Cape Cod Horticultural Society

Cape Cod Horticultural SocietyCape Cod Horticultural SocietyCape Cod Horticultural Society

Cape Cod Horticultural Society

Cape Cod Horticultural SocietyCape Cod Horticultural SocietyCape Cod Horticultural Society
  • Home
  • Use of the Park
  • Volunteering
  • Photo Gallery
  • Horticulture
  • Events
  • History
    • Home
    • Use of the Park
    • Volunteering
    • Photo Gallery
    • Horticulture
    • Events
    • History
  • Home
  • Use of the Park
  • Volunteering
  • Photo Gallery
  • Horticulture
  • Events
  • History
image708

A Short History of the Cape Cod Horticultural Society

image709

The Cape Cod Horticultural Society (CCHS) was founded February 17, 1928 with 78 charter members, most of whom were professional gardeners. In 1930, two sisters, Mrs. Templeton Kelley and Mrs Andrew McClarey gave 8.5 acres of land across Main Street from their home, Bandeley Manor, to the CCHS. Volunteers care for the land now known as Armstrong-Kelley Park.


In 1991, landscape architect, Alan Abrahamson, created a master plan for the development of the Park. The plan called for paths throughout the acreage and creation of heather, holly, rhododendron, conifer and ornamental gardens. The volunteers immediately started executing the plan. Here are some of the highlights since then:

1992

Dr. Harry Bowen created the Heather Hillside


1993

Mr. Woody Mills, curator of the Ashumet Holly and Wildlife Sanctuary, guided the creation of the Holly Dell. 


1994 

Osterville Rotary Club spearheaded by Nancy Starck, financed the Rotary Rhododendron Walk 


General Gavin Memorial dedicated


1995 

E. J. Jaxtimer constructed the wisteria pergola and memorial


1996 

Trees donated by the Stimets Family and the Osterville Garden Club 


1998 

The front of the park renovated courtesy of the Landers Company Starck family donation created the first three memorial benches Woodland Walkway begins with donation by E. J. Jaxtimer


1999

Dedication of Gateway to the 21st Century celebrating 70 years of service 


2000 

Growers of Armstrong-Kelley Park begins with installation of 11 plaques 


2001

9/11/01 tragedy memorialized on Woodland Walkway


2002

The apiary was launched


2003 

The John Folk Water Garden created 


2004

Weston Nursery’s Rhododendron Garden established along the trails 


2005

Liam’s train and Liam’s View dedicated to two year old Liam O’Neil


The third work shed was constructed in 2005 and 2006. All hand built by Ray White, Phil Perry and a rubber roof donated by Cazeault Roofing, Kevin O’Neil’s excavation and electrical work, and Overhead Door Co. 


2006 

Due to the efforts of Bartlett Tree Experts, our weeping cedar was the star of the New England Flower Show.


George II, a new specialty mower was added thanks to Mrs. Rowland 


2007

Monge walkway initiated 


2008

Wooden benches scattered throughout the park


2009

Large specimen tree donated by of Bartlett Tree Experts 


2010

The John Folk Water Garden is redesigned and has Japanese water garden feel


Two more benches added by John Folk Water Garden 


2011 

American holly donated and dedicated by Bartlett Tree Experts 


2012

Weston Nursery experimental azaleas garden removed. In its place, Buddy’s Place walkway system established and memorial stone program initiated. Redesign of John Folk Water Garden including a Weeping Atlas Tree installed. 


2013 

Polar Express celebration and Visit to the North Pole was enthusiastically received. 


2014 

Two new beds established in arboretum. Limelight hydrangeas, weigela shrubs and select Weston Nursery azaleas installed. 


2015 

New bed established near Folk Water Garden. Viburnum added. 


2016

Over 1,500 Boardwalks power washed and stained. 


2017

Wedding garden established. Alaskan cedar, Bobo hydrangeas and Knockout roses are main features. 


2018 

Memorial bench installed near Dawn Redwood 


2019

Memorial benches and River Birch installed near Folk Water Garden. Board of Directors met with The Trustees of the Reservations to discuss transferring our assets, fiduciary responsibility, and day to day operation of the Park. Discussions commenced. Park sign repainted and moved to original location near entrance. 


2020 

Members overwhelmingly voted to integrate with the Trustees of the Reservations. Fundraising $2.5M commenced. Certified wetland approved for removal of all invasives, work commenced in the summer.


Today

Our dedicated volunteers toil each week to make the Park bloom with sunny spring afternoons, cool grass underfoot and lasting memories for everyone. Trees’ shadows extend overhead. Flowers multiply. Fish splash in the pond. The train bell rings. Visitors wander the park during lazy days in the heat of summer. Pets and kids scurry up the trails. Bees gather nectar. 


Fundraising for the Park’s future continues. Integration with the Trustees of the Reservations anticipated in 2021. 


Ahhhhh. 


Copyright © 2020, Cape Cod Horticultural Society. All Rights Reserved.

Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder