Helpful Links
The Bethel Garden Club is a nonprofit civic organization established in 1980, and is a member of the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, New England Garden Clubs, Inc., and the National Garden Clubs, Inc.
National and Regional Organizations
Federated Garden Club of Connecticut, Inc., works to coordinate, stimulate and encourage higher standards in all aspects of Garden Club work as well as to protect and conserve our natural resources, preserve our heritage and promote civic beauty. Over 100 garden clubs in the state are members of the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut.
New England Garden Clubs, Inc., includes garden clubs in the New England states; Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. This site provides an overview of the projects and activities of these clubs.
National Garden Clubs, Inc. provides educational resources and national networking opportunities for its members to promote the love of gardening, floral design, civic involvement and environmental responsibility through environmental literacy and advocating sound environmental stewardship. The National Garden Clubs, Inc. helps coordinate the interests and activities of state and local garden clubs in the U.S. and abroad.
Other Links of Interest
Blue Star and Gold Star Memorials, a National Garden Clubs marker program, honors all men and women who will serve, are serving, or have served in the United States Armed Services. The Blue Star Highway system forms a ribbon along highways and byways in all 50 states. The Blue Star was adopted since it became an icon in World War II and was seen on banners that hung in homes and businesses indicating a loved one was serving. The Blue Star was replaced with a Gold Star if an enlisted person had lost his or her life in the line of duty. That practice continues today.
Blue Star and Gold Star Memorials in Connecticut
Bethel Land Trust, established in 1977, is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization devoted to preserving open space and the natural resources of Bethel. The mission of the Bethel Land Trust is to conserve and steward land in Bethel for walking, contemplation and enjoyment in an unspoiled habitat of plants and animals.
Educational Resources
The University of Connecticut
The College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources offers many services and programs.
University of Connecticut Extensions
A network throughout the state provides valuable resources and services.
University of Connecticut Fairfield County Extension
Master Gardener Program
Part of the services the of University of Connecticut Extensions offers is the Master Gardener Program. It’s an educational outreach initiative that empowers individuals with horticultural knowledge and fosters community engagement. With the of University of Connecticut Master Gardener program you can take a class, become a Certified Master Gardener, and get answers to your horticultural questions.
University of Connecticut Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory
University of Connecticut Plant Tissue Analysis
University of Connecticut Plant Diagnostic Laboratory
Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
In 1875, the United States’ first Agricultural Experiment Station was established in Connecticut as a research facility. Today this organization also offers programs to educate the public and transfer new findings to people trying to solve agricultural, public health and environmental problems. Soil testing and entomology identification information is available.