In 1924 J.M. Hitt, the Washington State librarian at the time, formed the Olympia Flower Society. 25 people made up the original membership, listed by name in a June 19, 1924, article in the Morning Olympian. According to the article, the society was formed to organize flower shows including a spring rose show and fall flower exhibits. A second article in the Morning Olympian, published June 29, 1924, further explained their purpose to find flowers that would grow well in the Olympia area and cultivate them. The Society would also “encourage the care and development of gardens and grounds.” Fast forward 100 years later, and the Olympia Garden Club is carrying out those very same goals.
Olympia Garden Club: 100 Years of History Highlights
Laura A. Little, Olympia Garden Club historian, says those two articles are the only original records they have of the club. The next oldest records are from six years later in 1930.
Laura and Nany Funk, publicity chair for the Olympia Garden Club, shared some highlights in the 100-year history of the club:
1938 – The Olympia Flower Society joined the Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs, a sublevel of the National Garden Clubs Inc.
1938-1940s – Supported the Girl Scout project, Little House.
1943-44 – Active USO and War Time Committee.
1945 – The name was changed to Olympia Garden Club.
1950s – Started the annual Christmas Show, now called Merrie Makings.
1959 – Started providing weekly flower arrangements for the Olympia Public Library.
1960 – Worked in association with the local 4-H clubs sponsored by the Washington State University.
1969 – Worked with local schools and churches on a public campaign addressing littering. They later expanded to aluminum recycling initiatives.
1973 – Partnered with the Olympia Parks Department to establish the Washington Memorial Garden at Squaxin Park (formerly Priest Point Park).
1977 – Began sponsoring the annual Arbor Day Celebration at Squaxin Park where they plant a tree.
2000s – Planted hanging flower baskets in downtown Olympia. Arranged for Roosevelt School to have a composting bin and showed the students how to maintain it. Worked with GRuB in their public gardens. Helped maintain the YWCA’s gardens.
Throughout its history, the Olympia Garden Club has continued to do flower shows as well, including District Flower Shows and the show at the Thurston County Fair each year.
Cultivating Success at the Olympia Garden Club
One hundred years is a long time for any business or organization to endure, let alone keep to its original mission and values. but the Olympia Garden Club has done just that. Laura shared the 1959 constitution and by-laws – the oldest they have on record – which state that the “purpose of this association shall be the study of gardening, better horticulture and associated subjects and the holding of exhibitions of flower and shrubs as an inspirational and educational medium and to promote civic beauty, to cooperate with natural resource agencies in conservation methods; and to develop roadside improvements.”
Part of today’s bylaws read much the same: “Advancing the fine art of gardening and landscaping design, civic improvement, study of horticulture, and the art of flower arranging. Furthering the interests of conservation, civic beauty, and roadside beautification.”
Today, the club continues to do similar work from the past century. Recycling has become a key focus in the Club, transplanting to many of its activities. “Olympia Garden Club has become very active in recycling plastic and encourages members to recycle anything that can be recycled,” shares Nancy. “Members are creative with certain floral designs by re-using ordinary household items such as small cans or plastic containers in their displays.”
Nancy believes the Club has been so successful because gardening is timeless, a great way to make friends and relieve stress. “When we are in our gardens – either working in our own or visiting a friend’s garden – other cares of our hearts seem to take a back seat,” she says. “Personally, I feel a sense of accomplishment when I plant a non-descript seed or bulb and watch it bloom into something of beauty.”
The Olympia Garden Club does important work, says Laura, and she believes that is a big reason for its success as well. “The longevity of the club is evidence, in and of itself, of a need that existed even then in our community, for a social outlet focused on the natural handiwork of God,” she shares. “We have survived because there are needs being met, and people being touched.”
Like Nancy, she also thinks the people have been a huge part of the success of the Club as well. “I believe the successes and values of the Olympia Garden Club has always been found in the individuals that make up the Club,” Lauran continues. “It’s found in their values, their commitment and dedication to club goals.”
Annual Events Put On by the Olympia Garden Club
The Olympia Garden Club has several fun annual events that members love. One is visiting each other’s gardens, which Nancy says is a favorite of hers. “New, old, big, small – each garden is unique and beautiful,” she says. Members and guests are invited on these tours. However, the annual Secret Garden Tours are open to anyone. You purchase a ticket and are given a map of the houses on that year’s list for a self-guided tour of some of the best gardens in the Olympia area.
Merrie Makings continues as well. Each holiday season the Olympia Garden Club members sell fresh wreaths, centerpieces and cemetery pillows. The proceeds go towards grants and scholarships. Currently, they make donations to the Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs Scholarship Fund and educational grants are given to Thurston County teachers who need monies for projects involving gardening, horticulture and environmental studies.
The club does many philanthropic projects each as well, from planting trees and recycling projects to fixing planters and teaching gardening skills at Plum Street Tiny Home Village. They also make and fill stockings for them during the holidays, with cold-weather items like gloves and hats and snacks.
The Olympia Garden Club meets at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1925 Boulevard Rd, SE, Olympia. To learn more and become a member, visit the Olympia Garden Club website. Whether you want to learn more about gardening, help beautify our lovely community or show your flowers, the Olympia Garden Club has space for you to grow and blossom.
