About NCAGC
The National Capital Area Garden Clubs (NCAGC) Serves the greater Washington DC area with 2000 members, 58 garden clubs organized among four Districts. Our history is deeply rooted at the United States National Arboretum (Arboretum). Please visit the Arboretum, especially two gardens near to the hearts of NCAGC members; Fern Valley and Friendship Garden.
Executive Board
Historical Perspective
The National Capital Area Garden Clubs (NCAGC) began as the National Capital Garden Club League (NCGCL) in 1951. The NCGCL was given permission by Congress, at the request of Arboretum Director Dr. Henry Skinner and Mayland State Senator Gilbert Gude, to have our headquarters at the Arboretum as a result of our hard work on Fern Valley.
NCAGC members were instrumental in the establishment of the gift shop, Arbor House (which closed in 2019) as well as the Volunteer Guide Service. Recently, NCAGC worked with the Arboretum to install five rain gardens located in the R Street parking area and in the circle in front of the Administration Building. Each garden has a different theme: Low Maintenance, Coastal Plain, Butterfly, Formal/Traditional, and Xeric. This project was initiated under President Vickie Godwin in 2011, was supported by Presidents David Healy and Jo Sellers, and completed under President Robin Hammer in 2018.
NCAGC is fortunate to hold our two annual meetings (September and March/April) at the Arboretum as well as our biannual Flower Show. We are proud to support Arboretum and Friends of the Arboretum (FONA) initiatives, especially the Lahr Native Plant Symposium held each spring.
