Making our Community
and the State of Virginia
more beautiful.
Mark your calendar for our next Garden Day
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
CLUB HISTORY
On March 10, 1922, Mrs. Samuel H. Marshall, President of the Albemarle Garden Club of Charlottesville, gave a talk to the Lynchburg Women’s Club on “Forming A Garden Club.” The idea was so enthusiastically received that on March 29, The Garden Club of Lynchburg was organized by 17 women. Immediately, plans were made for an Iris Show to be held on May 11, 1922.
From that day on, members have been involved with flower shows, in the early days sponsoring as many as three or four each year. Emphasis was also placed on gardening, raising flowers, landscaping and horticulture. Most members “specialized” in a particular plant and took pleasure in sharing it with other club members.
Miss Josephine Kinnier was the first president, 1922-23. She was an iris lover, and rumor has it that she had 39 varieties and won many awards with them. She also took pride in her daffodils and ordered her bulbs from Australia. During Miss Kinnier’s presidency, a visiting committee from the Garden Club of Virginia came to “look us over” and invited The Lynchburg Garden Club to join as their 10th member club. In 1952, The Lynchburg Garden Club sponsored Hillside Garden Club for membership in the Garden Club of Virginia.
We are proud that our members have always been active and eager to learn, participate and share their talents, knowledge and enthusiasm with others.
"The purpose of the Garden Club is to promote charitable, civic and educational purposes and it shall encourage, promote and stimulate knowledge and appreciation of gardening, nature and the environment in Lynchburg and the State of Virginia."
BEAUTIFICATION
CONSERVATION
GARDEN DAY
From its beginnings, The Lynchburg Garden Club has contributed to the quality of life in our community by providing beautiful gardens, opening lovely homes, leading community beautification and protecting the qualities of graciousness that are part of a cultured community. READ MORE about our projects dating back to 1922.
Since 1920, the Garden Club of Virginia has directed public attention to conservation issues by establishing Conservation as its first standing committee. Through that committee, the GCV pledged to conserve natural resources, plant trees and manage pests and pesticides. Today, the Garden Club of Virginia is still leading the way by focusing attention on conservation issues through educational leadership initiatives and legislative involvement.
Each spring visitors are welcomed to over 250 of Virginia's most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks during "America's Largest Open House." This 8-day statewide event provides visitors a unique opportunity to see unforgettable gardens at the peak of Virginia's springtime color, as well as beautiful houses sparkling with over 2,000 flower arrangements created by Garden Club of Virginia members. READ MORE