The GCA’s 2021 National Affairs & Legislation Conference
Focus on Climate Change

The Garden Club of America (GCA) recognizes the threat of climate change and the need for action at all levels of the government as well as individual behavior change. The observed changes in climate are negatively impacting plants and human health. Rapid loss of biodiversity, species extinction, sea-level rise, ocean acidification, extreme weather events, and the health of public lands are at risk if this trend is not addressed.

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Scenic America Celebrates Announcement
New National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads

For the first time since 2009, thirty four new National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads have been announced by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The Garden Club of America is proud to collaborate with Scenic America and friends to revitalize the National Scenic Byways Program.

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Climate Change Solutions
The Focus of the GCA’s Virtual NAL 2021

Did you know that coastal wetlands can store five times as much carbon as a tropical forest over time; peatlands store ten times more carbon than other kinds of ecosystems? Climate change solutions such as these will be featured at the GCA's 38th Annual National Affairs & Legislation Conference on February 23rd through 25th. Since 1913, The Garden Club of America (GCA) has been advocating for the safety of our environment. Efforts continue to this day.

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Seed Your Future Launches “Plants to the Rescue” Campaign
The Latest Resource from Seed Your Future

Seed Your Future (SYF) recently announced the launch of its 2021 BLOOM! campaign designed to excite young people about the power of plants and their unique ability to help solve some of the most pressing problems in their communities. In collaboration with Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education, and media company, BLOOM! provides free eye-catching, fact-based, online content for educators, youth program leaders, and parents.

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Celebrating Olmsted
Parks for all People

The Garden Club of America is a proud partner of the Olmsted 200 campaign, a nationwide bicentennial birthday celebration of the democratic values and enduring influence of visionary American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (FLO). Leading up to the 200th anniversary of his birth in 2022, the campaign will educate the public about Olmsted's commitment to public parks and the many health, environmental, and economic benefits that access to nature has to offer. Olmsted’s remarkable landscape designs have literally changed the face of America, and his legacy speaks to democratic values — including equal access to parks — that are as important today as when he first proposed them. Please visit www.olmsted200.org for more information and see how you can be a part of the festivities. Follow Olmsted 200 on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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In Memoriam: Eleanor Torrey West, GCA Medalist
Recipient of the GCA’s 2003 Cynthia Pratt Laughlin Medal

Eleanor Torrey West (1913- 2021), recipient of the GCA’s 2003 Cynthia Pratt Laughlin Medal, passed away January 17, 2021. West, better known to her friends as Sandy, dedicated her life to preserving Ossabaw Island, a 26,000-acre Heritage Preserve off the coast of Georgia. Her love of the island began in childhood, shortly after her parents purchased Ossabaw Island in 1924 as their winter retreat.

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The GCA Announces The Montine McDaniel Freeman Medal: Plant of the Year
Cephalanthus occidentalis

Cephalanthus occidentalis, commonly known as buttonbush or honey bells, has been named the 2021 Plant of the Year by The Garden Club of America (GCA). Annually, the GCA identifies a stellar North American native plant to receive the Montine McDaniel Freeman Medal: GCA Plant of the Year.

Native plants are important because they adapt to local environmental conditions. They require far less water, saving time and money. Plus, native plants provide vital food sources and habitat for many pollinator insects, birds, and other species of wildlife.

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