“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the

influence of the human spirit.”   Wilma Rudolph

The history of the Garden Club begins with the dream of veteran gardener, Mary Miller. She put an ad in the newspaper and word spread in the local Master Gardener community. The thought of creating a space to introduce others to the joys of gardening sparked a small group into action. In May 2009, the fledgling club started as a circle within the Orange Park Garden Club. We met at the Fleming Island Library (and still do) once a month from August through May.

Under Mary’s tutelage, we grew in number and walked through the steps of growing pains. Numbers increased, we took on projects in the community, and adopted a welcoming philosophy based on sharing the joys of gardening. Time passed, and we decided to incorporate as a separate club. In the fall of 2011, we became the Garden Club of Fleming Island.

Numerous projects on Fleming Island bear the stamp of the Garden Club of Fleming Island – a home garden for a Wounded Warrior, gardening classes at the local nursing home, education opportunities for the public as Adult Ed at the library, a butterfly garden at a local church, gardening with children at a local elementary school, food donations for our local Food Pantry, a beautiful butterfly garden in front of our Headquarters’ library, and most recently, the installation of a Blue Star Marker garden as a tribute to our veterans at the same location.

Garden Clubs throughout history have created a strong connection between the joy of gardening and shared civic involvement. Members are given avenues for play, exploration and collective projects in the community. Each member has the opportunity to propose projects and participate in established activities. The Garden Club of Fleming Island has based its gardening philosophy on a combination of social interaction, plant education, and “paying it forward” to our local community.

What began as Mary’s dream has blossomed into an active garden club dedicated to beautifying the community and enhancing members’ experience of gardening. We thank you, Mary, for your vision, leadership, tenacity and guidance.