About Us
Learn about our mission, history, and the passionate gardeners who make up our community.
Our Mission
"To develop an appreciation of plants and flowers that sustains harmony between our gardens and the future of our planet."
The Merrick Garden Club is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to educating our members and the community about sustainable lawn and gardening practices, supporting our native pollinators, and encouraging propagation of native plant species.
Our members learn how to create beautiful floral arrangements and gardens, besides sharing their expertise with others. Some of our members are Master Gardeners, certified by the Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Our History
Founded in 1933, the Merrick Garden Club has been a cornerstone of Long Island's gardening community for over 90 years. Our mission has evolved with the times, but our core commitment to environmental stewardship remains unchanged.
Though we're called the Merrick Garden Club, our 30+ active members come from all surrounding communities including Merrick, East Meadow, Wantagh, Island Park, Massapequa, Bellmore, Hewlett, Seaford, Floral Park, and Copiague.
We meet monthly to share gardening tips, create floral arrangements, and plan community activities. Our members discuss best practices in composting, supporting butterflies and pollinators, and sustainable garden management.
Our Leadership
Cheryl Bennett
Co-President
Cornell-certified Master Gardener with extensive experience in native plant cultivation and sustainable gardening practices.
Ginny Meltzer
Co-President
Passionate advocate for environmental conservation and community beautification projects.
Expert Guidance: Several of our members are Master Gardeners certified by the Cornell Cooperative Extension program, along with many experienced gardeners.
How We Support Our Mission
Funding Sources
Members contribute annual dues to cover the costs of our programs. Our only other source of funding is our annual plant sale in May.
Members divide their own home-grown perennials – both native and ornamental – and sell them at reasonable prices to the public. This sustainable approach allows us to share beautiful plants while funding our community work.
What We Support
- 🌳 Beautifying local parks and pollinator gardens
- 🎓 Scholarships for environmental studies students
- 🌸 Floral arrangements for Meals-on-Wheels
- 🎨 Crafts for A. Holly Patterson Extended Care
- 💧 Dig Deep Water Project
- 🌲 Penny Pines forest restoration
Our Community in Action
Our annual plant sale features native plants from members' gardens
Community members finding beautiful plants for their gardens
Members preparing for our annual community event
Ready to Grow With Us?
Visit us at an upcoming meeting - guests are always welcome!
Learn How to Join