Tag Archives: Duck River Garden Club

Mark Comstock, Hydrangea and Bonsai Enthusiast, Receives Statewide Gardening Recognition for Volunteer Efforts

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Mark Comstock will receive the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut’s Certificate of Individual Achievement on Oct. 22.

OLD LYME–A local bonsai enthusiast and hydrangea purveyor has been recognized with a Certificate of Individual Achievement from the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut. 

The Duck River Garden Club in a press release lauded Mark Comstock, owner of Hydrangea Galore in Old Lyme, for the recognition. It will be presented at the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut’s 96th Annual Awards Meeting and Luncheon on Oct. 22. 

The honor is awarded for outstanding contributions to an individual, a garden club or a group of garden clubs. 

The Duck River Garden Club described Comstock as a conservationist and an expert in hydrangeas as well as the art of bonsai. They cited various classes he has presented to multiple garden clubs, the Lymes’ Senior Center and the general public – including one on the intersection of bonsai and conservation that included a demonstration on a local pitch pine tree. 

In addition to donating his plants for Duck River Garden Club sites throughout town and to the club’s garden sale each May, he recently solved a water issue by bringing in his 500 gallon water tank for the duration of the sale. 

“Mark is professional, enthusiastic and generous with his vast horticulture knowledge,” the club said.

Comstock in a phone interview Monday said he was honored to be recognized.

“But I think the real honor should go to the entire Duck River Garden Club for everything that all the members do together,” he said. “We are an incredibly, incredibly active and beneficial garden club for the town of Old Lyme. And there is no other group that I would rather be serving the town with during my horticultural endeavors.”

For Comstock, membership in the club goes “deeper than horticulture.” It’s about meeting other people and learning about the town by becoming actively involved in it.

“They’re so tightly in step with what’s going on in town, and they care so much about making the town beautiful,” he said. “And those are the people I want to be around.”

Duck River Garden Club Hosts Mum Sale in Old Lyme, East Lyme, Saturday

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OLD LYME/EAST LYME—On Saturday, Sept. 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Duck River Garden Club (DRGC) of Old Lyme and East Lyme will hold a Mum Sale at two locations — the Old Lyme Shopping Center at 19 Halls Rd., Old Lyme and the East Lyme Library at 39 Society Rd., Niantic.

Beautiful 9-inch mums in red, yellow, purple, orange, white and pink will be on sale for $10 apiece. Payment will be accepted by by cash or check only.

All proceeds will benefit DRGC beautification, educational programs and scholarships.

Duck River Garden Club Hosts Mum Sale in Old Lyme, East Lyme, Sept. 13

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OLD LYME/EAST LYME—On Saturday, Sept. 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Duck River Garden Club (DRGC) of Old Lyme and East Lyme will hold a Mum Sale at two locations — the Old Lyme Shopping Center at 19 Halls Rd., Old Lyme and the East Lyme Library at 39 Society Rd., Niantic.

Beautiful 9-inch mums in red, yellow, purple, orange, white and pink will be on sale for $10 apiece. Payment will be accepted by by cash or check only.

All proceeds will benefit DRGC beautification, educational programs and scholarships.

Letter to the Editor: Help Sought to Recover Stolen Duck River Garden Club Birdhouses in Old Lyme; Not Just Decorative, They Symbolized Community Spirit

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To the Editor:

I am writing on behalf of the Duck River Garden Club to express our deep disappointment and sadness over a recent incident that has affected one of our beloved civic garden sites. Recently, several handcrafted birdhouses, lovingly built by the husband of one of our dedicated members, were stolen from the garden. 

This garden, located at the bottom of Exit 70 and serving as the gateway to Old Lyme, is a cherished space that welcomes residents and visitors alike with its natural beauty and thoughtful landscaping. The stolen birdhouses were not just decorative additions; they symbolized the community spirit and dedication of our members who work tirelessly to maintain and beautify this important landmark.

The Duck River Garden Club has always strived to create a welcoming and beautiful environment for both residents and wildlife. It is disheartening to see the hard work and the generosity of our members undermined by such senseless acts. We kindly ask that anyone who may have seen suspicious activity at the Exit 70 garden or has any information about the stolen items come forward and contact the local authorities.

We also want to take this opportunity to thank the many residents who have supported our club and cherished our gardens over the years. Your encouragement keeps us motivated. 

As a community, let’s continue to take pride in our public spaces and look out for one another. Together, we can ensure that the Duck River Garden Club’s efforts to beautify our town remain a source of joy for everyone.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Sincerely,


Leslie Groves,
Old Lyme.

Editor’s Note: The author is the President of the Duck River Garden Club.

Duck River Garden Club’s Annual Scholarship Program Open to HS Seniors Planning Career to Benefit Environment

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LYME/OLD LYME—The Duck River Garden Club Annual Scholarship Program is open to Lyme, Old Lyme and East Lyme residents, who are high school seniors planning a career in horticulture, conservation, or any field of study that can benefit the environment.

Applications can be submitted by April 15, 2025 to your school Guidance Department.