Gardening Consultants Council

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Our emphasis for the next two years will be on the importance of increasing the use of native plants; planting to encourage butterflies, beneficial insects and other wildlife through all stages of life; and studying the many ways gardening can improve our environment, particularly in the National Capital Area, our waterways, and the Chesapeake Bay. To help us enhance our gardens for the environment (after all, gardens are ever-changing, either by accident or design), we will have wonderful speakers, and a garden tour or two.

HISTORY: The first Garden Study course in the National Capital Area was offered in the fall of 1994, with the next three courses following in order in April and October 1995, and April 1996. Eleven students who completed all four courses and passed all of their exams earned the honor of becoming the National Capital Area’s first accredited gardening consultants. Ten additional students who had completed at least two

courses became provisional consultants. On

September 26, 1996, the first meeting of Gardening Consultants Council was held.

Our group currently has 42 gardeners who are graduates of the Gardening Study
program. Knowing that learning and doing are life-long gardening pursuits, we continue to study and learn about state-of-the-art techniques and products that help to make gardening fun and rewarding. Our Council is sponsored by National Capital Area Garden Clubs, Inc., a non-profit organization which is part of the largest gardening organization in the world, National Garden Clubs, Inc.

GOALS: To stimulate interest in gardening and horticulture, to encourage growing plants to their peak of perfection, to keep members and the public informed about advanced gardening techniques, to assist garden clubs by giving programs that promote gardening and horticultural excellence, and to support the Gardening Study program.

We enjoy garden visits, nursery tours, expert lectures, plant study, and other related programs and activities aimed at increasing horticulture knowledge. Gardening Consultants then use their knowledge to serve on community beautification committees, to help with historic garden restoration projects, to work with children to promote gardening enthusiasm and knowledge, and in many other ways that serve the communities where we live.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS: Any NCAGC garden club member who has taken all four Gardening Study courses and passed the examinations with a score of at least 70% may join Gardening Consultants Council. Students who complete any two courses are eligible to join the Council as provisional members while they complete the final two courses. To retain membership, consultants must complete at least one refresher Gardening Study course at least once every five years. Members may also refresh by taking an approved (NGC sanctioned) trip/tour.

MISSION: To stimulate interest in gardening and horticulture, to encourage the use of the most advanced gardening techniques, to be an informational source for members and the public, and to provide speakers for garden clubs and the public.