By Joey Macari
Photo by Jack Foley
In the heart of Hingham, a century-old tradition continues to flourish. The Garden Club of Hingham, a vibrant assembly of passionate gardeners and floral enthusiasts, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Its time-honored legacy, cultivated by its historic female leadership, has transformed the Garden Club of Hingham into a thriving cornerstone of beauty, community and environmental stewardship—which has nurtured an indomitable spirit of belonging and civic pride among its members.
“While some of our initiatives and events have changed over the years, at our core, we are a working club that maintains several civic spaces in Hingham,” says former President, Maura Graham. “Our goal is to make our coastal town as beautiful and welcoming as possible.”
Beginning in 1924, eight women planted the seeds of what would become the Garden Club of Hingham—seeking like-minded individuals through an ad in the Hingham Journal. The club’s focus shifted during the Depression and World War II, with members rallying to support their community through service initiatives. A century later, the club remains deeply rooted in its mission of education and service, holding workshops, talks and fundraisers–carrying on a tradition as rich as the soil they tend. Over the years, the club has dedicated the majority of their efforts to designing and tending to civic gardens. From the historic Old Ordinary Garden to the bustling Hingham Public Library, it’s evident that this labor of love extends beyond mere landscaping. Club members are hands-on with each new project; planting and maintaining these vibrant spaces themselves to ensure they remain lush and inviting all year.
Beyond aesthetics, the club is deeply committed to involving the community in its endeavors. Educational programs, like the Junior Gardeners, inspire the next generation of environmental stewards; sowing the seeds of sustainability and fostering a greener legacy. Since 2021, the club has also expanded on its Plant A Row program—encouraging members and the community to grow and share their bounties with the Hingham Food Pantry, which provides fresh produce and flowers to those in need. The Hingham Garden Club’s centennial celebration isn’t just about looking back on a century of achievements—it’s a promise to keep nurturing and enhancing the community.
To learn more, visit gardenclubofhingham.org.