PROJECTS
Crofton Village Garden Club members are actively engaged in a variety of projects that promote the objectives of
National Garden Clubs, Inc., Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland, Inc., and District II in our community.
National Garden Clubs, Inc., Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland, Inc., and District II in our community.
CIVIC IMPROVEMENT AND BEAUTIFICATION
BLUE STAR MEMORIAL GARDEN
Crofton Village Garden Club donated the Blue Star Memorial Marker located at the entrance to the Crofton Community Library, unveiled and dedicated in May 2013 to honor those who have served or are currently serving in the United States military services. The surrounding garden, featuring a combination of ornamental and native plants, welcomes visitors as they enter and exit the library and is maintained by club members during semi-annual service days.
Project Chair: Littany Hollerbach
CROFTON CHERRY TREES
Crofton Village Garden Club has been planting cherry trees along Crofton Parkway since its inception, adding beauty and seasonal splendor to the community. The club remains dedicated to the ongoing care of these trees. Each spring and fall, members conduct maintenance pruning and inspect the trees for signs of disease, ensuring their health and longevity.
The club participates in the annual Crofton Cherry Blossom Festival, an event that provides an opportunity for members to engage with the community, answer questions, and identify potential new planting sites.
Project Chair: Jane McClanahan
NATIVE GARDEN
Crofton Village Garden Club received a 2016 Unity Grant and partnered with the University of Maryland Master Gardeners and the Anne Arundel County Public Library System to transform an overgrown border at the Crofton Community Library into a thriving Native Garden. Located at the library's northwest corner along Riedel Road, the garden is visible from the sidewalk and street, encouraging passersby to pause and enjoy its natural beauty.
The garden showcases the many benefits of native plants, which require less water, fertilizer, and pest control while providing vital habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. It serves as a quiet, natural space for the community to enjoy and a model for sustainable landscaping.
Project Chair: Nancy Percivall
PEACE CIRCLE GARDEN
Crofton Village Garden Club proudly maintains the Peace Circle Garden at Prince of Peace Presbyterian Church. Planted in the fall of 2023, the garden features a carefully curated selection of native shrubs and flowers that enhance the church grounds with texture and natural beauty. Funded by a Unity Gardens Grant, the Peace Circle Garden not only beautifies the landscape but also plays a vital role in supporting local biodiversity. Native plants were chosen for their ecological benefits, including providing food and shelter for pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. The garden stands as a testament to the club’s commitment to sustainable landscaping and environmental stewardship.
Project Co-Chairs: Nancy Durose and Littany Hollerbach
POLLINATOR GARDEN
Crofton Village Garden Club received a 2014 Unity Grant to create a pollinator garden at the Crofton Community Library. Developed in collaboration with the Anne Arundel County Library System and the University of Maryland Master Gardeners, and with compost and mulch generously donated by Patuxent Nursery, the project transformed library grounds into a vibrant habitat for pollinators.
Designed to support and attract bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators, the garden also raises public awareness about the critical role these species play in maintaining healthy ecosystems. It is registered with the National Pollinator Garden Network as part of the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge and serves as a key “stepping stone” on the Anne Arundel County Pollinator Pathway.
Project Co-Chairs: Littany Hollerbach and Jessica Kruse
SWANN PARK
Crofton Village Garden Club partnered with enSprout, Inc. and the Crofton Civic Association in 2019 to restore a woodland area in Swann Park on Swinburne Avenue. Efforts include removing invasive English ivy to help protect native trees and support local wildlife.
In October 2021, a shaded pollinator garden was added with support from a Unity Gardens grant. Unlike typical pollinator gardens, this one features native plants suited to low-light conditions, providing valuable habitat for pollinators in a woodland setting. Community volunteers assist with ongoing care and maintenance to keep the garden healthy and welcoming.
Recognized as a "stepping stone" on the Anne Arundel County Pollinator Pathway, the Swann Park garden contributes to the region's network of pollinator-friendly spaces and helps strengthen local biodiversity.
Project Chair: Littany Hollerbach
VILLAGE GREEN MEMORIAL GARDEN
Crofton Village Garden Club maintains the Village Green Memorial Garden, which was relocated in 2024 to a more accessible site on the Village Green. Originally installed in 2006 along Crofton Parkway, the garden was funded through proceeds from the club’s House and Garden Tour that same year, covering both the initial landscape design and installation.
A central feature of the relocated garden is a memorial plaque honoring deceased members of the Crofton Village Garden Club. The garden features a curated selection of native and ornamental plants suited to the site’s growing conditions. Club members are responsible for regular maintenance, including seasonal planting, weeding, mulching, and plant replacement as needed. Fundraising supports this ongoing work, helping ensure the garden stays healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Project Chair: Littany Hollerbach
Crofton Village Garden Club donated the Blue Star Memorial Marker located at the entrance to the Crofton Community Library, unveiled and dedicated in May 2013 to honor those who have served or are currently serving in the United States military services. The surrounding garden, featuring a combination of ornamental and native plants, welcomes visitors as they enter and exit the library and is maintained by club members during semi-annual service days.
Project Chair: Littany Hollerbach
CROFTON CHERRY TREES
Crofton Village Garden Club has been planting cherry trees along Crofton Parkway since its inception, adding beauty and seasonal splendor to the community. The club remains dedicated to the ongoing care of these trees. Each spring and fall, members conduct maintenance pruning and inspect the trees for signs of disease, ensuring their health and longevity.
The club participates in the annual Crofton Cherry Blossom Festival, an event that provides an opportunity for members to engage with the community, answer questions, and identify potential new planting sites.
Project Chair: Jane McClanahan
NATIVE GARDEN
Crofton Village Garden Club received a 2016 Unity Grant and partnered with the University of Maryland Master Gardeners and the Anne Arundel County Public Library System to transform an overgrown border at the Crofton Community Library into a thriving Native Garden. Located at the library's northwest corner along Riedel Road, the garden is visible from the sidewalk and street, encouraging passersby to pause and enjoy its natural beauty.
The garden showcases the many benefits of native plants, which require less water, fertilizer, and pest control while providing vital habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. It serves as a quiet, natural space for the community to enjoy and a model for sustainable landscaping.
Project Chair: Nancy Percivall
PEACE CIRCLE GARDEN
Crofton Village Garden Club proudly maintains the Peace Circle Garden at Prince of Peace Presbyterian Church. Planted in the fall of 2023, the garden features a carefully curated selection of native shrubs and flowers that enhance the church grounds with texture and natural beauty. Funded by a Unity Gardens Grant, the Peace Circle Garden not only beautifies the landscape but also plays a vital role in supporting local biodiversity. Native plants were chosen for their ecological benefits, including providing food and shelter for pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. The garden stands as a testament to the club’s commitment to sustainable landscaping and environmental stewardship.
Project Co-Chairs: Nancy Durose and Littany Hollerbach
POLLINATOR GARDEN
Crofton Village Garden Club received a 2014 Unity Grant to create a pollinator garden at the Crofton Community Library. Developed in collaboration with the Anne Arundel County Library System and the University of Maryland Master Gardeners, and with compost and mulch generously donated by Patuxent Nursery, the project transformed library grounds into a vibrant habitat for pollinators.
Designed to support and attract bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators, the garden also raises public awareness about the critical role these species play in maintaining healthy ecosystems. It is registered with the National Pollinator Garden Network as part of the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge and serves as a key “stepping stone” on the Anne Arundel County Pollinator Pathway.
Project Co-Chairs: Littany Hollerbach and Jessica Kruse
SWANN PARK
Crofton Village Garden Club partnered with enSprout, Inc. and the Crofton Civic Association in 2019 to restore a woodland area in Swann Park on Swinburne Avenue. Efforts include removing invasive English ivy to help protect native trees and support local wildlife.
In October 2021, a shaded pollinator garden was added with support from a Unity Gardens grant. Unlike typical pollinator gardens, this one features native plants suited to low-light conditions, providing valuable habitat for pollinators in a woodland setting. Community volunteers assist with ongoing care and maintenance to keep the garden healthy and welcoming.
Recognized as a "stepping stone" on the Anne Arundel County Pollinator Pathway, the Swann Park garden contributes to the region's network of pollinator-friendly spaces and helps strengthen local biodiversity.
Project Chair: Littany Hollerbach
VILLAGE GREEN MEMORIAL GARDEN
Crofton Village Garden Club maintains the Village Green Memorial Garden, which was relocated in 2024 to a more accessible site on the Village Green. Originally installed in 2006 along Crofton Parkway, the garden was funded through proceeds from the club’s House and Garden Tour that same year, covering both the initial landscape design and installation.
A central feature of the relocated garden is a memorial plaque honoring deceased members of the Crofton Village Garden Club. The garden features a curated selection of native and ornamental plants suited to the site’s growing conditions. Club members are responsible for regular maintenance, including seasonal planting, weeding, mulching, and plant replacement as needed. Fundraising supports this ongoing work, helping ensure the garden stays healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Project Chair: Littany Hollerbach
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
GARDEN THERAPY
Crofton Village Garden Club has been conducting hands-on workshops for residents of Autumn Lake Healthcare at Crofton (formerly Crofton Care and Rehabilitation Center) for over 30 years. These workshops provide residents with one-on-one attention from club members, allowing them to participate in various design projects. After each session, residents take their completed projects to their rooms to enjoy.
Project Chair: C.J. Salisbury
GIVING FLOWERS
Crofton Village Garden Club members create fresh floral bouquets each week for patients served by Hospice of the Chesapeake. Members collect donated flowers and plant materials from Trader Joe’s in Annapolis and deliver them to the hospice facility in Pasadena, Maryland. There, members design arrangements that are distributed by hospice staff and volunteers to patients in homes and care facilities throughout Anne Arundel County.
This project reflects the club’s ongoing commitment to community service by providing comfort and beauty to patients and their families during difficult times.
Project Co-Chairs: Diane Gallow and Carol McNemar
VETERANS FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
Crofton Village Garden Club members create patriotic flower arrangements to honor and express appreciation for the men and women who have served our country. These arrangements are delivered to veterans residing in local care facilities, bringing a touch of beauty and heartfelt gratitude to those who have sacrificed for our freedom.
Each November, during the club’s annual hands-on workshop, members design two or three arrangements using red and white flowers, accented with flags, ribbons, and greenery.
Project Co-Chairs: Barbara Emden and Cindy Hansen
Crofton Village Garden Club has been conducting hands-on workshops for residents of Autumn Lake Healthcare at Crofton (formerly Crofton Care and Rehabilitation Center) for over 30 years. These workshops provide residents with one-on-one attention from club members, allowing them to participate in various design projects. After each session, residents take their completed projects to their rooms to enjoy.
Project Chair: C.J. Salisbury
GIVING FLOWERS
Crofton Village Garden Club members create fresh floral bouquets each week for patients served by Hospice of the Chesapeake. Members collect donated flowers and plant materials from Trader Joe’s in Annapolis and deliver them to the hospice facility in Pasadena, Maryland. There, members design arrangements that are distributed by hospice staff and volunteers to patients in homes and care facilities throughout Anne Arundel County.
This project reflects the club’s ongoing commitment to community service by providing comfort and beauty to patients and their families during difficult times.
Project Co-Chairs: Diane Gallow and Carol McNemar
VETERANS FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
Crofton Village Garden Club members create patriotic flower arrangements to honor and express appreciation for the men and women who have served our country. These arrangements are delivered to veterans residing in local care facilities, bringing a touch of beauty and heartfelt gratitude to those who have sacrificed for our freedom.
Each November, during the club’s annual hands-on workshop, members design two or three arrangements using red and white flowers, accented with flags, ribbons, and greenery.
Project Co-Chairs: Barbara Emden and Cindy Hansen
CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENT
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY POLLINATOR PATHWAY
Crofton Village Garden Club partners with other community organizations and groups to establish and promote the Anne Arundel County Pollinator Pathway––pesticide-free public and private corridors of native plants that provide nutrition and habitat for pollinating insects and birds. The mission of the Pollinator Pathway is to impactfully elevate the environmental stewardship of Anne Arundel County citizens through the engagement of households, communities, HOAs, local and state government, coalitions, and unique public-private partnerships. By embracing the change of a few simple landscape practices, together we can keep Maryland communities and pollinators healthy.
Project Chair: Lauren Toomey
BAY-WISE CERTIFICATION
Crofton Village Garden Club promotes Bay-Wise Maryland, a Maryland Master Gardeners program that encourages sustainable landscaping to protect the Chesapeake Bay. Since most Maryland residents live near waterways, even small changes such as planting natives, reducing fertilizer use, and managing stormwater can improve water quality.
The club introduced its Bay-Wise Certification initiative in 2014 to support these practices locally. Members work toward certification using the Bay-Wise Yardstick and by adopting eco-friendly techniques. Certified members display the Bay-Wise sign and serve as ambassadors for responsible gardening. The club also offers education, mentoring, and resources on our website.
Project Chair: Patty More
BLUEBIRD TRAIL AT THE CROFTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY – A New Project in 2025-2026
Crofton Village Garden Club is launching a new environmental initiative: the Bluebird Trail at the Crofton Community Library. This project will add bluebird houses throughout the Blue Star Memorial Garden, Native Garden, and Pollinator Garden—areas devoted to pollinators, native plants, and community beautification.
There is currently an active bluebird house in the Native Garden, and the club plans to expand this effort on the library grounds. These houses will provide safe nesting sites for Eastern Bluebirds and will be monitored by members throughout the breeding season. Members will track nesting activity, record data on eggs and fledglings, and use this information to guide future habitat improvements—reflecting the club’s ongoing commitment to conservation, education, and environmental stewardship.
Project Chair: Littany Hollerbach and Nancy Percivall
PLANT-A-TREE
Crofton Village Garden Club participates in the National Garden Clubs, Inc. (NGC) Plant-A-Tree program, a reforestation initiative in partnership with the USDA Forest Service. Formerly known as Penny Pines, the program supports the planting of native trees in national forests damaged by wildfire, storms, disease, or other natural disasters.
The clubs collects spare change at meetings to fund the replanting of indigenous trees in affected areas. Once a donation threshold is met, funds are sent in the club's name to support reforestation efforts. Through this program, CVGC helps promote forest recovery and supports NGC's mission of environmental stewardship.
Project Chair: Angela DeLuca
HOLIDAY DECORATING
HOLIDAYS IN CROFTON
Crofton Village Garden Club has decorated the community with fresh evergreen wreaths for the holidays since 1969. This cherished tradition is our signature service project, enjoyed by nearly 30,000 Crofton residents and visitors each year.
Members add festive bows to the wreaths and hang them on lamp posts at the Village Green. Wreaths are also delivered to the Crofton Community Library, local public schools, and Town Hall.
Project Chair: Tracy Backus
HAMMOND-HARWOOD HOUSE
Crofton Village Garden Club partners with other District II garden clubs each year to decorate the historic Hammond-Harwood House in Annapolis for the holidays. The Hammond-Harwood House Association benefits from this project, as well as visitors who have an opportunity to enjoy the period holiday decorations.
Project Chair: TBD
MARYLAND STATE HOUSE AND STATE CIRCLE
Crofton Village Garden Club joins other District II garden clubs each year to adorn the Maryland State House and State Circle with fresh evergreen wreaths for the holiday season. These seasonal displays enhance the historic character of Annapolis and are enjoyed by residents, state officials, and visitors throughout the holiday season.
Project Chairs: Margo Antonelli and Trish Lilek Demers
Crofton Village Garden Club has decorated the community with fresh evergreen wreaths for the holidays since 1969. This cherished tradition is our signature service project, enjoyed by nearly 30,000 Crofton residents and visitors each year.
Members add festive bows to the wreaths and hang them on lamp posts at the Village Green. Wreaths are also delivered to the Crofton Community Library, local public schools, and Town Hall.
Project Chair: Tracy Backus
HAMMOND-HARWOOD HOUSE
Crofton Village Garden Club partners with other District II garden clubs each year to decorate the historic Hammond-Harwood House in Annapolis for the holidays. The Hammond-Harwood House Association benefits from this project, as well as visitors who have an opportunity to enjoy the period holiday decorations.
Project Chair: TBD
MARYLAND STATE HOUSE AND STATE CIRCLE
Crofton Village Garden Club joins other District II garden clubs each year to adorn the Maryland State House and State Circle with fresh evergreen wreaths for the holiday season. These seasonal displays enhance the historic character of Annapolis and are enjoyed by residents, state officials, and visitors throughout the holiday season.
Project Chairs: Margo Antonelli and Trish Lilek Demers
