Apple Blossom Garden Club: 72 Years of Growing Community and Cultivating Joy

​SMITHFIELD, RI — For the Apple Blossom Garden Club, gardening is about much more than just planting seeds; it’s about nurturing a community. Founded 72 years ago, the club continues to share its passion for floral design, community service, and education, proving that its roots in Rhode Island run deep.
Former club president Barbara Flanagan recently sat down with the Rhode Island Wave to share the rich history and exciting future of the organization. Established on May 26, 1954, by Smithfield florist Evelyn Kemp, the Apple Blossom Garden Club has grown into a vibrant, hands-on group that welcomes members of all skill levels.
“It’s a fabulous group of women,” Flanagan said. “We’re just ordinary people that love to get our hands in the dirt and grow plants. We don’t stand on a lot of pretense.”
A Legacy of Giving Back
The club's community involvement is extensive. Years ago, members initiated a Garden Therapy Program, visiting local nursing homes to help residents create floral arrangements. When the COVID-19 pandemic halted in-person visits, the club pivoted to "Cups of Cheer," creating and delivering over 60 floral arrangements to brighten the rooms of isolated residents during the holidays.
Their community spirit extends to local youth as well. Proceeds from the club's fundraising efforts are donated to the Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter at Ponaganset High School. Members have even hosted the students at meetings to make wreaths and arrangements, and in return, visited the high school to sit in on agricultural classes.
The club is also responsible for starting the historic “Lighting of the Green” in Smithfield. What began in 1959 as a simple vision by founder Evelyn Kemp to decorate trees in the center of town has now blossomed into a massive 67-year-old tradition featuring a town parade and a celebratory lighting event.
7th Annual Plant Sale at Blackbird Farm
Local residents looking to kickstart their own gardens—or simply meet the club members—are invited to the Apple Blossom Garden Club’s 7th Annual Plant Sale. The event will take place rain or shine on Saturday, May 16th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Blackbird Farm, located at 660 Douglas Pike in Smithfield.
Shoppers will find a massive selection of perennials, annuals, succulents, herbs, and vegetables. One club member has personally cultivated over 60 varieties of seedling tomatoes for the sale. Master gardeners will be stationed at the tables to offer expert advice to attendees, ensuring that even those without a "green thumb" can go home with a plant suited to their home environment.
The event will also feature special educational presentations. At 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., the "Garlic Mistress" will give a talk on the hundreds of different varieties of garlic. Additionally, the local hydroponic shop "Let It Grow" will be on-site, offering natural worm-casting fertilizer to attendees who bring a water bottle.
Cultivating New Members
Beyond the plant sale, the club hosts monthly educational programs covering topics like the art of bonsai, native Rhode Island ecosystem gardening, colonial herbs, and waking up your garden for the spring. Members also take regular field trips to locations like the Botanical Gardens, the Kinney Azalea Gardens, and local flower shows.
The Apple Blossom Garden Club is actively welcoming new members, whether you are a master gardener or a complete beginner. Those interested in joining or learning more can meet the members at the upcoming plant sale on May 16th, or connect with them online by searching for "Apple Blossom Garden Club" on Facebook.