Who is The Boxwood Garden Club

Our History

Boxwood Garden Club began in 1937, when our 14 Founding Members came together as The Westerly Club. We wrote our Constitution/By-laws, elected 16 additional members and our first President, and published a yearbook. The purpose of the club continues to be exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, including the education of its members and the general public. Since its beginning, Boxwood's mission has been to promote gardening among amateurs, to protect our native trees, wildflowers and birds, to conserve our natural resources, to restore and preserve historic gardens and to encourage civic planting. In 1939 our name was changed to The Boxwood Garden Club.

Our efforts have been well rewarded. Boxwood has won the GCV Massie Medal twice as a club and twice for individual members; we've shared the Bessie Bocock Carter Conservation Award with our three GCV sister clubs; we've won the DeLacey Gray Medal once as a club and once for a member; and seven of our members have won the GCV Horticulture Award of Merit.

Additionally, our members participate in Historic Garden Week and have consistently served on a variety of GCV committees and The Board, with one member serving as President.

Boxwood Garden Club members have set high standards for getting the job done with grace, determination and fun, and have worked side by side cultivating the soil and deep roots of friendship.

For a more detailed history from our 75th Anniversary celebration, click here.

Our Accomplishments over 75 years

Monument Avenue Planting

Hundreds of trees were planted in the median of Monument Avenue from the Arthur Ashe statue in the city of Richmond out to Horsepen Road in Henrico County. Several Boxwood members spearheaded this effort and worked with city and county officials to secure funding and ensure proper maintenance. Plantings included Dawn Redwoods, Crepe Myrtles and Ginkgos.

Richmond Low Line

Boxwood members continue to advance our mission in many ways – our biggest effort being the Capital Trees project at 14th and Bank Streets and the Richmond Lowline which we support with our three Richmond GCV sister clubs.

Bandy Field

Bandy Field Nature Park received is conservancy grant due to the concerted efforts of several Boxwood Members with the help and support of other GCV members and Friends of Bandy Field.

The Kent Valentine House

The Kent Valentine House, GCV headquarters, was purchased under the leadership of a Boxwood member. It's restoration and updating were headed by another Boxwood volunteer.