WESTFIELD-In 1934, city residents were first introduced to Grandmothers’ Garden, and now 82 years later, dedicated gardening volunteers ensure that the colonial revival style, award-winning garden remains as vibrant as the day it opened.
The 18th annual garden tour, titled “Along the Garden Path,” is planned June 25-26 to raise funds to meet the continued financial challenges to maintain the garden. Lynn McCann and Dick Holcomb are co-chairs of this year’s fundraiser.
One of the entrances to Grandmothers’ Garden.
On Thursday morning, both McCann and Holcomb were enthusiastic about the restoration and ongoing maintenance that is carried out by the dedicated volunteers involved with the garden.
“In the last year the main garden paths and bed edgings were rehabilitated and two new stone benches were installed,” said McCann.
Holcomb added that this season, the paths and bed edging in the herb garden will be rehabilitated, new benches in the gazebo will be installed by Westfield Technical Academy students, and additional benches in the garden will be replaced with stone benches.
The garden, originally created as a memorial to Grandmother Steiger by her son, occupies the northeast corner of Chauncey Allen Park, a property donated by Albert Steiger to the city.
The flower beds at Grandmothers’ Garden are in full bloom.
“The garden is abundantly filled with period flowers and plants, interspersed with spring bulbs, annuals, fragrant herbs, flowering trees and shrubs,” said McCann.
A major revitalization and historic recreation of this tranquil space was initiated 18 years ago.
“This effort of restoration and maintenance is ongoing and is being carried on by area gardening volunteers,” said Holcomb.
Both McCann and Holcomb credited Pat Steele-Perkins and Joy Bunnell for their ongoing efforts to oversee volunteer projects.
“Grandmothers’ Garden is unique to Westfield and is a community effort,” said McCann, adding that local businesses and schools are “very supportive.”
Tickets for the self-guided tour, planned rain or shine, are $20 each and $15 for seniors. The 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. tour begins at Grandmothers’ Garden on Smith Avenue and also features five private gardens across the city. Tickets may be purchased on the day of the tour at
The Herb Garden at Grandmothers’ Garden.
Grandmothers’ Garden or by mailing a check payable to Friends of Grandmothers’ Garden, P.O. Box 1432, Westfield, MA 01086. The “ticket” is the booklet one receives that includes highlights of each garden on the tour, as well as directions, and a list of event sponsors.
In addition to the tour, a selection of garden-themed raffle baskets will also be displayed at Grandmothers’ Garden both days.
“Grandmothers’ Garden is a different kind of environment,” said McCann. “The garden is a restful and peaceful type of place where one can come away with ideas for their own gardens.”
Holcomb echoed those sentiments.
“Grandmothers’ Garden appeals to the entire community,” said Holcomb, adding, “The garden is only a five-minute walk from the downtown area by taking the foot path so people can enjoy their lunch break here.”
For more information on the fundraiser, visit www.grandmothersgarden.org. Sponsorship opportunities are still available until June 3 in several categories, ranging from “The Garden Gate” at $2,500, and “The Potting Shed” at $1,000, to “The Arbor,” for $750, “The Trellis,” for $500, “The Porch Swing” for $250, “The Window Box,” for $150, and “The Wicker Basket” for “your choice.”
