Rooted in Community: A Conversation with Ann Radwan of the Portsmouth Garden Club

For nearly a century, the Portsmouth Garden Club has brought beauty, education, and green-thumbed generosity to the Seacoast. We caught up with President Ann Radwan to learn more about the club’s legacy, its creative programs (hello, Literature in Bloom!), and what keeps this vibrant community of gardeners growing strong.

Granite Post: Can you tell us a bit about the Portsmouth Garden Club and your mission?
Ann Radwan: The Portsmouth Garden Club was founded in 1931 with a mission to promote all phases of gardening, encourage conservation of natural resources, foster education, and support community projects that enhance the beauty and history of Portsmouth. That mission still guides everything we do today.

Granite Post: What first inspired you to get involved, and what has your journey been like as president?
Ann: A dear friend invited me to the Festival of Trees back in 2005, and I was hooked by the creativity and enthusiasm of the members. Since then, I’ve served as treasurer and worked on the publicity, website, and program committees. It’s been an honor to serve as president — I’ve met so many generous, talented people through this club.

Granite Post: Can you explain what Literature in Bloom is and how the idea first came about?
Ann: After seeing the creativity in our Art in Bloom program, I thought it would be fun to interpret books instead of paintings. I partnered with the Portsmouth Public Library and Nicole Cloutier, and Literature in Bloom was born! Every May, our members display floral arrangements inspired by books — sometimes the content, sometimes just the cover art. It’s a great way to think outside the box and connect nature with storytelling.

Granite Post: What goes into creating a floral arrangement inspired by a book? Can you share a favorite pairing?
Ann: It starts with a little imagination and a lot of rummaging through my vase collection — I’m kind of a thrift store vase fanatic! One year, I chose a book with an island on the cover and recreated it using a crystal dish, water beads, and tiny pine seedlings from my yard. It looked like a miniature world. Some members stick to the book’s colors or shapes, while others go full-on whimsical. No two are ever alike!

Granite Post: Is there a book cover you’d love to see interpreted in flowers?
Ann: I’d love to see something inspired by Queen Elizabeth II — what a fun challenge it would be to capture Her Majesty in floral form!

Granite Post: You recently awarded eight Community Beautification Grants. Can you give us an example or two?
Ann: We’re proud of these grants. One went to a Newmarket homeowner who removed shrubs to plant native species for pollinators. Portsmouth High School students received funding to restore a trellis system and grow veggies like peas and cucumbers. And over on Star Island, students are helping restore a meadow with native plants. It’s all about supporting community-led efforts that align with our mission.

Granite Post: What does the scholarship selection process look like, and how do you hope these awards shape the next generation?
Ann: Applications are submitted online and reviewed by a committee that includes members of PGC and the Urban Forestry Center. We look at volunteer work, recommendations, and areas of study. Many of our scholarship recipients are repeat applicants as they continue their education, and we love supporting them throughout their journey.

Granite Post: The work your members have done at the Warner House is impressive — what does that partnership mean to the club?
Ann: We’ve worked on the Warner House Gardens for almost 30 years. It’s a labor of love — improving soil, fending off pests, and planning for blooms that bring joy to visitors and residents alike. The gardens are open when the museum is, and we invite everyone to stop by and see what we’ve been cultivating.

Granite Post: What’s your favorite flower or plant to work with, and why?
Ann: Perennials, no question! They keep coming back year after year. Many of the plants in our Hampton garden were planted by my mother-in-law in the ’60s and ’70s, and they’re still thriving. It’s a wonderful connection to family and history.

Granite Post: How has being part of the club enriched your connection to the Seacoast community?
Ann: Immeasurably. I moved here after retiring in 2002 and wasn’t sure how I’d meet people. This club changed that. I’ve made lasting friendships, exchanged plants (and plenty of gardening tips), and found real purpose. Our monthly meetings, summer tours, and even our September retreat to Star Island are highlights of my year. Gardeners may never rest, but we sure know how to enjoy ourselves.

Granite Post: How can someone get involved with the Portsmouth Garden Club?
Ann: Visit our website at portsmouthnhgardenclub.com! You can learn more about our work, apply for membership, or support our programs. We welcome new faces and fresh energy.