Our Story.
Founded in 1927, the French Broad River Garden Club is one of Asheville’s oldest and most enduring civic organizations. For nearly a century, our members have shared a common purpose: to cultivate beauty, foster knowledge of horticulture, and support conservation and community enrichment in Western North Carolina.
The Club was admitted to the Garden Club of America in 1930, reflecting its early commitment to excellence in gardening, education, and environmental stewardship. Since that time, generations of members have contributed their time, expertise, and creativity to projects that enhance both private gardens and public spaces throughout the Asheville area.
In the 1920s, Asheville conservationist Sarah Speed encountered a mountain resident selling an entire holly tree for holiday decorations. Concerned by the wasteful practice of cutting whole trees, she began teaching local families more sustainable ways to harvest and use native greenery.
Her work grew into gatherings where mountain women learned about gardening, nutrition, food preservation, and responsible harvesting—and sold vegetables, eggs, preserves, and handmade holiday decorations to supplement their family incomes.
When the French Broad River Garden Club was chartered in 1927, Sarah Speed became a charter member and the Club's first Conservation Chair. Her Merry Christmas Greens Market became the Club's first conservation project.
Nearly 100 years later, the principles behind that first project—conservation, education, community, and stewardship—remain at the heart of who we are.
It Started With a Holly Tree
Our Home.
The French Broad River Garden Club's home at 1000 Hendersonville Road tells its own remarkable story.
Proceeds from the early Greens Market helped the Club purchase the property in 1955 and establish its first cabin, reconstructed from historic logs brought from Madison County. Over the decades, members transformed the surrounding grounds into gardens devoted to horticulture, native plants, education, and conservation.
In 1971, Clem's Cabin was dedicated in memory of beloved Club member and weaving instructor Clementine Douglas. Today, our cabins and gardens remain both a gathering place for our members and a tangible connection to generations of women who came before us.
Our Impact.
For nearly 100 years, generations of French Broad River Garden Club members have worked to preserve the natural beauty of Western North Carolina. What began in 1927 as a group of Asheville women united by a love of gardening, horticulture, conservation and civic improvement has grown into an enduring commitment to our region—one that continues today through education, conservation, scholarships, community grants and hands-on stewardship.
About Us
The French Broad River Garden Club of Asheville was chartered in 1927 by a group of women passionate about gardening, horticulture, conservation, and civic planning.
In 2027, the French Broad River Garden Club celebrates its 100-year anniversary. This enduring history tells the story of our Club’s dedication to promoting conservation, civic planning and planting, gardening and design, and horticultural education. Our members translate their passion into action that transforms individuals and communities.
Our major club initiatives include:
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Donating local scholarships through our annual fundraisers.
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Ongoing commitments to partner organizations throughout Western North Carolina.
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Implementing beautification and restoration projects in neighborhoods, parks, and historic gardens.
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Documenting horticulture design and history for the Archive of American Gardens at the Smithsonian Institution.
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Promoting conservation through demonstration and education initiatives, programs, and grants.
Our Commitment
Promoting the conservation, development, and intelligent use of natural resources in North Carolina and beyond.
Upcoming Events
Join us at the French Broad River Garden Club Foundation for our upcoming events! We are excited to offer a series of community gatherings, workshops, and educational programs that celebrate the beauty of nature and gardening. Stay tuned for more details about dates, times, and activities. We would love to see you there!
Member's Only
Join us at the French Broad River Garden Club Foundation and immerse yourself in a community that celebrates the joy of gardening! By becoming a member, you'll gain access to a wealth of resources, events, and opportunities to share your passion. Let's grow together—sign up today and be a part of our vibrant gardening family!
2026 News & Events
