On February 16, 1949, a group of seventeen ladies, along with Dr. Whittaker, Director of Tyler Arboretum, met to form a garden club. The Country Gardeners was federated in 1950 with the goal of “accomplishing good things for nature and the community.”  The club originally met at the Lima Firehouse. A contest was held for a logo and the drawing submitted by Jean Weathers is the logo we still use today.

Over the years, The Country Gardeners have been involved with many community projects.  Years ago, the club worked on The Garden for the Blind at Tyler Arboretum and planted different gardens at the old Lima School, Riddle Hospital and Penncrest High School.  More recently, The Country Gardeners designed and planted a historically-accurate native wetlands garden at the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation. The hanging baskets along the Plum Street Mall in Media, PA were designed and planted by The Country Gardeners for several years. The club also planted extensively at The Middletown Township Library and at Elwyn.  For over 25 years, The Country Gardeners have helped to decorate the historic Thomas Leiper House for the holidays.

We have members who come from many diverse neighborhoods including: Chadds Ford, Broomall, Media, West Chester, Glen Mills, Newtown Square, Havertown, Devon, Rose Valley, Kennett Square, Garnet Valley, Wallingford, Chester Heights, Moylan, Wayne, Gradyville, Ardmore, Cape May, and Wynnwood!

In addition to hands-on gardening projects, The Country Gardeners have offered scholarships to college students pursuing degrees related to horticulture.  The Chester Schools 4H Gardening Program has also received annual donations from the club.

The Country Gardeners have been active participants in flower shows as well.  As a member of the Community Council of Garden Clubs, the club helped produce 22 different flower shows in Media. The club is currently involved with 4 other clubs in sponsoring a standard flower show at Longwood Gardens.