Venice Area Garden Club

The Venice Area Garden Club has grown since founded in 1957 with 25 members who met twice a month in their homes. We currently have over 100 members and meet monthly from October to June. The original object of the club was to develop the members knowledge of Florida gardening and to aid in the protection of forests, wild flowers and birds. We have grown into a club that has many interests with a great emphasis on community involvement.

In 1958 we became a member of Florida Federation of Garden Clubs in District VIII. Our first program book was printed for the 1959-60 season. The first Flower Show was also held that year. In these early years the focus was, and still is, on civic beautification, which started in 1976 with a donation of $8,000 towards landscaping the Civic Center on Barcelona Avenue. Over the years our club has donated both funds and time to design, plant and help maintain gardens throughout the community.

The Home Tour was started in 1989 which funds our Annual Scholarship Programs. College scholarships are awarded to Venice High School graduates; SEEK (Save the Earth’s Environment thru Knowledge) for students in grades 10, 11 & 12 (sponsored by FFGC that takes place at Wakulla Springs State Park); Wekiva Youth Camp for students in grades 1 thru 8 (sponsored by FFGC & FL Park Services that takes place at Wekiwa Springs State Park).

Along with helping to beautify our community, we continue to educate and encourage member involvement, in not only horticultural and floral design, but all aspects and issues relating to the environment, nature, our community and this world we live in.