The Jensen Beach Garden Club is set to celebrate its 75th anniversary in January 2025, reflecting a long-standing commitment to community service and gardening expertise. Founded by Rose Ditterline as an off-shoot of the Stuart Garden Club, JBGC’s early efforts focused on beautification projects, including enhancements at All Saints Cemetery, flower deliveries to nursing home residents, and plant exchanges.

Over the decades, the Jensen Beach Garden Club significantly expanded its initiatives. In the 1960s, it contributed to the beautification of Jensen Beach Blvd and the Chamber of Commerce building. The 1970s were marked by the planting of the "Liberty Tree" at the Environmental Studies Center and the organization of the popular Spring Flower Show. In the 1980s, the Club revitalized downtown Jensen Beach, collaborating with the Historic Downtown Jensen Beach Merchants Association on the Pineapple Festival, which featured a concert with Marie Osmond. The Club adopted Langford Park and hosted annual Earth Day and Arbor Day celebrations.

The 1990s and early 2000s saw impactful projects, including the planting of 180 trees on Savannah Road and the installation of a Butterfly Garden at Indian Riverside Park and at the new Hoke Library, which won an Achievement Award from the National Wildlife Federation in 2003. A highlight was the dedication of the Blue Star Byway Marker at the Arches, honoring U.S. Armed Forces.

In 2010, the Club launched its first Annual Plant Sale at Indian Riverside Park, which thrived for nine years. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Club adapted, evolving the Plant Sale into the "Jensen Beach Garden Expo," which debuted in 2022. A hallmark, Treasure Coast tradition; it kicks off the spring planting season featuring local vendors and educational presentations and demonstrations. Mark your calendars for the 4th Annual Garden Expo on March 1, 2025!

The Jensen Beach Garden Club's philanthropy extends beyond the Expo. Fundraisers have supported local organizations such as House of Hope, the Environmental Studies Center, and the Junior Master Gardeners of Martin County. In 2024, the Club awarded its first college scholarship for high school students pursuing horticulture, environmental sciences and similar studies.

Today, with over 100 members, the Club fosters a strong sense of community. Its gardening committee actively maintains public spaces, including the Butterfly Garden at Hoke Library and two gardens at Indian Riverside Park, the Senior Center “Log Cabin” in Langford Park and the planters downtown.

We invite anyone who shares our passion for gardening and community service to join us. Meetings are typically held from October to April on the third Wednesday of each month. For more information about the Jensen Beach Garden Club or to participate in an upcoming event, please visit jensenbeachgardenclub.com or email us at jensenbeachgc@gmail.com.

STAY TUNED! More information to follow as we plan for the anniversary in January 2025.