardeners.
Founded in December 1985, the Garden Club of Norfolk has served Norfolk and the surrounding community for more than 40 years. Helena Drolette served as the club’s founding President. In February 1988, the club joined the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts (GCFM) as part of the Central South District. Through GCFM, the club operates under a nonprofit 501(c)(3) umbrella and benefits from educational programs, scholarships, grants, and leadership resources.
Today, our active, honorary, and gold members, along with our Friends of the Garden Club of Norfolk, represent gardeners of all experience levels. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just beginning your journey, you’ll find inspiration, knowledge, and a welcoming community here.
Club Flower – Pink Lady Slipper
Our Work
We bring together gardeners of all experience levels to learn, share, and make a positive impact in our community through:
- Educational programs and guest speakers on gardening, horticulture, floral design, conservation, and related topics
- Fundraising and community beautification projects that enhance Norfolk’s public spaces
- Seasonal workshops, demonstrations, and hands-on learning opportunities
- Support for environmental stewardship and sustainable gardening practices
- Flower shows, garden tours, and special events that celebrate gardening and creativity
- Opportunities to connect with fellow gardeners, exchange ideas, and build lasting friendships
- Partnerships with local organizations and community groups to promote civic engagement
Club Officers
Launa Allen
Co-President
Stephanie Hamel
Co-President
Susan McCarthy
Recording Secretary
Amy Ricci
Corresponding Secretary
Treasurer
Laurel Stoddard
Membership Chair
Jill Kennedy
Recent Awards
From the National Garden Clubs
- 2026, Landscaping of Public Grounds Award – Norfolk Library Initiative includes Library Landscape Maintenance, monthly library flowers, Library Display Case, Circular Entrance Garden, Seed Exchange and Patio Garden
- 2026, Certificate of Appreciation Honors – Our Wildlife Gardens, which includes the Stony Brook Mass Audubon Butterfly Garden, Federated Church Butterfly Garden, H. Olive Day Elementary School Butterfly Garden and the Veterans Native Plant Garden at the Town Cemetery.
From the New England Garden Clubs
2026, Teamwork Award – Our work on the holiday baskets for the Norfolk Food Pantry
2024, New England Region of State Garden Clubs – The Virginia Grandpre Wildlife Gardening Award. December 2024 – Federated Church, H. Olive Day Elementary School and Stony Brook Butterfly Gardens
From the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts
- 2026, Continuing Civic Development Award – Norfolk Library Initiative includes Library Landscape Maintenance, Library Flowers, Library Display Case, Entrance Garden, Seed Exchange and Patio Garden
- 2026, Patricia Dennett Grant (Conservation and Environmental) – Systematic Plant Labeling initiative – Grant for $200
Interested in getting involved?
We welcome gardeners of all experience levels. Join us in learning, volunteering, and making Norfolk a more beautiful place to live.