About The Garden Club of St. Augustine

About the Garden Club of St. Augustine 

The Garden Club of St. Augustine has long been a beacon of horticultural passion and environmental stewardship within our community. With a rich history that spans nearly a century, our club has grown from a small gathering of gardening enthusiasts into a vibrant organization dedicated to fostering a deeper appreciation for the beauty and tranquility that gardens bring into our lives. We are committed to providing educational opportunities that enhance knowledge about plants and gardening techniques, engaging actively in conservation efforts to protect our natural resources, and celebrating the intricate art of floral design.

Founded in 1926, the Garden Club of St. Augustine is a proud 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization rooted in tradition and committed to the future. Our mission is to:

● Preserve the natural beauty of our historic community,

● Protect native flora and local ecosystems, and

● Educate members and the public in the art and science of gardening. With a rich history of civic engagement, floral design, and environmental stewardship, our members are united by a shared passion for plants, design, and community service.

Conservation Pledge

I pledge to protect and conserve the natural resources of the Planet Earth and promise to promote education so we may become better caretakers of our air, water, forests, land, and wildlife.

Our Objectives

The Garden Club of St. Augustine is dedicated to:

•  Educating members and the public about horticulture, conservation, floral design, and flower shows through workshops, demonstrations, and public garden tours.
•  Inspiring youth by offering gardening and environmental programs in schools and youth groups, and providing scholarships to FFGC summer camps.
•  Encouraging excellence in gardening, landscaping, and floral design through ongoing education for our members.
•  Raising funds to support our nonprofit mission through club-sponsored events and fundraisers.
•  Supporting students with scholarships in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, conservation, and landscape design.
•  Beautifying the community by partnering with local groups to enhance public spaces and raise awareness of our work.
•  Giving back through hands-on community projects, including gardening, crafts, and floral design programs.
•  Collaborating with the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Deep South Garden Clubs, Inc., and National Garden Clubs to support shared goals.

Garden Club of St. Augustine History

Mission: Cultivating beauty, education, and community through horticulture and conservation across St. Johns County.

Reorganization & Incorporation

In 1955, President Anna Heist—serving her second term (also 1931–33)—oversaw a period when no one was willing to lead, and the Club paused most activities for two years. By 1957, the local groups united under the “Presidents’ Council, Garden Clubs of St. Augustine”, led by Mrs. Chester V. Loach.

In 1961, incorporation followed as the “Garden Clubs of St. Augustine and St. Johns County, Inc.” In 1977, the name changed to “Presidents’ Council of Garden Clubs of St. Augustine and St. Johns County, Inc.”, persisting for 19 years—possibly one of the longest official names for a garden club in the U.S.

Meeting Locations & Yearbooks

• Pre‑1965, meetings rotated across venues like the YMCA or Chamber of Commerce Board Room; flower shows were held at the downtown Armory.
• In 1988, digitizing the yearbook reduced production costs by more than half.

Modern Era & Community Expansion

In 1996, under President Barbara Conrad, the Club rejoined the Florida Federation as a single unit, officially completing restructuring in Spring 1997.

The Club welcomed members from all over the county, dissolving its former geographic divisions.

The Garden Center: 3440 Old Moultrie Road

• 2005: After 40 years at San Marco Avenue, the building was deemed unsafe; the lease was terminated.
• Meetings were temporarily held at the Lighthouse Community Center.
• In 2006, the Club identified a county-owned building at 3440 Old Moultrie Road, vacant since 1987.

By 2007, the County leased it to the Club for 30 years, renovated it to code, and the Club completed interior updates and native Florida landscaping.

Nonprofit Status & Growth

• Approved as a 501(c)(3) public charity effective May 5, 2011, making contributions—including membership fees—tax-deductible.
• In May 2012, the membership approved expanding the Garden Center to support educational programs and growing membership. A fundraising goal of $50,000 was set with a deadline of May 2015.
• September 2013: Initiated grant-funded outreach ventures—leading to national recognition.
• October 2015–January 2016: Expansion construction was completed on schedule.

Ongoing Programs

Since March 2016, the Club has hosted innovative community education initiatives:

• Fun with Flowers workshops
• Environment & Conservation Study Group, supporting teachers with horticultural stipends
• Nature’s Detectives children’s series at county libraries, exploring local ecosystems

Garden Club of St. Augustine Officers

The President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer are the officers of the Club. Their function is to represent all members in managing the business of the Club. They are expected to understand the objectives of the Club and to perform their duties as outlined in the Bylaws.

Officers

Co-Presidents – Rita Forrest and Linda Buchanan

Vice President – Marianne Davies

Recording Secretary – Fran De Steno

Corresponding Secretary – Dottie Colsant

Treasurer – Steve Davies

Vice Treasurer – Jo Brown

Past Co-Presidents 2023 – 2025

Ginny Pierucci and Kai Long

Pictured left to right:

Co-Presidents: Linda Buchanan and Rita Forrest

Vice President: Marianne Davies

Treasurer: Steve Davies

Recording Secretary: Fran De Steno

Corresponding Secretary: Dottie Colsant

Vice Treasurer (not pictured): Jo Brown

Garden Club Affiliations 

Garden Club activities begin at the local level in grassroots organizations. These activities provide local communities of gardeners with networking, education, and outreach opportunities. Each local club is under the guidance and direction of that state’s president, who serves as a liaison to regional directors and nationally elected and appointed officers. Here is a brief summary about the organizational structure of garden clubs.