About CGCI

Who are we?     “CGCI” is shorthand for “California Garden Clubs, Inc.”     We were organized December 5, 1931 and admitted to membership in National Garden Clubs, Inc., Pacific Region Garden Clubs, Inc. on December 5, 1931.   The organization was incorporated in California May 18, 1936.   We are the largest nonprofit, volunteer gardening organization in the state of California with over 350 garden clubs, plant societies, affiliates and youth groups representing more than 15,000 members.

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As CGCI members we spend thousands of hours learning about all aspects of gardening as well as serving our communities…working together to make our world a better place.       We have fun learning together, sharing ideas & experiences and building friendships that last a lifetime and our lives are richer for the benefit of membership in such a caring and worthy organization.  
  • Education:
    • Clubs and Districts sponsor courses in horticulture, environmental education, safe & efficient gardening, flower arranging, flower show judge accreditation and landscape design.
    • CGCI and member organizations annually offer college scholarships.
    • Individual organizations offer programs and speakers on a variety of topics; hold flower shows and garden tours; and sponsor many youth gardening activities.
  • Environment:
    • CGCI promotes conservation of natural resources and environmental awareness through projects like Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
    • CGCI members have planted millions of trees through Penny Pines, protected hundreds of acres via the Sempervirens Fund and spread wildflower seeds along miles of highway and open space.
  • Community Outreach:
    • The collective energy and force of the large membership of CGCI enables the members to lend significant support to many projects throughout the state.
    • CGCI members reach out to our neighborhoods supporting public gardens, parks and playgrounds, directing and commending civic beautification projects.
    • We are part of a nation-wide project establishing and maintaining Blue Star Memorials, Gold Star Families Memorials   and by-way Markers
    • We sponsor outreach programs for youth, the aged and garden therapy patients, and encourage civic development, and community service.
  • Support & Administration:
    • CGCI offers member organizations an umbrella of support and training through its Member Benefits & Services and general administrative guidance.
National Garden Clubs, Inc. (NGC)
  • President:   Mary Washauer
  • 50 states and National Capitol Area
  • 6000+ clubs
  • International affiliates
  • over 200,000 individual members
Pacific Region Garden Clubs, Inc.
  • Director:   Lana Finegold
  • 8 states: Washington, Arizona, California, Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, Alaska, Hawaii
California Garden Clubs, Inc. (CGCI)
  • President:   Lynne Batchelor
  • 26 districts
  • 300+ Clubs, Affiliates & Youth groups
  • 50+ Associate Plant Societies
  • 15,000+ members
YOUR District
YOUR Garden Club!
Your President should attend all District meetings.
  • Each District is led by a District Director.
  • Districts hold several meetings each year
    • District officers, chairmen and club presidents are expected to attend.
    • Every member of your club is welcome to attend.
    • They may include programs, speakers or tours.
  • It is a wonderful way to get to know the activities and projects of neighboring clubs.
Your District Director is expected to attend all CGCI (state) meetings.
  • CGCI meets three times a year: at Fall and Winter Board Meetings and the annual convention
    • Presidents and individual members are welcome to attend all state meetings and encouraged to attend the annual convention.
    • Presidents of clubs and APS or their appointed alternates have voting privileges at conventions
  • Information from CGCI Chairmen and District Directors is presented.   Following each meeting, the information is distributed to the clubs by the District Directors.
Your CGCI President attends the Pacific Region Convention and the National Garden Clubs meetings – a Fall Board Meeting and annual Convention.
  • The president brings national and regional information and ideas back to the state
What can I do?
  • Get involved…make the commitment to be a part of the bigger picture.
    • Participate in your district
    • Attend a CGCI Convention or Board Meeting and/or a national or regional meeting
    • Volunteer for a chairmanship or serve on a committee at any level.

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Related Information
Clubs & Associate Plant Societies:
*Contact Information Form (Garden Clubs & APS)
*NEW Membership: Application Form (valid through June 30, 2023)
*Dues: Annual Form
*Dues: Additional Members Form
*Subscribe: Golden Gardens eNews or WACONIAH
Youth Groups
*Application: New/Renewal Form
Misc:
*Life Memberships
*Membership Renewal Procedures (Guidelines)
*A Treasurers Toolbox (2022)

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