A Historic Legacy Rooted in a Shared Passion for Gardening
In 1926, a group of families founded the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club to advance gardening in the newly established Rancho Santa Fe community. An anonymous donor funded the construction of a clubhouse, while members contributed furnishings. This early support laid the groundwork for the club, which soon became a key community hub for gardening activities, workshops, and social events, and has continued to enhance the local landscape and foster community spirit.
The club was incorporated as a nonprofit California corporation in 1937 and is recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization by the U.S Internal Revenue Service. During World War II, the building served as the headquarters for many war agencies and was designated a Civilian Causality Center. The club members offered their wartime support by making wreaths for patients in military hospitals.
The Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club sponsored the first two fall Fashion Shows hosted by Country Friends, and the first clean-up and anti-litter campaign in San Diego County.
Cooperation between the Garden Club and the Rancho Santa Fe Association began in 1957 with the beautification of roadside plantings and the landscaping of the school, the Gold Club and the post office. The Club was granted a formal exception from Federal Income Tax in 1966 as an educational and charitable organization.
The Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club Mission Statement
Our purpose is to further the development of charitable horticulture and conservation activities both within the Rancho Santa Fe community and the Greater San Diego area.
The RSF Garden Club has an active activities calendar including local day trips, workshops and events. Membership is open to everyone.
The RSF Garden Club Today
The club’s growing membership continues the mission and untiring work of the club for the betterment of the community with its active philanthropic program. We share our appreciation of gardening and grow together with the community by providing grants to other non-profit organizations that serve Rancho Santa Fe and the Greater San Diego County area.
Our grant program has funded horticulture, conservation, and educational projects such as ECOLIFE Conservation, San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, Coastal Roots Farm, The Nature Collective, D’Vine Path, Good Shepherd Community Ministry, Agrarian Institute Farm, and several school garden programs.
Since the launch of our grant program, we have awarded over $1 million to support initiatives across Rancho Santa Fe and San Diego County.
Board Of Directors & Staff
