History of the Lexington Field & Garden Club As written by Margaret O'Keefe Concerned over the deplorable conditions on the Common and the railroad terminal area, a small group of men and women met in the Spring of 1876 to discuss ways to improve these conditions in the center of Lexington. From this small beginning, the first garden club in the nation was founded and named the Lexington Field and Garden Club. These early leaders led the way in improving Depot Square, which was eventually renamed Emery Park. Other activities included building the first greenhouse in Lexington, planting trees, caring for roadsides and traffic islands, and encouraging the study and appreciation of horticulture -- with great emphasis on preserving our natural environment. Another early project was the beautification and maintenance of historic cemeteries. Throught their efforts, a town tree warden was appointed, and in 1904, Hastings Park was acquired and deeded to the town. Modern Club activites are similar to those of the early Club. They sold trees to encourage citizens to preserve the town's beauty. Today, we have our yearly plant sale. Early Club members used home-grown flowers for simple displays at monthly meetings. This idea has grown into staging local flower shows, and participating in state and international shows. Estate tours, begun in the early years to promote an appreciation of horticulture, were the forerunner of today's biennial garden tours. For many years the Club has continued traditions of planting and caring for the herb gardens at Buckman Tavern and the Hancock-Clarke House and proving simple bouquets for the historic houses. Activities developed within the past 15 years include the creation and care of the two gardens at Munroe Tavern, the unique Garden of Colonial Flowers and the wildflower garden; the design and care of the garden at Cary Library; the planting of seasonal flowers at the Minuteman Statue; and the development of gardening projects for homes for the elderly. The Club has also sponsored Art-A-Blooming to highlight the connection between art and floral design. Today, membership has grown to nearly 400 men and women, with five smaller groups functioning within the Club: Morning Study, Wednesday Workshop, Monday Evening Group, Tuesday Evening Group, and Thursday Evening Group. In the past, our Club ahs also sponsored a "Green Thumb Fair" to introduce children to horticulture and conservation. The mission of the Lexington Field and Garden Club, as stated in its Preamble of 1876, remains the same, its activities reflecting the changing needs of our expanding community. Working together, members strive to preserve the natural beauty found around us in a highly industrialized environment as we enter the 21st Century. Page last updated 2008 Sept 18. Contact us!