Membership & How to Join
ðŋ Are you interested in joining the
Portland River Valley Garden Club? ðŋ
Be part of a community that grows together — in friendship, knowledge and a shared love of gardening!
ðž New Members Welcome!
- Your first year is a learning year: a chance to meet people, explore our programs and see how everything works.
- Every member joins a committee. It’s the best way to connect, learn and help our club thrive. Members are encouraged to take part in at least one business meeting, one program meeting and one community event each year.
- New members are paired with a friendly mentor (or sponsor) and often join the same committee so they can learn hands-on.
ð Membership Details
- Annual dues: $30
- If life gets busy and you can’t be as active for a while, just let one of our Executive Board members know — we understand!
- Read more about our mission and info about our members here!
ðš New Member Inductions
- We officially welcome new members twice a year — April and October — giving everyone time to attend meetings, events and get to know the club before being inducted. It’s a wonderful way to start growing with us!
ðļ Join us!
- Join us for an upcoming meeting. Our meetings are usually held the last Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Waverly Center in Portland, Connecticut.
- Or email portlandrivervalleygc@gmail.com for more information.
Membership Perks
- ðļ Plant of the Year: Help choose our featured plant and enjoy a members-only discount!
- ðž Horticulture Access: Includes entry to CT Horticulture programs and the Arboretum at Connecticut College.
- ðŧ Garden Field Trip: Join our annual outing to explore inspiring gardens.
- ðš Community Projects: Get involved in beautifying Portland and showing town pride.
- ð Summer Picnic: Celebrate the season with fellow members.
- ðŠī Plant Sale Preview: Enjoy an early look (and first pick!) at our annual plant sale.
Club Committees
Community Service
- ð Organizes Adopt-a-Family holiday giving, wreaths for town buildings, and mug arrangements for seniors.
- ð Coordinates the high school scholarship with the Portland Garden Club.
Exhibit & Beautification
- ð· Plants and maintains the Veteran’s Garden, Waverly Center, Brownstone Gardens and Air Line Trail.
- ðš Creates floral displays for the library, Portland Fair and town events.
Program Committee
- ð Plans the yearly calendar and program booklet.
- ðŋ Coordinates speakers, refreshments and joint programs with the Portland Garden Club.
Conservation & Horticulture
- ð Secures speakers on environmental and horticultural topics.
- ðļ Helps select the Plant of the Year and promotes conservation awareness.
Ways & Means
- ðŠī Leads the annual plant sale and explores new fundraising ideas.
Publicity
- ðĢ Promotes meetings and events and keeps members informed of club news.
Meetings
We hold two kinds of meetings throughout the year: business meetings and speaker presentations.
- Business meetings are just for members and focus on planning our projects, budgets and upcoming events.
- Most speaker presentations are open to the community to learn more about plants, gardening, and the environment.
