Love plants and want to learn more about how to take care of them? Thurston County garden clubs are perfect places to learn how to care for plants, cultivate an edible garden or spruce up your indoor planters! Some clubs focus on things like flower shows, while others are all about general gardening. Join a garden club near Olympia and get ready to watch your garden grow!
Olympia Garden Club
Meets the last Thursday of each month
Gull Harbor Lutheran Church
The Olympia Garden Club is a member of the Black Hills District of Garden Clubs. For over 100 years this club has helped gardeners in the area thrive. Members have varied interests, from landscape design and civic improvement or horticulture, conservation and flower arranging. The group has monthly speakers, hands-on projects and community service opportunities. Reach out to Dorrie Car at hdcarr@outlook.com to learn about joining. They also have their own Olympia Garden Club website.
Black Hills Flower Designers
Meets First Friday of each month
Mt. Green Mhp
5140 Yelm Hwy SE, Lacey
Formed in the 1970s, the Black Hills Flower Designers Club focuses on creative flower design, according to club leader Debra Spiller. The club is a member of the Black Hills District of Garden Clubs, a chapter of the Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs and the National Garden Club.
Spiller explains that the club follows the rule book “National Garden Club Handbook for Flower Shows” and the design types and projects in it. They help with three National Garden Club Flower Shows a year, that are put on by their parent club, Black Hills District of Garden Clubs. They happen in October, April and July (at the Thurston County Fair) each year.
Unfortunately, at this time the club is full and not accepting new members Spiller says. But you are always welcome to attend (or enter!) a show. For more information, visit the Black Hills District of Garden Clubs website.
Friendly Flower Garden Club
Meets first Monday of the month
Mt. Green Mhp
5140 Yelm Hwy SE, Lacey
The Friendly Flower Garden Club is another club that is a member of the Black Hills District of Garden Clubs. This club meets monthly on Mondays and often has speakers at the club meetings. For example, in March 2024 they had Cassie Cichorz, outreach and education specialist for plant-pest protection in Washington. She talked about invasive insect species and how they can get into Washington State. You can join the Garden Club – Lacey WA Facebook group for more information on the club, including upcoming events.
Friendly Neighbors
Meets second Wednesday of the Month
various homes in Thurston and Lewis counties
Friendly Neighbors is another Black Hills District of Garden Club member that meets at various homes in Thurston and Lewis counties instead of in one place each month. This allows people to see other members’ gardens and get inspiration and help! Join the Friendly Neighbors Facebook group for more information
WSU Master Gardener Program
Ready to take your gardening to the next level? Each county has its own branch of the WSU Master Gardener Program that combines horticulture training with public service. The Thurston County Master Gardeners support the demonstration garden; hold gardening, composting and recycling clinics; provide a children’s garden program; and host virtual workshops and other events throughout the year. You can train to become a volunteer or go through the program to become a master gardener. Learn more on the WSU website.
