Our History
MODESTO GARDEN CLUB HISTORY
The Modesto Garden Club was founded on February 12, 1924 by Modesto Junior College Professor Frederick (Pop) Knorr, a naturalist and conservationist, who devoted many years to planting and preserving trees and greenery in Modesto. The Club was federated September 24, 1946 and incorporated in 1962.
Projects of Modesto Garden Club
1924 Modesto Junior College landscaped
1928 Arbor Day tree planting began
1932 Spring Garden Tours began
Graceada Park magnolia trees and benches provided
1938 Municipal Golf Course trees provided
1939 Community Christmas fir tree planted downtown
1962 Annual Camellia Festival began
1969 Penny Pines Plantations began
1972 Memorial Rose Garden established
1980 Great Valley Museum Garden planted
1985 McHenry Museum front planter landscaped
1989 McHenry Mansion orange grove provided
1994 Historical Police Sub-Station landscaped
1995 Stanislaus Wildlife Care Center contributions began
1996 McClatchy Square Rose Garden
Victorian-style drinking fountain purchased
Residential Yard-of-the-Month contest began
1997 McClure Country Place Historical Landmark landscaping began
(Community Hospice event)
1998 Senior Citizens Center landscape lights installed
Senior Citizens Center "Secret Garden" began
Residential Senior Care Facilities Chair gardening began
For more information, please contact the President.
1999 Color Modesto project established with the City of Modesto
Graceada Park Restoration funding provided
2000 Color Modesto hanging baskets provided
Color Modesto downtown flowerpots planted and maintained
2001 Living, working Flower Clock established
2003 Victims' Garden
Office Project started
2005 Dedication of Office at 622 14th Street, Modesto
2006 Five Corners Project established at American Graffiti Statue
2007 Virginia Corridor Rose Garden started
Support of Modesto Greater Tree Foundation began
2008 Virginia Corridor Rose Garden completed
2010 Landscaping at McHenry Mansion
2012 Modesto Garden Club donated funds to the restoration of the
Modesto Welcome Arch and designed and planted the planters
that flank the Arch.
2016 Maintain the Rose Garden at Briggsmore and College Avenues
2019 Design, plant and maintain flower pots at Gallo Center
2019 Design, plant and maintain the "K" Street Parklet, located at "K" and Needham Streets.