When you sought out a garden club, was it because you wanted to learn how to grow plants in your backyard? For most of us, we came seeking gardening knowledge, and certainly, the horticultural education and art of floral design were some of the best parts of our experience. But what we found was so much more. We found friendships, service to our local community and a deeper appreciation for conservation of natural resources. Garden club members are our do-ers – the amazing volunteers who commit to beautifying their community and commit to each other. The broader impact on our communities is long-lasting and inspirational.

Arizona Federation of Garden Clubs (AFGC) is the state organization that is committed to supporting the local garden club members in their community projects and education. Believe it or not, AFGC was organized in 1934 by 10 founding clubs and recognized by National Garden Club at the Los Angelos Nation Convention. Through the decades, we have awarded recognition and prizes to outstanding members and clubs. We have set the themes and presidential projects that inspired garden clubs to go plant trees and pollinator gardens. We have inspired youth programs and school gardening. Garden clubs have evolved and changed over the decades but we continue to share a common dream and belief in conservation, beautification and education.

AFGC is looking forward to its 100 years Centennial Anniversary in 2034. In preparation for this jubilee, we are collecting the personal stories of all garden club members. Some stories will be handwritten and all the more personal for it. Some members may email their story that history will find inspiring. The more entertaining stories may come on short videos taken with smartphones so we can appreciate the smiling faces and eyes that light up. The leadership of past presidents and honorary members will be recorded in an interview format. In whatever format these stories are recorded. we want to share them broadly.

To inspire storytelling, we are asking 3 simple questions:

1- why did you join a garden club?

2- what club project or event did you enjoy the most? how did it affect your community?

3- who in your club have you been most inspired by? and tell us a story about that person.

The Centennial History Project is being initiated as part of the AFGC President’s Project 2026-27.

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