Cress Creek Garden Club recently was honored with an afternoon tea presented by the staff at Naper Settlement.
Cress Creek Garden Club is celebrating its 50th year this fall and to recognize the milestone, Naper Settlement also planted a tree with a plaque for all to see when visiting the Paw Paw House. The afternoon tea consisted of several speakers, including remarks by Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli.
The garden club first donated shade and Paw Paw trees to the Settlement in 1979. The first actual plantings at the Paw Paw Garden occurred in 1981. The goal of the club was to match, as closely as possible, the gardens and landscaping of the early 1800 period.
“Each year the club upgrades the gardens to improve them, but they stay within the original mission and guidelines,” said Sally Johnson, Cress Creek Garden Club member and publicist.
Over the years the Cress Creek Garden Club has received awards for its work in the garden, including the President’s Bronze Volunteer award, and induction into the Heritage Hall of Fame. Most recently, the club was honored by the Garden Clubs of Illinois for first place for Historic Preservation as well as Gardening Consultants Community Project.
Members of the Cress Creek Garden Club welcome visitors to discover and enjoy the Paw Paw Garden when touring Naper Settlement, Johnson added.
Photos courtesy CCGC
