Black Hills District of Garden Clubs
Welcome to the website for the Black Hills District of Garden Clubs. We invite you to peruse the pages for information about our Clubs, programs and events!
FROM YOUR DIRECTOR
2023-2025
"Stepping Stones"
'Exploring the Path of Possibilities
Our life's journey is marked by large and small events. Milestones, such as graduating from first grade, learning to drive, entering adulthood, finding a job or when we joined a garden club; all are building blocks in our lives and make us who we are today.
There are many stepping stones in our lives; steps that help us achieve and keep on going. Stepping stones are people; mentors, teachers, parents. Sometimes they are opportunities like taking a risk and completing a difficult project. Other stepping stones are random acts of kindness that were shown to us or they were failures and disappointments that strengthened us.
As we continue on our journey with garden club activities in our State, District or Club, may we find the stepping stones needed to continue to build new relationships. Enjoy the process of leading, setting new goals, stepping into new ideas, and finding personal success.
Celebrate your Milestones:
One 'stepping stone' at a time
But most of all we have FUN! Join us!
The clubs and members of this District are also members of Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs, Pacific Region Garden Clubs and National Garden Clubs
Becky Flaherty
Olympia Garden Clubs's Centennial Celebration
The Olympia Garden Club held its 100th anniversary celebration on July 18, 2024, at Bergford Farm and Gardens in Olympia, Washington. More than 150 guests attended who relished the serene gardens, tasty cuisine, stunning floral displays, and a unique video presentation that highlighted the club's history over the years.
It's hard to think that in 1924, the club was formed and named the "Olympia Flower Society" by the first President, who was the Washington State Librarian, Mr. J. M. Hitt. In 1938, the Olympia Flower Society joined the Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs and became part of the "Capital District," now called the "Black Hills District of Garden Clubs." In 1945, the Olympia Flower Society changed its name to the "Olympia Garden Club."
Over the years, the club has dedicated itself to numerous local and state projects to benefit their community. They have collaborated with local 4-H Clubs and honored Blue & Gold Star families through the Memorial Markers program, organized various fundraisers to provide scholarships for local and college students, contributed annually to the WSFGC Scholarship fund, and offered teacher grants to local schools. They've created and distributed holiday stockings for those in need during the holiday season. In 1973, the club partnered with the Olympia Parks Department to establish the "Washington Memorial Garden" in Squaxin Park (formerly Priest Point Park). The club remains a supporter of the memorial garden, planting a new tree annually within the exquisite rose garden. Throughout its history, the club has been committed to educating and advocating for anti-littering and recycling.
The aforementioned are just a few of the numerous programs, projects, and donations made along the years. The Olympia Garden Club continues to follow its Mission Statement: "To provide education, resources, and networking opportunities for its members to promote gardening, floral design, civic and environmental responsibility." Congratulations to 100 Years as the Olympia Garden Club!
Gratitude is owed to the OGC Centennial Committee, the club volunteers, and the family members whose dedication made this event unforgettable. A special note of thanks goes to Jackie McCoy for preparing the slideshow that everyone enjoyed.
Our deepest gratitude goes to Pat and Scott Bergford, the proprietors of Bergford Farms and Gardens, for allowing OGC to hold the event at the farm. The beauty of your home and gardens provided the perfect setting that was essential for its success!
This was one of the beautiful floral designs Olympia Garden Club members created for Louise Adams' memorial service.
