History
The Woman’s National Farm and Garden Association (WNF&GA) was founded in 1914 to help rural women learn effective agricultural skills and how to market their produce and other wares. Over the decades, the WNF&GA created branches that spread to many states in the Northeast and Midwest. (https://wnfga.org). The Rochester Branch of the Woman’s National Farm & Garden Association was created in 1935. In the early years, the Rochester Branch included members from many prominent local families including Durst, Chapman, Wilson, and Potere. While activities in the 1950s and 1960s revolved around flower shows and bridge tournaments, the current organization has expanded and modernized to reflect our members interests and to fit the needs of the current community. In 2018 we adopted the name, Rochester Garden Club. We designed a new logo created to reflect our community service, our interest in learning about gardens and nature, and the fun we all share when we gather together. Rochester Garden Club members focus on bettering the greater Rochester area in many ways. We maintain and improve the Children’s Garden at The Rochester Museum at Van Hoosen Farms. Our extensive scholarship program is designed to increase knowledge and awareness of the environment for students of all ages. The club also is active in civic beautification, horticultural therapy for local residents in need, preschool gardening projects, educational programs that focus on sustainable gardening and much more. Most funding is provided by the annual Gifts and Greens Market and the Rochester Garden Walk.
