The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is eastern North America’s sole breeding hummingbird.  Feeders and flower gardens are great ways to attract these birds.

Around the middle of April, the first hummingbirds will arrive in Connecticut, the males will always arrive first followed by females a week or two later.  After their long voyage they are hungry and will be looking for food to regain their weight.  Hummingbirds will often return to the same location year after year.  Banding research has shown hummingbirds showing up in the same location and even on the same day from one year to the next. Continue reading →

The “Earth Day Workshop” is hosted by the Olde Ripton Garden Club and is a workshop for beginner gardeners.

The seminar is free and will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 12:30pm to 2:30pm at the Plumb Memorial Library.  REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.  (click to register at Earth Day Workshop with Olde Ripton Garden Club at Plumb Memorial & Huntington Branch Library

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For our April 1st meeting we welcomed Cheryl Basztura who shared with us a Power Point Presentation of “Intriguing Birds.”

Club Vice-President Jen Lombard and Cheryl Basztura

Cheryl shared with us many interesting facts about birds she has seen in her backyard and during her travels. Continue reading →

For our meeting on April 1st, we will be welcoming Cheryl Baszturo, who will present a Power Point presentation of “Backyard Birds.”

The presentation will include birds she has seen in her travels and in her own backyard.  Included will be interesting stories and facts about the birds she has seen.

Founded in 1976, the Olde Ripton Garden Club (ORGC) of Shelton, Connecticut is a community of garden enthusiasts committed to sharing the love of gardening and conservation.  We provide education in horticulture and assist in beautifying the grounds around public buildings.

Meetings are held March through December (no meetings in January and February.)  They are on the first Monday of the month (except for holidays) and start promptly at 10 a.m.

Dues are $35 per year, if you are interested in joining, please fill out a membership application form and bring with your dues payment.

Guests are welcome to attend, there is a $5 Visitor Fee for non-members. Please fill out and bring with you a visitor form.

Our first meeting of the 2024 year was an informative meeting.  Committees were announced and Committee Chairs were introduced, followed by a brief description of committee activities.

The Annual Plant Sale Committee will be co-chaired by Debby Garrow and Lisa DiNardo.

Artistic Workshop and Exhibits and Osborne Homestead Holiday Decorating will be chaired by Linda Hooper.

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At the first Olde Ripton Garden Club meeting of 2024 we honored one of our founding members, Claire Norris, who turned 95 this year on February 16th.

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The Shelton Seed Library will open for the 2024 season on Friday, March 1st at the Plumb Memorial Library.

The Olde Ripton Garden Club and Chair Teya Bell would like to thank the Shelton Library System and the City of Shelton for the opportunity to continue the Seed Library for the Shelton community.

Any questions regarding the Shelton Seed Library can be directed to info@olderiptongardenclub.org or sheltonseedlibrary@aol.com.

Founded in 1976, the Olde Ripton Garden Club (ORGC) of Shelton, Connecticut is a community of garden enthusiasts committed to sharing the love of gardening and conservation.  We provide education in horticulture and assist in beautifying the grounds around public buildings.

Meetings are held March through December (no meetings in January and February.)  They are on the first Monday of the month (except for holidays) and generally start at 10 a.m.

Our first meeting of the year will be held 10:00 on Monday, March 4, 2024 at the Shelton Community Center, Suite 2.

The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut present the 42nd Annual Connecticut Flower and Garden Show, “Bursting into Spring.”

Olde Ripton Garden Club members Diana and Rick Wehger have been recognized with a 2023 Federated Garden Club award for their contributions and willingness to help.

Left to right: Diana Wehger, Karen Pyskaty, and Rick Wehger

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At our December meeting we had an instillation of our new officers for 2024.

President Lisa DiNardo, 2nd Vice President Debby Garrow, Assistant Treasurer Lori Hansen, Treasurer Joanne Brunelle, and Assistant Secretary Joan Mauri. Missing from the photo are 1st Vice President Jennifer Lombard and Recording Secretary Gail Donnelly

For 2024 our President will be Lisa DiNardo, our Vice President will be Jennifer Lombard and our 2nd Vice President will be Debby Garrow.  Our Treasurer will be Joanne Brunelle, our Assistant Treasurer will be Lori Hansen, our Recording Secretary will be Gail Donnelly and our Assistant Secretary will be Joan Mauri.

We look forward to working with our new Executive Board members and wish them each a successful year ahead.

The members of the Olde Ripton Garden Club wish everyone a safe, healthy, happy holiday season.

Some of the holiday decorations created by the members of the Olde Ripton Garden Club.

Originally a farmhouse built around 1840, the Osborne Homestead Museum is now one of fifteen distinctive historic sites in Connecticut.  Frances Eliza Osborne (1876-1956) was the last of the Osborne family children and deeded the 350-acre property to Connecticut to preserve it as a state park for future generations.

Every December for more than 30 years, local garden clubs have prepared lavish holiday decorations following an annually chosen theme.  The theme for the 2023 Holiday Season was “Holiday in the City.”  The Olde Ripton Garden Club decorated the French Room and the Front Bedroom in the spirit of “New York, NY.”

Museum Holiday Hours for the 2023 “Holiday in the City”

Friday, November 24 – Saturday, December 16
Thursdays thru Sundays 10 AM – 4 PM

Holiday Twilight Tours
Fridays – December 1, December 8, and December 15 ~ 4:00 to 7:00 PM

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