About us
Our membership is comprised of a wide range of ages, and members with varying levels of gardening knowledge from beginners to experienced gardeners. No matter your gardening abilities, our club is a welcome place to learn more and make new friends! Among our members are University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners and one of our members is a National Garden Clubs, Inc. Master Flower Show Judge.
Our monthly programs are provided by local horticulturalists, many from the University of Illinois and the UI Extension Service. Each garden-related program is followed by refreshments and a business meeting. Flower arranging classes are held to provide instruction and hands-on practice in the art of floral design, as well as learning more about exhibiting both floral designs and horticulture in flower shows.
In addition to our monthly meetings, the club is involved in projects throughout the Champaign-Urbana community. Past projects include garden therapy at assisted-living facilities, decorating for the holidays at the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen in Champaign, working with youth, and maintaining plantings at the Blue Star Marker in Mahomet.
The club is proud to provide financial support to the National Garden Clubs , Inc. Penney Pines project where NGC, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, are sustaining our national and urban forests through this reforestation/forest education program. Twin City Garden Club also provides financial support to several GCI initiatives including scholarships, GCI grants, youth activities, and GCI environmental and flower show schools.
Twin City Garden Club was organized in 1930. The club is a member of District IV, the Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc. and of the Central Region of National Garden Clubs, Inc. The club has received numerous state and regional, and national awards for their club yearbook and flower shows.
Awards
2021-2022
Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc.
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62. Club Achievement, Blue Seal
2020-2021
Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc.
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60. Best Yearbook (club size 30-59)
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62. Club Achievement, Blue Seal
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83. Other Media – Website, Second Place (tie)
2019-2020
Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc
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2a. Club Small-Standard Flower Show, First Place, “Waste Not, Want Not”
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9. Illinois Judges Council Flower Show Schedule Award. 2nd Place, “Waste Not, Want Not”
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10. Flower Show Educational Exhibit Award. First Place, “Waste Not, Want Not”
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13. Staging Award for an NGC Flower Show. First Place, “Waste Not, Want Not”
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60. Best Yearbook. First Place (30-59 members)
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62. Club Achievement. Blue Seal for 200+ points
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Certificate of Merit (NGC Anniversary Certificates), 90th anniversary
Central Region
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CR Award #9a, Best Flower Show Schedule, 1st place
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CR Award #9b, Best Standard Flower Show Horticulture Division, 1st place
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CR Award #9c, Highest scoring Flower Show Education Exhibit, 1st place
2018
Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc.
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Club Achievement (Purple Rosette)
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Club Horticulture (Silver Seal)
2017
Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc.
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Club achievement (Purple rosette)
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Club Horticulture (Silver seal)
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Best club yearbook (Second Place)
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Club Small-Standard Flower Show (Second Place), "Me and My Monet"
2016
Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc.
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Yearbook, First Place
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Club Achievement (Purple rosette)
Central Region
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Yearbook, First Place
National Garden Clubs, Inc.
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Yearbook, First Place
2015
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Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc.
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Best District Yearbook (Red Rosette)
2014
Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc.
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Best Yearbook
2012
Central Region
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Best Yearbook
2009
Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc.
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Small Show Excellence Award, "Elements", also National Entry for this
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Staging Award, "Elements"
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Best Functional Table Award, "Elements"
2008
Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc.
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Increase of Membership Award
2007
Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc.
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Club Achievement (Purple Rosette)
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Club Horticulture Award (Silver Seal)
2006
Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc.
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Best Yearbook, Small Club Size (Red Rosette)
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Club Achievement Award
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Club Horticulture Award
Club History
Over the past ninety years the club has published two histories of club activities. We are currently working on a history covering 1992-2020 as part of our club's 90th anniversary.
"35 Years with Twin City Garden Club" 1930-1965
"Twin City Garden Club History" 1966-1991
The Garden Clubs of Illinois Conservation Pledge
I pledge to uphold the principles of the Garden Clubs of Illinois: the beautification of our state, kept void of litter, the protection of all wildlife and the conservation of its natural resources for present and future generations.
Resources
Looking for additional plant- and garden-related information? Check out these resources.