How to Start a Gardening Club

Gardening clubs provide a way for gardening enthusiasts to collaborate, learn about plants and growing techniques, and even share resources. Depending on the needs and expectations of the group, gardening clubs may operate under formal charters and rules, or simply may be a group of friends getting together to discuss gardening topics. Use these tips to start a gardening club in your local community.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Gather a Core Group of Gardening Enthusiasts

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An ideal size for a core group is about 3 to 5 people. Ask friends, neighbors or co-workers who are interested in gardening to help you form the club. The core group can organize the launch meeting and set the basic framework for the garden club.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Plan the Launch Meeting for the Garden Club

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If the core group determines the garden club will meet in the evening, organize the first meeting for an evening. If the core group prefers a daytime meeting, plan the launch meeting for during the day.
Consider meeting at a local garden center, botanical garden or community center for the first meeting. Avoid meeting in someone's home because potential new members may not feel comfortable going to a meeting at the home of someone they don't know.
3
Determine the format for the launch meeting. To attract people to the meeting, consider scheduling a horticulture lecture, a hands-on flower arranging program or a plant exchange. A planned activity or event is more likely to draw people to your club.
- Include time to present information about the new gardening club to attendees. Plan to distribute flyers about the club and ask attendees to provide contact information so they can be notified about future meetings.
4
Promote the launch meeting. Distribute flyers at local garden centers, community centers, botanical gardens and coffee shops.
- Ask each member of the core group to bring a few friends to the launch meeting. Personal invitations are the most effective way to encourage membership and participation in a gardening club.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Establish a Leadership and Organizational Structure for the Garden Club

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1
Elect or appoint officers for the garden club. All organizations benefit from strong leaders who take responsibility for furthering the mission of the group. Depending on the formality of the club, either elect or appoint persons to serve in leadership positions.
- Avoid electing or appointing leaders at the launch meeting. The launch meeting is a recruiting event to increase membership, not a time to conduct formal business. Consider electing or appointing officers at the first or second organized meeting following the garden club launch event.
- Distribute questionnaires to interested club members prior to officer elections or appointments. The questionnaires can be used to determine gardening interests, as well as identify people who are interested in serving in a leadership capacity for the garden club.
The goals will determine the programming priorities of the garden club. Will the garden club provide landscaping for local charities, serve as an educational resource for gardeners, or provide opportunities for friendship and idea sharing with other gardening enthusiasts? Write down the goals and refer to them frequently to keep the garden club focused on its mission.
Many garden clubs are affiliated with national organizations, such as the Arboretum Foundation or the Garden Club of America. If your group is affiliated with a national organization, the club already may have established meeting structures, by-laws and membership qualifications. If the garden club is a local, independent group, consider establishing some organizational guidelines, such as by-laws and membership requirements.
4
Determine an ongoing meeting schedule. Choose a specific day and time to meet each month. To reduce scheduling conflicts, keep the meeting date the same each month, such as the second Monday of each month.
- Establish a consistent meeting location. Contact a local nursery about using its space for garden club meetings once a month. The store benefits from an increased customer base, and the garden club may not have to pay for space rental.
- Organize meeting and events that meet your club's goals. If a goal of your garden club is to swap plants and cuttings, plan events that meet that goal. If a goal of your garden club is to increase horticulture education, invite speakers to your meetings to share their knowledge and expertise.
To avoid duplication, contact your local extension office to get a list of names of existing garden clubs in your area.
If the garden club requires membership dues, set up a bank account for the organization. Be sure to designate a treasurer, who will be responsible for financial matters for the club.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Publicize the Garden Club

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A personal invitation is the most effective way to grow any organization. Ask garden clubs members to invite their friends to upcoming meetings and events.
Display flyers promoting the garden club meetings at garden centers, community centers, libraries, coffee shops, religious organizations and schools.
Ask garden center managers to put a stack of flyers about the garden club near the cash registers or even to put flyers about the garden club directly in their customer's shopping bags.
Online social networking sites offer marketing opportunities. Set up a Facebook page or a Twitter feed, and invite others to follow the garden club.
Include information about the garden club meetings and events in the datebook, calendar or gardening sections of your local newspaper.

Expert Q&A

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Question
What are some great resources that people can use if they want to learn more about gardening?
Ben Barkan
Garden & Landscape Designer
Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, is licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and is a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Ben Barkan
Garden & Landscape Designer
Expert Answer
Just do it and learn by doing, learn by experimenting, and learn by making mistakes. Learn by working with the plants and letting the plants teach you what you're doing right and what you're doing wrong. Pay attention to the plants. Pay attention to if you're watering them too much or too little. It's better to just do it and make mistakes than it is to wait until you feel like you're an expert. I've been doing this over 12 years and I'm still learning every day.
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Why does a gardening club need a bank account?
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It costs money to buy seeds/dirt/pots ect. If you are getting donations, you need somewhere to put them.
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Tips

If you are interested in starting a gardening club, but need additional resources, contact your local county extension office. The extension office may be able to provide resources on starting a gardening club, or put you in touch with other gardening clubs in your local
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Read and study books like how to grow plants or becoming a garden if you're are new to this.
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Make sure to water your plants daily.
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