Arizona Gardening Clubs: Connect, Learn, and Grow

Gardening is more than just digging in the dirt and watching plants grow; it’s about building connections—with the earth, your community, and fellow gardeners who share your passion. Joining a gardening club is one of the best ways to do this, and here in Arizona, there are plenty of clubs to choose from. If you’re looking for a gardening club near you, the Arizona Federation of Garden Clubs (AFGC) has made it easy with its “Find A Club” tool. Visit this page to get started.

Why Join a Gardening Club?

Gardening clubs are a treasure trove of knowledge, experience, and friendship. Whenever I can spend in-person time with other gardeners, they leave me better than they found me. We are better together! Here are just a few reasons to consider joining a gardening club:

• Learn from Fellow Gardeners: Gardeners are naturally generous with their knowledge, seeds, and plants. By joining a club, you gain access to a wealth of experience that can help you grow as a gardener—literally and figuratively.
• Expand Your Skills: From growing vegetables to designing floral arrangements, clubs often offer educational programs, workshops, and demonstrations to expand your gardening repertoire.
• Make a Difference: Many gardening clubs participate in community service projects, like beautifying public spaces, school gardens, and even disaster relief efforts. Your love for gardening can leave a lasting impact on your community.
• Support Environmental Causes: Garden clubs often promote sustainability through native plant gardening, water conservation, and eco-scaping.
• Connect Across Generations: Share your gardening wisdom with younger generations or learn something new from seasoned gardeners. It’s a wonderful way to bridge generational gaps.
• Have Fun: Gardening clubs aren’t just about work but about enjoying yourself! From plant swaps to garden tours, there are plenty of opportunities to socialize and celebrate your shared passion.

What Can You Expect?

Becoming a member of a gardening club opens up a world of possibilities. Here are some highlights of what you can look forward to:

• Educational Programs: Many clubs offer classes and workshops on topics ranging from flower arranging to growing vegetables. I’ve spoken at several garden club meetings in the valley, with topics ranging from container gardening to herb gardening and flower gardening.
• Flower Shows: Participate in floral design studies and local flower shows.
• Community Projects: Collaborate with others to beautify your neighborhood or start a community garden.
• Networking Opportunities: Tap into a statewide network of gardeners to share tips, trade plants, and make lasting friendships.

If you would like to learn more about the principles of successful desert gardening, my guide, “Desert Gardening: How to Grow Vegetables in a Hot, Dry Climate,” may be helpful.

How to Find a Club in Your Area

Finding the right gardening club is as easy as a few clicks. Head to AFGC’s “Find A Club” page to explore local clubs. There are clubs all over Arizona. Hopefully, you can find one near you.

Another Great Option: Growing in the Garden Academy

While local gardening clubs offer a fantastic way to meet gardeners in your area, my online group, Growing in the Garden Academy, provides an additional option for those who want to connect with other gardeners and learn more about gardening in the low desert of Arizona. I teach monthly online classes on seasonal topics in the Academy. There is also a Facebook group for members to connect and annual in-person meetups and seed swaps. It’s a wonderful way to build connections and deepen your gardening knowledge.

To learn more and become a member, visit Growing in the Garden Academy.

Explore Gardens Nationwide

If you want to explore gardens beyond Arizona, check out Garden Fling. This annual event takes participants to incredible garden destinations across the country, offering a unique opportunity to see stunning landscapes, learn from experts, and connect with fellow garden enthusiasts from all over. It’s a great way to broaden your gardening horizons and gather inspiration for your own garden. I left my last garden fling feeling inspired and encouraged from meeting so many wonderful gardeners and seeing the wonderful gardens.

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