The Talbot County Garden Club has awarded one of its 2026 Project Grants to the renovation of the landscape plantings surrounding the Easton Rail Station between East Dover and Goldsborough Streets.
The project enhances one of Easton’s most visible public spaces, creating an inviting landscape for residents, visitors and users of the Easton Rails-to-Trails while complementing the Town’s ongoing revitalization efforts in the East End.
The project was proposed by Talbot County Garden Club member Chloe Pitard, who recognized the opportunity to enhance the landscape surrounding the Easton Rail Station as part of the Town’s continuing revitalization efforts. Garden Club members Virginia Sappington and Anne Jelich developed landscape designs for each of the planting areas using a combination of hardy native plants, ornamental grasses and pollinator-friendly species selected to provide year-round color and visual interest. To help ensure the gardens thrive for years to come, the project also includes the installation of an irrigation system.
Talbot County Garden Club President Eleanor Denegre shared, “We are delighted to partner with the Town of Easton on the Historic Railway Garden project. It is exciting to contribute to the revitalization of the Easton Rail Station and the surrounding neighborhood, creating a welcoming landscape that residents and visitors can enjoy throughout the year.”
The garden is dedicated to the memory of Polly Shannahan, for her lifelong dedication to preserving Easton’s historic heritage. Shannahan was a longtime member of the Talbot County Garden Club and is recognized for her instrumental work in historic building preservation, including the James Neall House, the Myrtle Grove manor house and plantation and the old Talbot County Jail. Shannahan passed in 2010.
The project has also benefited from generous community support. Davey Tree Service donated tree trimming services to prepare the site for the landscape renovation. Coordinated by manager Dave Piver, the contribution helped ready the area for installation while demonstrating the value of public-private partnerships in enhancing Easton’s shared spaces.
Colleen Doremus, Vice President of the Talbot County Garden Club and Chair of the Project Grants Program, noted, “The Talbot County Garden Club is honored to have partnered with the Town of Easton and Garden Design of Easton on the landscaping surrounding the Easton Rail Station. The new gardens will provide year-round color and visual interest for users of the Easton Rails-to-Trails and local residents alike. We are proud to contribute to the ongoing rejuvenation of Easton’s East End.
“We also extend our sincere thanks to Davey Tree Service for providing pro bono tree trimming services, which greatly improved the site in preparation for the landscape installation. These enhancements, together with the Rail Station’s new roof by the Town, represent a meaningful investment in our community.”
Garden Design of Easton oversaw the installation of the new landscape, which was completed this summer.
The Talbot County Garden Club’s Project Grants Program is a vital component of the Club’s mission to support civic beautification, environmental stewardship and educational opportunities throughout Talbot County. Grants are awarded to projects that benefit the community, enhance public spaces and encourage environmental awareness.
Established in 2022, the Project Grants Program has supported several community improvements, including enhancements along the Easton Rail Trail Extension, landscaping at the U.S. Post Office on East Dover Street, improvements to the grounds of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, restoration of the rectory garden at Christ Church in Easton, and most recently the John Jelich Memorial Garden at the Talbot County Free Library’s St. Michaels Branch.
Funding for the Project Grants Program is made possible through the Talbot County Garden Club’s fundraising efforts, including its biennial Symposium and annual sale of handcrafted holiday wreaths and garlands.
For additional information, visit talbotcountygc.org.
