HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — As part of a statewide initiative recognizing and celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Spotswood Garden Club will plant 3 native trees at select locations in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. 

Thomas Harrison and his family chose 3 locations for planting the native trees:

  • Thomas Harrison Middle School: A swamp white oak will be planted at the Harrisonburg school bearing the founder’s name on November 9, 2026, at 12:15 PM.  The event will include school officials, teachers, students and their parents, as well as Spotswood Garden Club members.  Refreshments will be available.
  • Fort Harrison, Dayton: A flowering dogwood has been selected for this historic property.  It is scheduled for planting on November 12 at 10:30 AM. Fort Harrison was built in 1748-1749 by Captain Daniel Harrison, an early settler and brother of Thomas Harrison. 
  • Rockingham County Courthouse: A flowering dogwood will be planted at the southeast corner of Court Square on November 12 at 12:30 PM. This land was deeded by Thomas and Sarah Harrison to Rockingham County for a public square in 1779.   

Janet Wilson, past president of the Spotswood Garden Club and its local lead on the 250th Anniversary Native Tree Planting Project, commented on the joint initiative. “We hope these trees will provide beauty and shade for all those who pass under them, as well as inspire an appreciation of nature and an interest in our own unique history. We are grateful to the Garden Club of Virginia, Bartlett Tree Experts and Casey Trees for providing our community a meaningful and living gift to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.”

The Spotswood Garden Club was founded in 1924.  Its mission is to pursue the culture and study of flowers, to aid in conservation of forests, native shrubs, wildflowers and birds, and to foster civic improvements.

One of its most recent projects includes fulfilling a GCV conservation grant for an outdoor classroom at Lacey Spring Elementary School. Working with the school gave the club a focus for community involvement and outreach with an emphasis on conservation education.  

Past projects include landscapes at the Massanutten Regional Library, the former Quilt Museum, Harrisonburg Visitors’ Center, Fort Harrison, Port Republic, and the Rocktown Historical Society, as well as numerous gardens at elementary schools in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.  

In addition, club members help staff the horticulture display at the Rockingham County Fair.