Congratulations to our 2024 Scholarship Recipients, Henry Coogan and Charles Portfield!
In celebration of our 100th anniversary, the Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club proudly awarded two $1,500 scholarships at the 2024 Class Night on June 7th. Joan Eville, representing the club, presented these awards to Henry Coogan and Charles Porterfield, both planning to pursue studies in horticulture, agriculture, or environmental science. This milestone year inspired our members to double our usual scholarship offerings, a goal achieved through their generous support. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Henry, Charles, and the entire class of 2024, wishing them success in all their future endeavors.
The MVGC scholarship is available, subject to the approval of the MVGC Board annually. Scholarships are funded by member donations and proceeds from the Club's fundraising events throughou the year. MVGC has awarded over $30,000 in scholarships to Island graduates over the years.
In celebration of our 100th anniversary, the Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club proudly awarded two $1,500 scholarships at the 2024 Class Night on June 7th. Joan Eville, representing the club, presented these awards to Henry Coogan and Charles Porterfield, both planning to pursue studies in horticulture, agriculture, or environmental science. This milestone year inspired our members to double our usual scholarship offerings, a goal achieved through their generous support. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Henry, Charles, and the entire class of 2024, wishing them success in all their future endeavors.
The MVGC scholarship is available, subject to the approval of the MVGC Board annually. Scholarships are funded by member donations and proceeds from the Club's fundraising events throughou the year. MVGC has awarded over $30,000 in scholarships to Island graduates over the years.
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The Old Mill Preservation Fund
The Old Mill, West Tisbury’s oldest industrial building, has been central to the town’s history since the 17th century. In 1937, the Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club leased the Old Mill to prevent its demolition and purchased it in 1942, making it their headquarters. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Old Mill is maintained through the club’s fundraising efforts, including the annual Blooming Art event and spring plant sale. Recent renovations include electrical system upgrades and fans, dehumidifiers, lighting and WIFI. The interior stairs will be rebuit in 2025 as we continue to address structural and safety concerns, Projects are funded by member contributions and community preservation grants. Ongoing support from individuals is vital to preserve this historic landmark. Donations can be made via our website. is the oldest existing industrial building in West Tisbury. It possesses strong historical associations with the development of West Tisbury from the early 17th Century onward. In 1937, the Garden Club rented the Old Mill to save the building from destruction; in 1942, the Garden Club was able to purchase the Old Mill. It has been the Garden Club's home and responsibility ever since. The Old Mill is the only building in West Tisbury to be listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The Old Mill Preservation Fund is the name that Mill Committee members gave to the account to record contributions for the maintenance and improvements to the Old Mill. The Garden Club does fundraising on a continual basis in order to maintain and improve the Old Mill. With the OM Preservation Fund established, membership is asked to contribute to the Old Mill Fund or/and the Scholarship Fund when renewing their membership each year. In addition to the establishment of the fund, a committee was set up to determine what maintenance or projects need to be addressed. Periodically the Committee makes recommendations to the Board and based on funds and critical need, arrangements are made and improvements are overseen by the OM Committee. Blooming Art, the Club's largest fundraiser of the year is relied on heavily to support this fund, as is the Plant Sale the Garden Club hosts each Spring. We receive no local or federal government funding, so the Club relies on the generosity of individuals to maintain the Old Mill building and grounds. You may donate via our website by clicking HERE. OLD MILL REPAIRS THROUGH THE YEARS: In 2011, rotted window jambs and frames were replaced with cedar/windows were primed and painted. An electrical connection from the outside pole to the OM was replaced, a ground fault outlet was installed, a new smoke alarm outlet and a new circuit board was added. In 2014, the Garden Club applied for and received two grants from West Tisbury and a grant of $30,000 enabled re-siding and re-roofing the Mill in white cedar and Alaskan cedar shingles, respectively. In 2018 a grant of $20,000 was used to install historically correct doors. In 2024: Rejuvenation of the Old Mill commenced with electrical system upgrades and the addition of fans, dehumidifiers, lighting and WIFI. The Garden Club recently received Community Preservation grants of $10,000 each from Chilmark, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury and West Tisbury for safety improvements to our venerable old lady. 
The Garden Club's Windemere Program
The Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club is dedicated to enriching the lives of our community members through the beauty of nature. Each month, under the leadership of Windemere Committee Chair Joan Eville, our volunteers visit the Windemere Nursing & Rehabilitation Center to host engaging flower arranging sessions. Residents delight in crafting personalized floral arrangements to brighten their rooms and shared spaces, such as the nurse’s station. This heartwarming initiative is made possible by the generous contributions of Donaroma’s Nursery in Edgartown, which donates the vibrant flowers, and the Chicken Alley Thrift Shop in Vineyard Haven, which provides the vases. We are grateful for the support of these local businesses and the dedication of our volunteers, all of whom help bring joy and a touch of nature to the residents of Windemere. Contact Joan if you would like to volunteer to be a part of an upcoming Windemere visit! 
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The Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club Scholarship Fund In a commitment to encourage future generations to preserve and improve our island and make the world a better and more beautiful place, the Club awards scholarships to Vineyard high school students bound for a college major in a field related to horticulture, landscape, environmental studies, farming, or other connected areas of study. Open to all graduating Martha’s Vineyard high school seniors and prior MVGC scholarship recipients; the scholarship is available subject to the approval of the MVGC Board of Directors annually. Scholarships are funded by member donations and proceeds from the Club's Blooming Art event. As a result of membership and community generosity, the Club has awarded over $30,000 in scholarships to Island graduates. The Club's Scholarship Committee reviews all applications and awards are based on consideration of factors such as proposed field of study, GPA, extracurricular activities, employment, and stated financial need. The recipient is presented with the scholarship award at Senior Class Night by a member of the Scholarship Committee. Awards are required to remain confidential until after the class night presentations. You may donate via our website by clicking HERE. Martha's Vineyard Garden Club's Scholarship Recipients: 2024 - Charles Portfield - $1500 2024 - Henry Coogan - $1500 2023 - Samuel Gurney - $1500 2022 - Ella Buchert - $1500 2021 - Michael Noel - $1500 2020- William Hermann - $1500 2019 - Julia Kane Charter School - $1500 2018- Devon Teves - $1500 2017- Gavin Luenenberger - $1500 2016- Astrid Tilton - Charter School 2015 - Andrew Wiley - $1200 2014 - Jeremy Alley-Tarter - $1200 2013 - Jackson Koorse - $1500 2012 - Andrew Randall - $2000 2011 - Dakota Del Viento - $3000 2010 - Alexandra Ferland - $3000 2009 - Emilija Schreck - $3000 2008 - Nica Silva - $3000 |
Support the Martha's Vineyard Garden Club's year-round fundraiser!
Buy bulbs, plants, perennials, gardening books and tools and support the MVGC at the same time! Your order via Brent and Becky's will earn the MV Garden Club 25% of your purchase! Visit www.bloominbucks.com, and select our Club's registered name (which is Martha's Vineyard Garden Club, Inc.) and begin your shopping. The items you choose will be sent directly to you and our Club will receive 25% of your total purchase. It really is that easy!
Buy bulbs, plants, perennials, gardening books and tools and support the MVGC at the same time! Your order via Brent and Becky's will earn the MV Garden Club 25% of your purchase! Visit www.bloominbucks.com, and select our Club's registered name (which is Martha's Vineyard Garden Club, Inc.) and begin your shopping. The items you choose will be sent directly to you and our Club will receive 25% of your total purchase. It really is that easy!
Our mission to promote the knowledge and love of gardening and horticulture through education,
allows us to further enhance and protect the beauty of our fragile Island
and to support the conservation initiatives that our Club was founded on in 1924.
Donations help the MV Garden Club help us to achieve our mission and serve the Island community.
allows us to further enhance and protect the beauty of our fragile Island
and to support the conservation initiatives that our Club was founded on in 1924.
Donations help the MV Garden Club help us to achieve our mission and serve the Island community.