The Garden Club
of
Harwich
A Christmas Poem for Gardeners
Author Unknown
​
T'was the day before Christmas, and all through the yard,
No gifts were being given, not even a card.
The tools were all hung, in the garage with such care,
In hope that St. Nicholas soon would repair.
The shovel with blade all rusty and cracked,
The pitchfork still shiny, but handle it lacked.
When out on my lawn, (it's brown and abused)
I could see poor old Santa, looking confused.
No list had been left for Santa to see,
No gardening gifts were under the tree.
But wait, there's still time, it's not Christmas yet,
And gardening gifts are the quickest to get.
You can forget the silk scarf, the fluffy new sweater,
Give something to make her garden grow better.
If she wants a gift shiny, then don't be a fool,
It's not a dumb diamond, but a sparkling new tool.
So ask the big guy for garden gifts this year,
Seeds, plants or tools - Santa holds them all dear.
Now Santa's flown, to the nursery he’ll go,
And his voice fills the night with a loud
Hoe! Hoe! Hoe!

Civic Beautification Awards
​
Since 1998, The Garden Club of Harwich has been awarding annual Civic Beautification Awards to both a residential and a commercial property in the Town of Harwich. These awards are given in recognition of their contribution to making Harwich a beautiful place to live, work and play!
​
Each year club members nominate beautiful properties and the committee visits and votes on the best. The awards are presented at the October or November Garden Club meeting.
​
2025 Winners


RESIDENTIAL:
John & Sally Burns
190 Bank Street
Harwich Port

COMMERCIAL:
Bud's Mini Golf
9 Sisson Road
Harwich Port​




Past Winners
​​
​​​​2024
Residential: Alice Kuhne, 70 Shore Road, West Harwich
Commercial: The Seal Pub & Cafe
703 Main Street, Harwich Center
2023
Residential: Cynthia Moore, 56 Miles Street
Commercial: Harwich Gas and Petroleum
Corner of Bank & Main Streets
2021
Residential: Pat Dooley, Church Street & Bay Road
Commercial: Jay and Briana Potter, Enid Bailey
New England Gardens
2018
​
Residential: Sharon & Ray DeVita, 21 Spinaker Road
Commercial: No Commercial award this year
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2017
​
Residential: Frank & Christine Hartsel, 28 Wequasset Road
Commercial: Wequasett Resort and Golf Club, 2173 Rt 28
​
2016
Residential: Lynne & David Brown, 10 Fox Run
Commercial: Urban Design Interiors, 626 Rt 28
​
2015
​
Residential: Elizabeth Maher, Harbor Road
Commercial: Winstead Inn, 116 Parallel Street
2014
Residential: Joe & Lorraine Paolella, 8 Cottage Avenue
Commercial: Sativa, 517 Rt 28
​
2013
​
Residential: Timothy & Elizabeth Klink, 240 Pleasant Bay Road
Commercial: Perks and Isabella’s, 545 Rt 28
​
2012
​​
Residential: Judy O’Brien, 1005 Rt 28
Commercial: Schoolhouse Ice Cream, 749 Rt 28
2011
​
Residential: David & Lisa Wrightington, 31 Chatham Road
Commercial: Buca’s Tuscan Roadhouse, Depot & Rt 28