Member Benefits and Opportunities
As a member of the Kalamazoo Garden Council (KGC), you and your club have access to a wide range of benefits and resources:
Educational Support & Scholarships
- Scholarships are available for first-time attendees who successfully complete one course from each of the four National Garden Club (NGC) schools: Flower Show School, Landscape Design School, Environmental Studies School and Gardening Study School.
- The Miriam Arend Scholarship offers full or partial reimbursement for KGC members attending the annual Michigan Garden Clubs (MGC) Conference.
- Louise Adams Civic Beautification Awards provide up to $200 in matching funds for club civic beautification projects (awarded annually).
Programs & Learning Opportunities
- Flower arranging classes and hands-on educational workshops.
- Opportunities to participate in standard flower shows.
- Invitations to programs, guest speaker events, and field trips hosted by KGC or member clubs.
Resources
- Access to the Blanche Babcock Library, with over 3,000 books on gardening, floral design, and landscaping.
- Access to the Lynn Dinvald Library with over 500 items for flower arranging
- An annual Member Directory with Council and affiliate information.
- Online access to member resources, updates, and news.
- Free use of the Council House meeting rooms, fully equipped kitchen, and workrooms for club business.
- One large storage shelf unit per club available for purchase and use at the Council House.
Shopping & Supplies
- The Council Garden Shop, offering floral and gardening supplies at competitive prices.
- Ergonomic tools and garden gifts available through the Council website (curated by the Garden Gifts & Tools Committee).
Financial & Organizational Support
- Fiduciary support for large club projects—donations may be tax- deductible.
- Clubs may use the Council’s 501(c)(3) status for eligible projects.
- Affiliation with state and national organizations, including Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. and National Garden Clubs, Inc.
- Member clubs gain access to liability insurance and MGC Pollinator Signs through MGC.
- Revenue-sharing opportunities with participating clubs for the Greens Sale and Members Market.
Community & Connection
- A strong source of fellowship and collaboration through Council events and joint activities with other area clubs.
Advantages of Federated Membership:
The advantages of a federated membership which includes membership in the National Garden Council, Inc., Central Region and Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. are explored on the Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. website. Click on the link to see why our Kalamazoo Garden Council belongs to these organizations.
Membership:
The Kalamazoo Garden Council, Inc. consists of members of garden clubs in the Greater Kalamazoo Area, whose aim is to promote the objectives of KGC and the Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. For assistance in finding out how to become a potential new member, please Contact Membership Chair. She will provide information about the Kalamazoo Garden Council and various garden clubs. You will find additional information about our nine garden clubs on this site.
Information regarding new club members, resignations, changes or corrections in names, addresses, telephone, or email during the year, should be forwarded to the KGC Database Manager and the Information Technologist, Kathy Kienle, sckienle@gmail.com.
Kalamazoo Garden Council Business Meetings:
The Annual Meeting is scheduled for the second Tuesday in June. Hosted by the Council at various locations around the area, it is an event for all council members and features a luncheon, keynote speaker, and installation of officers and Board Members. It is a wonderful opportunity to get to know council members from other clubs, learn new information, and enjoy a delicious meal. All members have voting rights at the Annual Meeting. Consult the website for updates, change of venues and/or cancellations.
Newsletter:
“The Garden Post” is published in twice yearly and will be sent by email to members from KalamazooGardenCouncil@gmail.com. The newsletter will be posted on the website. Presidents or Club Directors are responsable for distributing a hardcopy to those members who do not use email.
Member Clubs’ Responsibilites
To keep the Kalamazoo Garden Council running smoothly, each member club plays an important role. The responsibilities below ensure strong communication, shared involvement, and the continued success of our events, gardens, and Council House.
- Appoint a Club Director to attend all KGC board meetings and share important updates with your club. If the Director cannot attend, a proxy may be sent, but proxies are not permitted to vote.
- Reserve meeting or workshop space at the Council House by contacting the Council House Chair at least 3 days in advance (applies to Zoom meetings as well).
- Follow all Council House Rules when hosting events. Rules can be found on page 12-13, and are posted in the kitchen.
- Maintain an assigned garden area at the Council House, as agreed upon with the Grounds Chair.
- Support and participate in the annual Greens Sale and other KGC events.
- Pay membership dues by May 1.
- Contribute to the newsletter and website by submitting relevant content when possible.