The one organization I have been dying to get involved with is the Garden Conservancy and this year I finally have some time. Besides having many friends involved with this great organization, the Garden Conservancy is doing some really great work!
“Preservation is the core of our mission to save and share outstanding American gardens for the education and inspiration of the public.” They’ve been providing support to garden partners since 1989, helping them in a myriad of ways, tailored to the individual needs of their garden partners.
The range of advice and assistance they offer is comprehensive, providing support in the following areas:
Mission, vision, and values statements
Assessment and feasibility studies
Long term preservation
Master, landscape, and business planning
Garden standards and design
Visitor experience
Finance, development, and fund raising
Management
Organizational development
Board development
Relationship development and management
Messaging/communications/promotion/public relations
Website and social media presence
Documenting the garden
HR staffing and support
Membership
Programming
Easement monitoring
Professional development
My enjoyment of this organization comes from participating in their organized trips to special gardens that one wouldn’t normally see. Last summer I participated in a trip to a private home in the Bay Area and listened to a guest landscape architect over lunch. I left filled with inspiration, excitement and ideas for my own garden. I plan on signing up for a couple of trips next year. Heads up: you must be a member in order to participate and you must sign up as soon as the notices come in your mail as their trips fill up quickly!
The Garden Conservancy is member supported, so if you believe in the great work they’re doing, join them by becoming a member or financially supporting the Garden Conservancy.
