Page 38 - Wallingford Magazine Issue 56 Autumn 2025

Wallingford Garden Club is recipient of the Federated Garden Club of CT Bowl Awards 2013 Original Pond Hill Garden 2003
Garden Club paid for all their expens- cent Home, Brook Hollow Care Center, the Wallingford Senior Center which she
es. Also in 1976, an herb garden at the and Masonic Hospital. frequented and The Wallingford Town
Wallingford Historical House on South Hall where she worked.
Main Street, was planted and dedicat- 1990's: The Club created a scholarship
ed to Julia Roudi, a Charter member of and awarded its first scholarship, $200, 2000's: In 2001 Ellie Tessmer, whose
WGC. Julia was an expert horticulturist in 1992. family has a history of farming in the
and gardener in three areas: culinary, west part of Wallingford, and Caryl
medicinal, and aromatic herbs. 1994: Connecticut hosted the National Ryan, former President, spearheaded
Council of State Garden clubs. Lenore an idea to create a Gardeners’ Market.
1980 marked the 50th Anniversary of Smail was Chair of this enormous proj- Both were on the Board of Wallingford
the Wallingford Garden Club. With the ect along with Rosemary Propper, co- Center Inc. which became a major in-
theme of “Spruce Up Wallingford” over chair. vestor and agent for this plan. Collab-
eighty members pitched in to facilitate orative efforts with the Graden Club in
this massive plan. Chairpersons Ann 1998: An eyesore of overgrown weeds research, marketing, organizing, man-
Foster and Rosemary Propper headed at the corner of Center Street and South aging and getting clearance through the
this effort with a five-month feasibility Colony Road was transformed into a State Health Department brought the
study. It resulted in a two-day Commu- garden of distinction under the guid- plan to fruition. The strength of pro-
nity wide Spring Cleanup in April that ance of President Betty Harkin. Known moting CT Grown and organic products,
included government, Clubs, industry, as Crescent Garden, easy care plants quality crafts and goods was the key to
and business. The Public Works Depart- that needed less water or deadhead- bring Wallingford and non-local shop-
ment supplied trucks to remove trash ing were selected by a horticulturist, pers into Wallingford. Today their en-
collected. Kevin Wasilewski. For over 25 years the deavor survives under the management
Club President Mrs. Charles Biondino lilac, hydrangea, shrub roses, hosta, of the Wallingford Park and Recreation
stated that interest in a “Spruce Up” grasses, sedum and more were cared Department.
reflects how garden clubs have increas- for by our Civic Committee. Its removal
ingly emphasized support in causes of and replanting by the DOT in October
pollution, environment protection, and 2024 was an unfortunate mistake, but
conservation. the Civic Committee will nurture the
replaced plants into a promising land-
The Club also planted 50 Norway maples scape. The Garden is now known as the
and 40 golden chain trees on private Ollayos Garden honoring Marilyn Ollay-
properties, Dutton and Lufberry Parks, os, a past President, a generous person,
Simpson School, the Historical House, and avid gardener.
and the Senior Center. In addition to the
Golden Chain tree at Simpson School, 1998-99: Under the leadership of Pres-
then headquarters for several munici- ident Joann McLean, a garden emerged
pal agencies, the Club planted a garden out of the asphalt triangle between
of predominately gold flowers to com- Pond Hill Road and South Main Street.
memorate our Club’s Golden Anniver- The Town’s Public Works Department
sary. removed hard top, replaced topsoil,
and provided mulch for the garden. Betty Harkin 2005
Through this decade, members spon- The Pond Hill garden, now referred to
sored bake and craft sales, engaged in as Zemke Garden, is dedicated to Fran 2005: Co-chaired by Barbara Bruce
wreath making for various organiza- Zemke and her devotion in tending this and Carol Golitko, the 75th Anniver-
tions and made corsages for blood do- garden. A painting of the garden by Fran sary Committee was celebrated at a
nors at the Red Cross Bloodmobile. Gar- graced the cover of Wallingford Maga- luncheon at Traditions Golf Club. Past
den-therapy lectures and workshops zine #29 in Autumn 2020. Fran’s paint- President Betty Harkin, dressed in white
were presented at Skyview Convales- ing is displayed on shared time between with hat and gloves, shared a historical
38 WALLINGFORD MAGAZINE - AUTUMN 2025