Discover NGC

As nearly 200,000 men and women of all ages and backgrounds across the nation and beyond can attest, the rewards of belonging to a garden club within NGC's international network are much greater than the pure pleasure of growing things. Certainly, joining a garden club is a great way to "green" your thumb along with like-minded people. But membership also provides extensive opportunities to engage most effectively in garden-related activities for worthy causes, such as conservation, environmental protection, sustainability and beautification. 

With nearly 6,000 local clubs that choose their own specific programs, eight regions, 50 state clubs, a National Capital Area club, and hundreds of international affiliates, National Garden Clubs has become thelargest volunteer organization of its type in the world. Its members come together to create a powerful international voice and synergistic network for advancing common interests.

Connect With Gardeners Round-the-Globe

Most local, state and regional clubs meet monthly and offer a wide range of top-notch educational programs and speakers on such topics as the latest gardening techniques, floral design, conservation and the study of birds, butterflies and beneficial insects. In addition, garden clubs develop and participate in diverse local, state, regional and national projects.

 Membership is diverse, including men and women of all ages and backgrounds. What brings NGC members together?

• A desire to promote the love and benefits of gardens and gardening, and connect with others who share that mission.
• A desire to "garden for good"-of home, family and community, with civic and environmental responsibility.
• A desire to learn and share knowledge with those who have common interests.
• A desire to make our world a better place through gardens and gardening with a purpose: conservation, sustainability, health, beautification and environmental protection.

Engage in a Garden Variety of Projects, Events and Programs

Most local garden clubs meet monthly to participate in educational programs on topics of current interest, from gardening techniques to sustainability. In addition, local garden clubs develop and participate in their choice of a wide variety of local, state and national projects. 

• President's Projects:  "New Every Two."  NGC executive officers choose a timely theme and related special projects biennially that inspire new local efforts nationwide.  The latest projects are Plantings for Public Spaces (such as gardens with edibles, container gardens, trees and shrubs) and Protecting Aquatic Ecosystems.
• "Greening" and Beautifying the Community. The Blue Star Memorial initiative honors American servicemen and women and beautifies public settings. Garden clubs have dedicated nearly 3,000 Blue Star markers nationally. Other examples include the Butterfly Garden at U.S. Botanic Garden, educational school gardens, community garden projects and Golden Days daffodil plantings in public areas.
• Disaster Relief and Replanting Forests.  The Penny Pines program, a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, encourages local garden clubs to raise funds to replant damaged state and national forests coast-to-coast. The Natural Disasters USA grant program funds efforts of local clubs to replant, restore and beautify public areas that have been damaged by such events as earthquakes, floods and storms. A related effort was the Green the Gulf Coast Grants initiative provided funds and volunteers to re-landscape hurricane-damaged public areas.
• Preserving Heritage Plants.  One national example, housed at NGC headquarters in St. Louis, is a unique tree preservation site that includes a white ash cloned from the Mount Vernon estate of George Washington. The planting of more cloned trees from historically significant sites is planned to preserve the genetic material of what many consider "the last great trees of America."
• Major Partnerships.  NGC works with other philanthropic or civic organizations on national initiatives such as the Habitat for Humanity Landscaping program, which assists new homeowners in establishing low-maintenance, environmentally friendly gardens.
• Horticultural Therapy.  Many local and state garden clubs serve their communities by launching and maintain healing gardens in nursing homes, hospitals and special needs facilities.  A related project called Plant It Pink promotes breast cancer education and awareness.

Access a Garden Variety of Educational Resources

NGC offers members a vast array of educational resources including catalogs, informational publications and lesson plans that provide insight and ideas year-round.

• Accredited educational programs and schools.  Topics include basic horticulture study, design study, flower shows, landscape design, environmental study and gardening study. 
• Flower Shows.  These colorful, enjoyable events, packed with learning opportunities, continue to draw crowds across the U.S.

Nurture a New Generation of Gardeners

NGC strives to educate children and teens about gardening, conservation and environmental stewardship.

• Scholarship program. Provides financial aid to students majoring in fields of study related to horticulture and the environment.
• Poetry, essay and art contests. Include a sculpture competition using recyclable materials and the Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl poster contest, sponsored in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service.
• Promoting youth gardening activities in schools and public locations.  School gardening programs are popular nationwide.  Another project is a cooperative effort with scouting organizations to promote the use of native plants while teaching gardening basics. To earn a National Garden Clubs/Girl Scout Native Plants Patch, scouts study the native plants in their home areas and establish native beauty spots in their communities.

Welcoming New Members, New Clubs, New Partnerships

National Garden Clubs has attained its status as the largest volunteer organization of its type in the world by the excellence of its programs and its focus on effectively addressing current issues and trends.  For information on partnerships, launching a new club or joining a club, contact us today.