An Independent Liaison for Area Garden Clubs with Holden Forests & Gardens
Mission
The beauty of
the natural world
lies in the details.
—Natalie Angier
In support of the vision of Holden Forests and Gardens, we promote opportunities for education, volunteering, exploration, and participation in special events to area, Affiliate Member Garden Clubs to ensure their inclusion and representation.
Affiliate Garden Club Member Options
All are welcome.
Members of Affiliate Garden Clubs are encouraged to take part in the plethora of opportunities available at Holden Forests and Gardens,
EDUCATION
Whether you're taking a class, participating in a hike, attending a special event, reading one or more of several blogs, or listening to a speaker's presentation, there is a plethora of opportunities for learning.
VOLUNTEER
Volunteer to assist at an event or even providing a educational presentation.
PARTICIPATE
Represent your garden club with an entry in a public event.
EXPLORE
The Forests and Gardens of Holden await you! Visit, explore, and immerse yourself in nature and enjoy!
From the Desk of Shirley Swindell
Affiliate Council Board Chair
Hello,
As of June 2022, I am serving as the Chair of the Affiliate Council Board, which represents 48 unique & diverse area-wide garden clubs with a singular passion for gardening. We are fortunate to have one of the best Botanical Gardens & Arboretums in the United States, Holden Forest and Gardens, right here in our front yards. This gives us the opportunity to learn more about our plants and gardens through various educational classes offered, exploring favorite & new plant collections in beautiful natural settings, and experiencing true enjoyment while doing so. I heartly encourage you to join as a member of HF&G and experience the joy and beauty at both Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden campuses all year long.
If you're not currently a member of one of the region's garden clubs, I encourage you to visit one near you; garden clubs feature an array of speakers, hands on projects, and nature related learning events at their meetings. I am sure you will find that very garden club that will fit your interest with fellow gardeners waiting to welcome you. Gardening is a lifelong learning adventure, so if you wish assistance in finding a garden club that may match your needs, visit the list of Affiliate Garden Clubs on this website, or reach out to one of the Affiliate Council members, also available on this website.
Wishing all of you happy gardening days ahead,
Shirley Swindell
Affiliate Council Chair
Member, The Herb Guild and Olmsted Falls Garden Club
Shirley Swindell, Chair
Herb Guild, Olmsted Falls Garden Club
Marianne Stern, Secretary
Avon-on-the-Lake Garden Club
Kevin Borowiak
Winter Show Coordinator
Gardenwalk Cleveland
Margaret Ransohoff
Shaker Lakes Garden Club
Linda Grandstaff
Lakewood Garden Club
Karen Kelly, Co-Chair
Hudson Garden Club
Ernestine Patterson
Lyndhurst Garden Club
Affiliate Council
Board Members
Kim Carroll
Western Reserve Herb Society
Emily McLaughlin
The Garden Club of Cleveland
emilymclaughlin@howardhanna.com
Mary Jo Deucher
Lyndhurst Garden Club
Deborah Kramarz
Gardeners of Greater Cleveland
Jane Petrie
Emerald Necklace Garden Club
jcooprbmw3@gmail.com
Mary Anne Sobecki
The Town and Country Garden Club