Welcome!
ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION
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The East Longmeadow Garden Club was organized in 1969 under the direction and our founder, Esther Rosati.
The Club has been an active organization since 1969 with challenging projects, educational opportunities, and informative programs. Members have been eager and dedicated, and their enthusiasm inspiring.
Our purpose is to educate and facilitate interest in all phases of home gardening, better horticultural practices, civic beauty and conservation of natural resources in the Town of East Longmeadow. You do not have to be a gardener to belong, but you should have an interest in our purpose.
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We welcome men and women from East Longmeadow and surrounding towns to join.
Scholarship Recipient
Branden R. Hrdlicka
Branden Hrdlicka and his proud mother and grandmother attended the annual luncheon-meeting of the East Longmeadow Garden Club on Thursday, May 29th. Diane Tiago, Scholarship Chair, presented him with a certificate representing the Esther A. Rosati Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000.
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Branden completed his junior year at Westfield State University where he has chosen to major in two different areas: Environmental Science and Regional Planning. According to Tiago, this is not the first time Branden has received the award. In a previous year he stated that he wanted to be an active participant and leader to help find solutions that will improve our environment. He has stayed the course.
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As a member of the college's extra-curricular Environmental Group, Branden participated on canoe-expeditions on the Westfield River which aligns with his vocational plan to work in water resources. He explained that water is an essential element of life but lacks proper attention.
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As part of Branden's Applied Science of the Environment course, Branden and his classmates went on a ten-day trip to Costa Rica with Professor Michael Vorwerk, Chair of the Environmental Science Department at Westfield State University. Branden shared brochures, photos, and explained about its ecosystem. He related his experiences and explorations while there.
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Statements that stood out from reference letters that helped the scholarship committee make its decision were: "He is a student with a great attitude toward his studies, great work ethic, and a commitment to success." Another wrote: "Branden attended my upper-level wetlands identification and regulation class. Branden produced good work and has great potential." Lastly, "Branden is a strong student and scientist. He is very reliable, and his assignments are turned in on time and done to a very high level."
TRIBUTE TO LARRY LIROT
From left to right: Kathy Coffey, Suzanne Reed and Laura Palmer
Walkers and bicyclists will find a new dogwood tree planted on the side of the Redstone Rail Trail off of Denslow Road in East Longmeadow. Recently the East Longmeadow Garden Club decided that it would be appropriate to plant something that will last a lifetime to commemorate the life of master gardener Laurance (Larry) Lirot who died on March 7, 2025
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Larry was legendarily renowned for his gardening expertise, being able to readily quote Latin pedigree of herbs, flora, trees and shrubs. He was the owner of a tiny building and business called "The Plant Shed." It was located on Maple Street alongside the old railroad tracks from 1974 into the 1990s.
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According to an article about container gardening published on June 16, 1985 and written by Marcia Motichek: "what Larry sold was not nearly so important as the goodwill and gardening advice he patiently dispensed free of charge day after day, season in and season out."
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Larry was often invited to be the guest speaker at local organizations. From a comment made on the obituary website: "Larry's lectures and seminars will be remembered for the knowledge he shared and imparted to all who were fortunate to attend."
