FAQs

Willow Glen Garden Club

Q: Can you tell me about the Willow Glen Garden Club?

A: We are a South Bay volunteer-based gardening club that combines all levels, styles, and gardening interests. Ages range from our 40s – 80s+. Some of us work, and some of us don’t. The main thing we have in common is an interest in learning, improving, and sharing information about plants.

Q: Are you a non-profit?

A: Yes, we are 501(c)(3) and volunteer-based organization.

Q: How old is WGGC and how many members do you have?

A. We are a young organization and still evolving. We were founded in September 2021. It started with a very small group of gardeners who lived in Willow Glen and has been steadily growing. We’re now over 40 members. It’s an excellent time to join if you’re interested in helping set the direction of where we take the WGGC.

Q: Do you need to live in Willow Glen to join?

A: No. Most of our members live in Willow Glen, San Jose, Campbell, and Santa Clara. You do not need to live in Willow Glen.

Q. Are all of your activities in Willow Glen?

Our membership meetings are 1x/month in downtown Willow Glen and our events/outings are mostly in the South Bay but could be in the greater Bay Area (including Santa Cruz/Monterey area).

Q: When/where are WGGC’s member meetings?

A: We meet on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Be sure and check the Calendar page to confirm the location.

Q: What are club requirements?

A: We expect members to be INVOLVED/ENGAGED by volunteering. The club’s ability to bring programs to its members and the community comes from our membership being actively involved (role/task-based volunteering and participating in the club activities). Examples include: helping with the newsletter, organizing events or a community project, securing guest speakers, and hosting a backyard garden tour.

Q: What are the WGGC Membership benefits?

A: Members will receive several benefits including:

  • Membership to the California Garden Clubs, Inc. (CGCI)
  • Membership to the National Garden Clubs, Inc.
  • New Gardening Friends to discuss ideas and common gardening interests
  • Attendance to all WGGC Events
  • Plantlush – 20% discount to active WGGC Members
  • Almaden Valley Nursery – 10% discount to active WGGC Members
  • WGGC Newsletter to keep informed of current and future happenings with the club
  • WGGC Email electronic communications to keep informed of current and future happenings with the club
  • WGGC Book Club (a social activity that meets once/month; books are not specifically gardening related)

Q: Is WGGC affiliated with the California Garden Clubs, Inc. (CGCI) and the National Garden Clubs, Inc. (NGCI)?

A: Yes. Active WGGC Members automatically become members of both CGCI and NGCI. As members, we receive discounts on classes offered by those organizations. WGGC is also proud to be named a Blue Ribbon Garden Club through CGCI. The designation goes to garden clubs that demonstrate diverse activities and projects – all for the good of the community.

Q: What are examples of your activities?

  • Local garden visits. We try to arrange our own docent tours if they are available. (e.g. from last 6 months: Hakone, Elizabeth F Gamble in Palo Alto, Nestldown)
  • Garden tours of members’ yards (very informal, but you can learn a lot)
  • Guest speakers (e.g. UC Master Gardeners, Love Apple Farms owner)
  • Monthly member meetings
  • Community projects (projected)

Q: How do you communicate with members aside from membership meetings?
A: Club communications are via emails, e-newsletter, and through the Members Only Private Facebook Page.

Q: What does the membership fee cover?

A: Membership fees pay for the liability insurance that allows us to meet in person. Fees also cover WGGC administrative expenses like the website, club materials, etc. Fees don’t go toward salaries. We are a 501(c)(3) and volunteer-based organization.

Q: Can I attend a WGGC event/meeting if I’m not a member to see if I like your group?

A: Yes. Non-members can attend up to 2 events before they are expected to join WGGC.

Q: When do you accept memberships and what is the cost?

You can join anytime, but our 2023-2024 annual membership runs July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Membership dues are $50 per year from July 1 to June 30 or $25 from January 1 to June 30 if you join mid-year.

Q: Can I join today?

A: You can join anytime, but our 2023-2024 annual membership runs July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.

Q. How do I join?

A. Fill out the application at this link and follow its instructions: https://willowglengardenclub.com/willow-glen-garden-club-membership-application/

Q: How do I pay?

A: WGGC accepts: Check or Zelle Transfers. Details are listed in the membership application link here: https://willowglengardenclub.com/willow-glen-garden-club-membership-application/