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The purpose of The Garden Club of America is to stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening, to share the advantages of association by means of educational meetings, conferences, correspondence, and publications, and to restore, improve, and protect the quality of the environment through educational programs and action in the fields of conservation and civic improvement.
Founded in 1913, The Garden Club of America is a volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization comprised of 200 member clubs and approximately 18,000 club members throughout the country.
In Memoriam: Christine Freitag, 30th President of The Garden Club of America
Christine Dietrich Freitag, president of The Garden Club of America from 1993-95, and 2007 GCA Achievement Medalist, passed away on August 4. We mourn the loss of this visionary conservationist, champion of our parks, native plants, and scenic beauty, great leader, and dear friend.
Horticulture affects everything, from the air we breathe, to the food we eat, and to the beautiful landscapes and floral arrangements we enjoy. But few youth make this critical connection.
From the GCA Collection at the Archives of American Gardens
Historic Trends in Garden Accessories: Bee Skeps
Every garden has its own distinguishing features, elements that edify, inspire and excite. The Archives of American Gardens helps preserve the history and evolution of gardening trends in America for future generations. Documenting garden accessories can help future researchers and gardening enthusiasts better understand a particular trend in garden history and how it may have adapted over time. One unique gardening accessory is the bee skep.
This Month In GCA History - August
California Fires Underscore Need for Conservation Leadership
The governor of California has declared a state of emergency as wildfires sweep the entire length of California. With 17 active fires involving more than 200,000 acres, the threat looms large. While the fires are not currently near the Redwood groves, we are reminded of their vulnerability. We are also reminded of The Garden Club of America’s 90-year collaboration with Save the Redwoods League, which stands as proof positive of conservation leadership.
New Senate Bill Promotes Botanical Research and Native Plant Preference
Senator Mazie K. Hirono has introduced S. 3240, Botanical Sciences and Native Plant Materials Research, Restoration and Promotion Act to encourage federal land management agencies to hire botanists, conduct research on native plant materials, and incorporate native plants when feasible in projects on federal land. "By promoting the hiring of botanists and creating a preference for native plants, the bill will advance scientific expertise and help conserve water, save money, reduce the need for pesticides, and foster healthy, vibrant ecosystems," said Dede Petri, GCA president.
The GCA Applauds Seed Your Future, Winner of Gamechanger of the Year
Seed Your Future, a national movement supported by The Garden Club of America and other horticultural groups around the country, is the recipient of the first-ever Gamechanger of the Year Award. Spearheaded by Longwood Gardens and Ball Horticultural, Seed Your Future is seeking to “change the game” when it comes to how young people view plants. Why is this important?
Watch Now! Speakers from the 2018 Annual Meeting
The Garden Club of America held its 2018 Annual Meeting in San Francisco, California in April. Experience the remarkable insights of our opening, keynote and scholarship speakers: Sam Hodder - CEO of Save the Redwoods League, Jonathan Foley - ED of the California Academy of Sciences, and Joanna Nelson, PhD and GCA Coastal Wetlands Studies scholarship recipient.
The Garden Club of America offers 28 merit-based scholarships and fellowships in 12 areas related to conservation, ecology, horticulture, and pollinator research. In 2018, more than $308,400 was awarded to 65 scholars.
In its inaugural year, the Montine M. Freeman Scholarship in Native Plant Studies was awarded to Angela Merriken and Dr. Uma Venkatesh.
Read more about the new Scholarship and the recipients.
Annually since 1995, the GCA has identified a stellar North American native plant to receive its Montine McDaniel Freeman Medal for Plant of the Year.
Mountain mint is The Garden Club of America's 2018 Plant of the Year.
Nominate a Plant - recognize a plant that is under-utilized but worthy of preservation, propagation and promotion.
The Conservation Chairman of the Georgetown Garden Club is asking local businesses and restaurants voluntarily to offer compostable or recyclable options to plastic straws - or ask patrons to forgo the straws altogether.
Download the GCA's Position Paper on Waste Management.
Read more about what GGC is doing, and consider what you might do in your community.
