The Women Gardeners of Ridgewood

THE VILLAGE OF Ridgewood has proclaimed Sunday, June 8, as The Women Gardeners of Ridgewood Day in honor of the club’s 100th anniversary.

Formed in 1925 by Mrs. C. W. Stockton, the club was a charter member of the Garden Club of New Jersey and organized because, at that time, women were not permitted to join the existing Garden Club of Ridgewood, which was open to men only.

With just under 50 members, the club continues to maintain the tenets of its founders—to foster the love and study of gardening while contributing their talents and efforts to a wide variety of community projects in the Village of Ridgewood.

A highlight of membership is the ability to share tips, how-tos and ideas with each other. Club President Sharon Gilsenan has been a member for over 16 years. “I developed an interest in gardening when I bought a geranium after I was married,” she jokes. “After we bought our home, and I redesigned the yard, my interest continued to grow, and I joined the club. It’s a wonderful way to make good friends, and I enjoy working with everyone to help beautify the town.”

Vice President Maria Gilosa (a 12-year member) agrees. “Everyone has such great ideas to share. Recent discussions have included topics like what to do about the booming deer population. I learn so much from everyone, and it’s a lot of fun. We’re not afraid to get our hands dirty!”

Suzanne Willis, Past President and Chair of the club’s 2025 Secret Garden Tour, is a six-year member and a previous member of Ridgewood’s Project Pride. “My mom was a fabulous gardener, but I would consider myself an expert weeder and waterer,” she laughs. “I love working outside and learning from everyone, and I’ve also made many good friends here. And you don’t need to be a Ridgewood resident to join!”

The group works together to create pockets of beauty throughout the Village, such as planting and caring for garden beds along East Ridgewood Avenue at Van Neste Park, at the library (including monthly interior displays), the children’s garden at the Stable and the Irene Habernickel Family Park driveway median.

The club innovated the Green Kids program at the Stable, which has been a popular activity outlet for kids who love the natural world for 20 years. Led by members Anthea Luter and Leslie Kolvek, the nature and gardening club for kids in grades 3 to 5 (regardless of residency) meets throughout the school year to explore and discover nature. Children have the opportunity to create “bug hotels,” observe the transformation of caterpillars to butterflies, learn to plant annuals and perennials, make art from items found in nature and build their own bird feeders.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Deserving high school students who plan to pursue a career in landscape architecture, environmental science, etc., may apply for the Women Gardeners of Ridgewood scholarship. Last year’s winners, Maiah Riedel and Emily Scharfenberg, were Green Kids alum who returned each year to volunteer with the group. Well-deserved winners, for sure!

Throughout the year, members broaden their span of knowledge with expert speakers, including ecosystem experts, naturalists, historians, artists and landscape architects to share their specialized expertise on all aspects of gardening and natural life.

The club’s biennial Secret Gardens Tour coincides with the 100th anniversary celebration on June 8. Nine homes on the tour (six in Ridgewood and three in Ho-Ho-Kus) will be highlighted on a self-guided tour, which is open to the public. Proceeds from the event cover the club’s budget for two years.

The selected homeowners graciously provide yard access to ticketholders on the day of the event. Backyard Living, Francis Williams Interiors, Wostbrock Home, Happy Hive Design and dedicated club members beautifully decorate and stage outdoor living spaces. Volunteer docents keep everyone moving through the properties in an orderly manner, and proud homeowners are usually on hand to describe the plantings, their vision, and the care involved. The event is rain or shine and usually attracts 500 to 600 guests.

“It’s a fun day to appreciate the beautiful gardens of our residents. People who come through are always amazed,” says Suzanne. “We feature both professionally-maintained and homeowner-maintained properties,” adds Marie. “People enjoy seeing the possibilities for DIY-ers, and homeowners love to share their ‘secrets.’ The tour is made possible by generous sponsors: Tarvin Realtors, Chris James Landscaping, Victoria’s, Garden Angels Landscapes, Park West Tavern and Gilsenan & Company Realtors.”

The event also features the “Potting Shed,” a one-day pop-up held at the Stable on the day of the Garden Tour. Here, tourgoers can purchase gently used gardening equipment, outdoor decor items donated by club members and beautiful live plants and refreshments.

The club hosts Gardeners’ Day on the alternate years of the garden tour. Last year, members and the public enjoyed a presentation by renowned gardener Page Dickey. The club supports the library with small arrangements at the main desk and creates attractive displays for the lobby. They also donate baskets for the library’s author’s luncheon each year. During the holiday season, the group decorates Van Neste Park in coordination with the Ridgewood Guild for Winterfest.

In honor of the club’s 100th anniversary, a beautiful bench will be installed between the library and Village Hall, which was donated anonymously. Look for it next time you visit the area and consider getting your hands dirty alongside these creative and hard-working ladies of Ridgewood!

For more information, visit womengardenersofridgewood.com.

BY KRIS PEPPER