Cultivating Community: The Enduring Legacy of the Martha R. Fletcher Garden
By Councilman Paul Guttenberg, Ward I
A Garden Reborn: Honoring Mrs. Martha R. Fletcher, 1st President of the Charles County Garden Club
This past week, I had the pleasure of visiting the beautifully rejuvenated Martha R. Fletcher Garden at the Charles County Courthouse in La Plata. You can find this quiet nook along Washington Avenue, offering a welcome touch of shaded green and white plantings with new benches right in the heart of town. My visit was prompted by an invitation from Mrs. Kathy Miles, current President of the Charles County Garden Club (CCGC), to attend the rededication ceremony. The garden was rededicated to its original inspiration: Mrs. Martha R. Fletcher, who served as the CCGC's founding president from 1938 to 1943.
The rededication ceremony was a nice reminder of Martha Fletcher's lasting impact on La Plata and Charles County. Members of the CCGC shared stories of her early contributions, highlighting how her vision continues to guide their work today. It is inspiring to see her legacy flourish in projects like this courthouse garden and the charming Star Garden, a pocket park at the site of La Plata’s historic firehouse. Both are excellent examples of the CCGC’s ongoing commitment to beautifying La Plata and Charles County.
Community Support and a Rich History
The rededication event was well-attended by many who appreciate this revitalized space. Among those present were the Honorable Judge Jay West, Clerk of the Court Lisa Yates, Town Council Members TJ Johnson and myself. Many courthouse staff also joined, including the dedicated grounds crew who installed the new benches and maintain the area weekly. It was a nice moment of community connection. CCGC President Kathy Miles expressed gratitude for the county's support and the efforts of the grounds crew whose help made the replanting work by CCGC volunteers possible. In turn courthouse staff conveyed their sincere appreciation for the hard work of the all volunteer CCGC members.
Following my visit I did a little reading about the Charles County Garden Club's rich history. Founded in 1938, the club originally comprised volunteer units centered in both Indian Head and La Plata. This reflects the historic and ongoing significance of both areas, Indian Head with its long-standing naval base presence, and La Plata as the county seat have been centers of volunteerism in the county for many decades. The CCGC’s nearly 90 years of dedication to both horticulture and civic improvement is evident in their numerous projects over the years. From preserving public garden spaces to organizing flower shows at the Charles County Fair, their commitment is evidenced in La Plata especially today. The recent rededication of the Martha Fletcher Garden is just the latest example of this dedicated group of volunteers serving in our county and town.
Discover La Plata's Green Sanctuaries
Visiting the Martha R. Fletcher Garden is a reminder of the beauty that dedicated volunteers can cultivate. It stands as a testament to the vision of past individual volunteers like Mrs. Fletcher and the ongoing passion of current members of the Charles County Garden Club.
In our fast passed days and long list of things that cause worry, I encourage you to take an intentional moment for yourself. Stroll through this peaceful space next to the Courthouse in La Plata, I promise it is worth it. I would also suggest the Martha Fletcher Garden and the Star Garden in La Plata are both wonderful places families to use as a place to take photos of graduates, brides, and to mark other moments of significance in our lives. Consider supporting the wonderful work the CCGC does to enhance our community’s beauty. Perhaps it will even inspire you to become a volunteer or visit other CCGC projects around town and the county throughout the year.
