CAMDEN — When the Camden Garden Club was organized a century ago, one of the first suggestions put forward by the members was a reserved shelf in the library for garden titles, and what they termed “out-of-door” books.

The Nov. 19, 1915, edition of The Camden Herald reported that the club had added to the shelf: The Garden – You and I and The Garden of a Commuter’s Wife, both by Mabel Osgood Wright. The author’s observations, reflecting the times, include “…gardening is the most cheerful and satisfactory pursuit for women who love outdoors.” 

Exactly 100 years later, Camden Garden Club President Elizabeth Moran carried on the tradition by presenting Library Director Nikki Maounis with three beautifully illustrated reference volumes written by Allan M. Armitage, a renowned horticulturist recognized for his unique and beloved humor.

The new books have been placed in general circulation and are available to all library patrons interested in learning more about vines and climbers, native plants and perennials.  

Camden Garden Club’s second century will launch on Jan. 26, at 10 a.m., with the return of the popular Winter Horticultural Series in the Picker Room of the Camden Public Library. Bob Cochran, owner of Timbercliff Tree Service, will be the featured speaker and his topic will be The Craft of the Arborist. The series is free and open to the public.

Camden Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Maine and National Garden Clubs, Inc. New members are always welcome.