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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 201 member clubs and approximately 18,000 club members throughout the country.
Founders Fund Award - A Catalyst For Civic Engagement
The Augusta Garden Club’s Project Dogwood
The Augusta Garden Club (AGC) has been planting dogwoods since its inception 100 years ago. In 1935 the city manager, J.C. Ruff envisioned making Staunton the dogwood capital of Virginia. Over the years, the city, AGC, and civic organizations planted over 2,500 dogwoods. Unfortunately, the great depression, World War II, and an anthracnose blight destroyed Mr. Ruff’s vision along with many of the trees. The AGC revived Mr. Ruff’s efforts and launched Project Dogwood in 2013. After three years and many accomplishments, the AGC hoped to expand the project and applied and won the GCA’s Founders Fund Runner Up Award in 2017, which inspired additional significant civic support for dogwood restoration in Staunton.
The GCA — Ever the Environmental Advocate
A voice that “speaks for the plants.”
Since its inception in 1913, The Garden Club of America has been a champion for the environment and a voice that “speaks for the plants.” In late February, over 300 GCA delegates gathered at the three-day National Affairs and Legislation (NAL) Conference in Washington, D.C., to continue the advocacy for which the GCA is renowned. Read more below for photos and captions that tell the story of meetings with members of Congress.
Terminology: A Gateway to Garden Elements
Gates are a good example of a garden element with distinct parts.
When cataloging new garden submissions, the Archives of American Gardens’ staff always has a glossary of terms nearby to ensure that the most accurate words are used to describe garden elements. Many features have various components or vague definitions, which can lead to them being labeled with the wrong term. Gates are a good example of a garden element with distinct parts, which can be described using specific nomenclature.
Help Solve A Garden Mystery—The Smithsonian’s Archives of American Gardens
Tobie Garden, Location Unknown
Do you love gardens and the thrill of the hunt? The Garden Club of America Collection at the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Gardens has images of numerous gardens across the United States that need a bit of sleuthing to be positively identified. Some images belonged to slide lectures that were dismantled over time or simply never labelled. Regardless of how it happened, they are a mystery! If this garden looks familiar to you, please READ MORE.
A Moment in GCA History, February 2020
The Student Conservation Association — An inspired idea.
The Garden Club of America enjoys a rich conservation history, particularly in terms of its passion for collaborating with organizations that foster respect for natural resources and protect the quality of the environment. Nowhere is this ideology better illustrated than in an innovative proposal created by a young Vassar student in 1955.
300+ GCA Club Members Advocate for the Environment on Capitol Hill
NAL delegates will “speak for the plants.”
More than 300 club members of The Garden Club of America are in Washington, DC this week. With passion and knowledge they are advocating on behalf of the environment on Capitol Hill. The 37th annual National Affairs and Legislation (NAL) Conference will focus on promoting the GCA’s legislative priorities: financing national park maintenance, promoting the use of native plants along highways and in national parks, and saving the seas from plastics debris.
Annual Report 2018-2019
Documenting the GCA's Accomplishments
The Garden Club of America celebrates accomplishments made during its 106th year in this 2018-2019 Annual Report. The report highlights its efforts to restore a pipeline of plant scientists as featured in the Wall Street Journal; meaningful financial support it offers through the Partners for Plants program as featured in the New York Times; and public support for the Healthy Yard Project and a garden aesthetic devoted to native plants and without synthetic pesticides. A special highlight was the receipt of the Rachel Carson Women in Conservation Award from the National Audubon Society. The report also emphasizes the exceptional work of the GCA's 201 member clubs and almost 18,000 club members who made significant, positive change to landscapes across the country.
The Garden Club of America offers 28 merit-based scholarships and fellowships in 12 areas related to conservation, ecology, horticulture, and pollinator research. In 2019, $377,500 was awarded to 73 scholars.
Follow GCA Scholarships on Twitter for the latest news about pollinators, coastal wetlands, native bird habitats, and much more. Connect to a larger world of horticulture and conservation through the Garden Club of America scholars. Learn more about the GCA Scholarships.
Since 1995 the GCA has identified a stellar North American native plant to receive The Montine McDaniel Freeman Medal: GCA Plant of the Year.
Geum triflorum prairie smoke is The Garden Club of America's 2020 Plant of the Year.
© 2020, The Garden Club of America. All Rights Reserved.
The Garden Club of America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
© The Garden Club of America 2020.
All Rights Reserved.
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New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212.753.8287
