About Us
What we doInstruct, Inspire & Protect
The purpose of the Des Moines Founders Garden Club is to instruct the public on horticultural subjects and stimulate interest in the beautification of geographical areas by active and progressive gardening. We stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening among amateurs, aid in the protection of native trees, plants, and birds, and encourage civic planning.
The Des Moines Founders Garden Club is a proud member of the Garden Club of America
Donations
Every year we provide financial and volunteer assistance for various horticultural programs. Learn More
Smithsonian Gardens
We document local gardens for inclusion into the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Gardens. Learn More
Partners for Plants
A joint restoration program bewteen the GCA Conservation and Horticulture Committees. Learn More
Photography
Our Photography Committee promotes the art and science of photography at all skill levels. Learn More
Awards
We rrecognize our members and community volunteers in the areas of education, service, and design. Learn More
| Year | Amount | Title | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $5,000 | EveryStep Community Garden | Learn More |
| 2023 | $500 | Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation | Learn More |
| 2023 | $250 | Friends of Neal Smith Prairie Learning Center | Learn More |
| 2023 | $250 | Iowa Arboretum | Learn More |
| 2023 | $150 | Brenton Arboretum | Learn More |
| 2023 | $150 | Iowa Environmental Council | Learn More |
| 2023 | $100 | Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden | Learn More |
ConservationPartners for Plants
Partners for Plants is a joint program of The Garden Club of America’s Conservation and Horticulture Committees to monitor and conserve rare plants, restore native habitats and remove invasive weeds on federal, state and local public lands.
What We've Done
Working dogs and their handlers were used to locate and map Asclepias verticillata “whorled milkweed” throughout the 8,000 plus acres of the Refuge. Ongoing support continues through seed collection, seed cleaning, and transplanting native plants.
How It Works
Coordinated by a GCA club, each Partners for Plants project is as unique as the group undertaking the task. Volunteers work with professional botanists and land managers who supervise activities and share their knowledge and expertise.
PhotographyFurthering the knowledge and love of gardening.
The DMFGC Photography Committee furthers the knowledge and love of gardening and the natural landscape through photography. It promotes the art and science of photography at all skill levels through education and provides training and help in documenting GCA meetings and events.
Awards
Garden Club of America & Zone XI
We are proud to recognize our members and community volunteers in the areas of education, service, and design.
View Awards Archive