GCSA Resources

The real strength of our community lies in the wealth of resources our members share. They are a generous source of knowledge, tools, and connections—always ready to provide support and guidance whenever someone needs it.

Garden Club of St. Augustine Resources

The Garden Club of St. Augustine’s most valuable asset is its members, who bring a wealth of knowledge, passion, and experience in all aspects of horticulture, floral design, and conservation. They provide essential support, advice, and inspiration to each other, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose. Our members are dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship, beautifying the community, and advancing our educational programs.

Our scholarship program is an important resource that supports students pursuing studies in environmental and plant sciences, helping nurture the next generation of garden enthusiasts and conservationists. This initiative reflects our commitment to education and the future of horticulture.

Additionally, our vibrant events, such as garden shows and our Annual Holiday Tour of Homes, offer members and the community opportunities to learn, showcase their talents, and connect with fellow gardening lovers. Through their dedication and generosity, our members and supporters help us grow, thrive, and make a lasting impact in our community.

GCSA Scholarship

Scholarship Application

Deadline April 13, 2026

Thank you for your interest in the Scholarships offered by the Garden Club of St. Augustine (GCSA). There are six (6) $2,000 scholarships that will be awarded to graduating High School Students and adult students who reside in St. Johns County, FL and are citizens of the United States.

To apply for these scholarships, please go to the GCSA website to download an application: GCSA_Scholarship_Application_2026 and e-mail or send it to:

Garden Club of St Augustine Scholarship
c/o Dottie Colsant
122 Southwind Circle
St. Augustine, FL 32080
colsant@bellsouth.net

The GCSA Scholarship Committee will review the applications as they are received and may schedule interviews with prospective applicants who fulfill the basic requirements. All applicants will be notified of their status in the review process.

The final selection of Scholarship Winners will be made by the Committee in April 2026.

Scholarships will be presented to the winners at the May 13, 2026 Garden Club of St. Augustine Council Meeting at 3440 Old Moultrie Road, St. Augustine, 9:30 a.m.

Selection Criteria will be based on:

MERIT
Academic Record – minimum 3.0 GPA
Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
Community Service

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

COMMITMENT to attend an accredited institution of higher education and pursue a career in horticulture, landscape design, landscape architecture, ecology, botany, forestry, environmental science or environmental engineering.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to also apply for the following scholarships (https://ffgc.org/Scholarships)

$3000 Florida Federation of Garden Clubs College Scholarship
$3500 Deep South Garden Clubs, Inc. Scholarship
$4000 National Garden Clubs, Inc. Scholarships

Download Application

🌳 Volunteer in Our Community

Volunteering is at the heart of our community and one of the most rewarding ways to share our passions. The Garden Club of St. Augustine encourages all our members and friends to get out and lend their time and talents to the wonderful organizations that make St. Johns County a better place.

Below is a list of local organizations with diverse missions. We are proud to support their efforts and hope you’ll find a cause that inspires you.

Pie in the Sky: Delivering fresh produce and compassion to seniors in need.

St. Johns Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve: Helping to conserve rare plants and preserve our area’s natural habitats.

UF/IFAS Extension St. Johns County: Home of the Master Gardener Volunteer Program, perfect for sharing your gardening expertise.

Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County: Providing housing and services to local families and children.

Habitat for Humanity St. Augustine/St. Johns County: Building homes, communities, and hope.

St. Francis House – Port in the Storm: Offering crisis services, shelter, and support to those facing homelessness.

Keep St. Johns County Beautiful: Dedicated to litter prevention, recycling, and beautification efforts.

Council on Aging of St. Johns County: Enriching the lives of seniors through services, activities, and companionship.

Betty Griffin Center: Providing shelter and support for victims of domestic and sexual assault.

St. Johns County Public Library System: Fostering a love of reading and learning at local branches.

St. Augustine Wild Reserve: Assisting in the care of exotic animals and educating the public.

GTM Research Reserve: Protecting the natural resources of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas estuary.

Whitney Laboratory fo r Marine Bioscience: A full-time University of Florida research center for biomedical research and biotechnology.

Ayla’s Acres: Meet your new best friend and save a life.

Whether you have a passion for gardening, conservation, helping people, or protecting wildlife, there is a local organization that needs you. Find a cause you care about and get involved today!

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.

Garden Club of St. Augustine, Inc. (GCSA) - Our garden club is one of 4,000 clubs in the United States. Established in 1926, the Garden Club of St. Augustine is one of Florida’s earliest garden clubs. Celebrating over 90 years of rich history, our club has evolved substantially since its founding. Originally part of Florida's Northern District, our Club gained its independence as District IV by 1954. Throughout the decades, we have pioneered numerous initiatives such as the President’s Council, established in 1957, and continued with innovative projects like the Circle Grant Projects in 2013, reinforcing our commitment to community engagement.

District IV – Over 1,330 Members in NE Florida. District IV is comprised of eleven garden clubs and eight counties affiliated with the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. (FFGC). District officers and chairmen are members of these garden clubs; they coordinate between clubs and between FFGC and its umbrella organizations (Deep South Garden Clubs and National Garden Clubs, Inc.) Best of all, we share our interests in gardening, landscaping, floral design, and community and environmental enhancement. And we have a lot of FUN together!

Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. (FFGC) – There are 12 Districts, 156 clubs including 10,680 members in Florida under the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, headquartered in Winter Park. Their objectives are to further the education of the members and the public in the fields of gardening, horticulture, botany, floral design, landscape design, environmental awareness through the conservation of natural resources, civic beautification, nature studies, and to instill in our youth the love of gardening and the respect for and protection of the environment.

Deep South Garden Clubs, Inc. Federated Garden Clubs in the States of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee comprise the Deep South Region and are members of National Garden Clubs Inc. The Deep South Region is dedicated to advancing the National Garden Club, Inc.'s objectives and coordinating the interests and projects of the six states in the region. Our activities focus on horticulture, gardening, landscaping, floral design, civic beautification, and environmental concerns, emphasizing fellowship, scholarship, stewardship, and leadership.

National Garden Clubs (NGC) - The NGC encompasses all 50 states with eight regions and has 4,000 member clubs made up of 136,000 members. The first garden club in America was founded in January,1891 by The Ladies Garden Club of Athens, GA. Now, it is headquartered in St. Louis, MO. NGC is the largest volunteer organization of its type in the world. Our members come together to create a powerful international voice and synergistic network for advancing common interests.

Garden Club Meetings

The General Council meets monthly, September through May. These meetings include program presentations on topics of interest to our community, followed by a business meeting and a review of upcoming events.

Meetings start at 9:30 a.m. with light refreshments.

Garden Club of St. Augustine
3440 Old Moultrie Road
St Augustine, FL. 32086