About us
The Garden Club of Omaha brings together gardening enthusiasts to share and gain knowledge, exchange tips, and foster a love for gardening. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, join us to grow your skills, connect with others, and make Omaha greener!
By the early to mid-1960s, many women were deeply involved in Civil Rights movements and had begun to seriously redefine their place in almost every field of endeavor in the United States. They were standing up for significant changes and creating new paradigms. The hobby of gardening was certainly not exempt from any of those dramatic changes. During that era, many men had been vegetable gardeners in their backyards for decades, but few men grew ornamental plants or were members of any formal gardening clubs. Nearly all the local Garden Clubs were simply social clubs with all women members. Then, in 1963, the unheard-of happened right here in Nebraska. A woman started the Men's Garden Club of Omaha. Purportedly it was the only logical way she could think of to get her husband out of the house creating an organization for him to be part of so he could be associated with other men who were passionate about the hobby of gardening. For more than 60 years the Men's Garden Club is still functioning. However, years ago the club changed its bylaws to permit both men and women to be club members. At the beginning of 2025, we changed the name of the club to The Garden Club of Omaha, and this year all of the executives are women. Those early 1800s suffragists would be proud.
Club activities & events
The club holds general meetings at the Douglas/Sarpy County Extension office on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 pm except in May, June, July, August, and December. During the summer months, club-sponsored garden walks replace the general meetings and in December a Christmas party is held rather than a general meeting. The club also participates in the annual home and garden show, hosts an annual plant sale in the spring (selling hundreds of young plants propagated by members), and an annual picnic in the late summer. Plant sale profits provide area horticulture grants and urban horticulture-oriented scholarships.
Community contributions
The Garden Club of Omaha promotes gardening education by hosting workshops, lectures, and events that encourage sustainable practices and inspire people to connect with nature. Through plant sales, fundraising efforts, and partnerships with local organizations, the club raises money for community projects and scholarships—giving back in more ways than one. At its heart, the Garden Club of Omaha nurtures a love of gardening while growing stronger, greener communities.
Our vision
The long-term vision of the Garden Club of Omaha is to cultivate a greener, healthier, and more connected community through the love of gardening. The club seeks to inspire generations to appreciate and care for the natural world by fostering environmental awareness, promoting sustainable gardening practices, and supporting public green spaces throughout the city.
Through education, outreach, and hands-on involvement, the club envisions a future where gardens are not only places of beauty, but also tools for learning, healing, and bringing people together. Whether it’s through partnerships with schools, city parks, or local organizations, the Garden Club of Omaha is committed to leaving a lasting legacy—where community and nature grow side by side.
Join the garden club!
Become a member of The Garden Club of Omaha and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts. Share your knowledge, learn new tips, and help us make Omaha greener!