Men's Garden Club of America

The Gardeners of America
Men's Garden Clubs of America

36 Member Clubs in 14 States (2016)
Abbreviation	TGOA/MGCA
Motto	"Gardening Education and Excellence in Horticulture Since 1932"
Formation	September 26, 1932
Legal status	501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Purpose	Gardening education and community beautification.
Headquarters	P.O. Box 241 5560 Merle Hay Road Johnston, IA 50131-0241 515-278-0295
Membership	Men and women with an interest in gardening and horticulture.
President	Billy A. Clark
Main organ	A national board of directors.
Affiliations	American Horticultural Soc.
Website	www.TGOA-MGCA.org
Remarks	Also known as TGOA, MGCA, TGOA/MGCA, The Gardeners of America, and Men's Garden Clubs of America.

The Gardeners of America/Men's Garden Clubs of America (TGOA/MGCA) is a national organization with 36 affiliated garden clubs located in 14 states (2016) across the United States. The organization is also known as Gardeners of America (TGOA) or Men’s Garden Clubs of America (MGCA). It has its headquarters in Johnston, Iowa, a business suburb of Des Moines. It is a non-profit organization incorporated in the state of Illinois, and registered with the IRS as a 501(c)3 non-profit group. Most clubs include men and women members, and concentrate on gardening education (for members and nonmembers), and community beautification and enhancement. At one time the organization had about 10,000 members.

The Men's Garden Clubs of America organization was founded in 1932, and grew rapidly as a unique organization of male gardeners. By 1993 the organization had grown greatly, and the bylaws were changed. The organization became The Gardeners of America with two divisions: The Gardeners of America and Men’s Garden Clubs of America. While local clubs may feel more closely affiliated with one division, all are members of TGOA/MGCA. Today many clubs include both men and women, although some all-male clubs still exist.

The mission statement of TGOA/MGCA as stated on the organization website is

The mission of TGOA/MGCA is to promote gardening education and related environmental issues to its membership and the gardening public through charitable, educational and scientific means.

It works towards this objective by providing activities that help member clubs develop and publicize new or improved gardening techniques. People living in a location without local garden clubs can become a member-at-large and participate in TGOA/MGCA programs. TGOA/MGCA operates in partnership with the American Horticultural Society, and optional membership in AHS includes the publication The American Gardener, which cites TGOA/MGCA activities.

TGOA/MGCA is listed as a gardening resource on various websites.

In addition to the programs and projects of local garden clubs, TGOA/MGCA sponsors the following national programs.