Our Club

Westham Garden Club was established on May 25, 1943, to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of Westham, a neighborhood adjacent to the University of Richmond and nestled in mature woodlands a short distance from the historic James River. A rich abundance of wildlife and native flora gives Westham its distinctive charm, and the club’s effort to preserve this serene environment makes the neighborhood one of the most attractive and appealing residential communities in Richmond, Virginia.

Mrs. Mildred Anderson Williams (Husband, Alton W. Williams) served as the club’s first president. The club established the mission that has guided members for 80 years. The mission is to stimulate an interest in gardening; to encourage civic development; to maintain and enhance the landscaping of Westham’s common areas; to protect the birds, wildflowers, and plants that thrive beneath a canopy of white oak and other hardwood trees.

Today, the Westham Garden Club continues with 148 members engaged in projects and activities that improve and enhance quality of life, not only for residents of Westham and its surrounding community but also for the community at large. These projects include maintenance of the Westham sign at the intersection of Westham Parkway and River Road; garden therapy at Ridge Elementary School, Meals on Wheels arrangements for meal trays; corsages and boutonnieres for a RAIN prom; maintenance of the Horseshoe Garden at Tuckahoe Elementary School. Old Westham is designated as a bird sanctuary because of the on-going efforts of Club members.

Westham Garden Club is a member of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. (South Atlantic Region) and the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. (Piedmont District).