History

History of Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri, Inc.

Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri, Inc. is a member of National Garden Clubs, Inc. (NGC) whose national headquarters is located in St. Louis, Mo. There are 125 affiliated garden clubs with 2500 members in Missouri. FGCM was officially organized on March 30, 1933 in St. Louis by representatives of nine clubs from various sections of Missouri. The state is divided into 10 geographic Districts. FGCM joined NGC in 1937.

INSIGNIA

The Insignia of the Federation is a sketch of a native tree, the Hawthorn. The blossom of the hawthorn tree is the official State Flower. The state tree is the Flowering Dogwood. The state bird is the Bluebird.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

  • Aid in protection and conservation of natural resources.

  • Promote civic beauty and encourage the improvement of roadsides and parks.

  • Encourage and assist in establishing botanical gardens and horticultural centers for the advancement of science and for the enjoyment and education of the public.

  • Study and advance the fine arts of gardening, landscape design, floral design and horticulture.

STATE-SPONSORED PROJECTS INCLUDE

  • Arbor Day: Observe National Arbor Day by planting trees.

  • National Garden Week: Celebrate National Garden Week each year.

  • Presidents' Row: Planted and maintain an alee of forty burr oak trees leading to the entrance of Powell Gardens in Kansas City

  • Scholarships for students pursuing studies in horticulture and related subjects.

  • State Fair Exhibits during the State Fair in Sedalia each summer.

  • State Fair Gazebo: landscaping and maintenance around Gazebo, next to the Floriculture Exhibit building on the State Fair grounds.

STATE RECOMMENDED PROJECTS

  • Bird Sanctuaries: Creating habitats in members' gardens or designated club sites, including food, water, cover and shelter.

  • Butterfly Gardens: Creating season-long floral gardens and other requirements to encourage all phases of a butterfly's metamorphosis.

  • Blue Star Memorial Markers, honoring all those who have served in our Armed Forces.

  • Citations Certificates: Garden Clubs apply for Citations to be given to businesses, public institutions and others in recognition of outstanding landscaping.

  • Civic Development, Historic Preservation and Beautification.

  • Flower Shows.

  • Garden Therapy for disabled and elderly people.

  • Garden Tours of Members' Gardens and other educational tours.

  • World Gardening: Support for efforts reaching out to areas torn by war or natural disasters.

  • Youth: Involvement with youth of all ages, encouraging an interest in gardening, wildlife and the environment.

WHEREVER YOUR INTERESTS LIE, THERE IS A PLACE FOR YOU IN GARDEN CLUBS!