The Garden Club of Somerset Hills was founded in 1914 by a group of 28 women who shared “a common love of gardening and the desire to know more about it”.

About Us

Just a year later after its founding, the GCSH was elected into the Garden Club of America (GCA). Many of our members over the course of the past 107 years have been true renaissance women. Not only have they been active members of the GCSH and the GCA, they have also been active in philanthropy and often answered the call to public service both on local and state levels. Our common desire to learn about and influence conservation, education, gardening, horticulture, and preservation inspired by our founders and continues to motivate us now and into the future.

Our Work

GCSH is active in many endeavors — from bringing cheer to the veterans at the local VA Hospital to championing of conservation efforts both at the local level and through national efforts in Washington, DC.

  • Civic Involvement/Grants

    Through initiatives like the Common Ground Collaborative, which works to restore and maintain an educational and giving urban garden, to the Founders Fund grant awards, we support community projects and scholarships for young people interested in environmental careers.

  • Conservation

    GCSH is dedicated to protecting the environment through a variety of conservation efforts. Members work to restore native plant habitats, to create pollinator friendly spaces, and advocate for sustainable farm soil practices and the restoration of local ecosystems in New Jersey and beyond.

  • Hospital Flowers

    For many years, the GCSH has updated the planters at Lyons VA Medical Center with vibrant seasonal flowers to create a more colorful and welcoming environment for patients at the facility. GCSH members also regularly provide bouquets or small potted plants to brighten bedside tables.

  • Garden History & Design

    GCSH has a rich history of fostering and promoting the appreciation of our landscapes. Our Garden History & Design Committee promotes the appreciation of America’s gardens and inspires us to value the artistry, heritage and environmental importance of gardens.

  • Horticulture

    Cultivating a passion for gardening and expanding plant knowledge are at the heart of our Horticulture Committee’s mission. Members discover techniques to propagate, nurture and maintain a wide variety of plants. We showcase our specimens in flower shows as we continually work to grow our expertise.

  • Photography

    The Photography Committee celebrates the beauty of the natural world by exploring it through the camera lens. With hands-on workshops, the committee fosters creativity while encouraging members of all skill levels to develop their photographic talents and deepen their appreciation of nature.