Our Mission
Bringing clubs together to cultivate the bond among people, plants, and the environment.
Our Vision
Informed volunteers working for a beautiful, healthy planet.
Our Impact
- $459,000 to 100 scholars
- $264,550 to 104 civic projects
- Over 18,000 club members in 200 member clubs
ABOUT THE GCA
Our Purpose Statement
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.
Who We Are
From Local Garden Clubs to Nationwide Impact
Explore our priorities, our activities, and how you might engage with garden clubs.
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GOOD NEWS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
Celebrate recent efforts of our member clubs, collaborating organizations, honorees, and national initiatives.
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PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Connect to a larger world of horticulture and conservation through the work of The Garden Club of America’s scholars. Browse the GCA's scholarship offerings.
The GCA offers 29 merit-based scholarships and fellowships in 12 areas related to conservation, ecology, horticulture, and pollinator research.
In 2024, over $459,000 was awarded to 100 scholars.
Search All Available ScholarshipsRESTORING, IMPROVING, & PROTECTING THE QUALITY OF THE ENVIRONMENT
The Position Papers were created in 1989 to streamline the process providing cohesive and consistent messages that could be managed by the committees. Jointly produced by the GCA's National Affairs & Legislation and Conservation Committees, and approved by the GCA’s Executive Board, the GCA Position Papers summarize those issues that are of top priority to the GCA. They are created with great care and contain specific core provisions which the GCA wishes to see embodied in any piece of legislation.
Questions? Email conservation@gcamerica.org.
CREATING WAYS TO SHOW & DISCOVER
Flower shows combine artistic vision, horticultural mastery, engineering, and sophisticated craftsmanship to create a brief but brilliant display of beauty in time. Find a flower show near you.
HIGHEST HONORS FOR DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENTS
Get to know the recipients of the GCA's national medals, the highest honors bestowed upon individuals for distinguished achievements in areas related to its purpose.
The 2025 Plant of the Year
Winner
Quercus montana commonly known as Chestnut oak or Mountain oak, is The Garden Club of America’s Plant of the Year.
Since 1995, the GCA has identified a stellar North American native plant to receive The Montine McDaniel Freeman Medal: GCA Plant of the Year.
Explore More Noteworthy Native Plants
The 2025 Plant of the Year
Honorable Mention
Magnolia fraseri commonly known as Fraser magnolia, was awarded an honorable mention for The Garden Club of America’s Plant of the Year.
Since 1995, the GCA has identified a stellar North American native plant to receive The Montine McDaniel Freeman Medal: GCA Plant of the Year.
Explore More Noteworthy Native Plants
The 2025 Plant of the Year
Special Recognition
Hamamelis vernalis commonly known as Ozark witch hazel, was awarded a special recognition for The Garden Club of America’s Plant of the Year.
Since 1995, the GCA has identified a stellar North American native plant to receive The Montine McDaniel Freeman Medal: GCA Plant of the Year.
Explore More Noteworthy Native Plants