Celebrating a Golden milestone

This year, we’re celebrating our 50th anniversary, a milestone honoring half a century of enriching the town’s natural beauty, sharing a deep appreciation of gardening, and cultivating friendships and civic pride along the way.

In 1975, a small group of residents started the club with the mission of inspiring a love of nature through horticulture, floral design, and conservation. It took its name from “Hopp Ground,” a historic spot on Bedford’s Village Green once covered in wild barley hops. Susan Goldsmith, a member since 1978, reflects on this enduring legacy and the early days. “Our entire membership was small enough that we held monthly meetings in one another’s living rooms and each of us had a comfortable seat! I have such good memories and so happy we continue the club’s traditions today.”

Today, the club has almost 50 members and has become a cornerstone of Bedford’s community life. The club’s impact is most visible in the six public gardens it maintains across the town. From the colorful entrances at Bedford Village Town Park and Bedford Hills Town Park to the vibrant beds at John Jay Homestead, Katonah A-Home, Katonah Memorial House, and Katonah Village Library including the Bedford Free Library for many years, these gardens are living proof of the club’s dedication. Over the years, members have planted thousands of annuals and perennials and hosted many local events to help people discover the joy of gardening. Support for such programs as Meals on Wheels, Holiday Wreaths for Veterans, and Dig Deep further demonstrates the club’s community spirit.

The mission of the Hopp Ground Garden Club is rooted in education and connection. Monthly workshops and lectures bring together experts and enthusiasts to explore topics from native pollinator plants to creative botanical arts. The club has also sponsored many flower shows as a way to showcase members’ artistry and horticultural expertise. After leaving corporate life and joining in 1982, Karyn Henschel says it was one of her best decisions. “It opened up a whole new world for me in terms of friendships and learning about floral design and horticulture through hands-on workshops and great lectures. I’m proud of our club for all the community outreach and contributions we continue to make.”

The club is excited about the next fifty years! New members like Elena Dobrovolskaya, a local artist and the club’s Program Chair, bring new ideas to ensure the club remains strong and relevant for the future. She says, “I want to contribute my part in enhancing our public gardens and bringing more beauty in our everyday life. I’m eager to share my knowledge of landscape design and horticulture with the wonderful and welcoming members of Hopp Ground.” Another new member and the club’s Vice-President, Joanne Zuckerman, joined the club because she wanted to make a positive difference in the community and says, “As a retired social worker, I truly believe in the greater good. Working with the garden club is my way of giving back.”

If you’re inspired to join the club, all you need is a personal interest in gardening and a willingness to help Hopp Ground with its mission. No green thumb required!