About

Our Mission:

Advance the art of gardening and landscape design by encouraging members in the growing and showing of horticulture specimens, and training them in the use of these materials in creating designs for their homes and flower shows.
Reward excellence in achievement among students in Rappahannock County.
Support youth projects in Rappahannock County and to stimulate an interest in the environment and conservation among the youth.
Aid in the protection of natural resources and the environment.
Study, preserve, and protect all species indigenous to Rappahannock County and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

What We Do

Our members are always growing and learning...

The RCGC advances the art of gardening through regular monthly meetings at local venues and occasional trips to special gardens. Members are expected to attend and participate with horticulture entries from their gardens as well as artistic arrangements, serve on a committee. and attend the Holiday Greens Workshop. The club provides training in the use of these materials to create designs for their homes and flower shows. Most of the meetings include knowledgeable and informative guest speakers and interesting activities to hone
gardening skills and floral design.
When we meet...
The 3rd Wednesday of the month (except February--no meeting)
at the Washington Fire and Rescue Hall
10 Firehouse Ln, Washington, VA 22747
Refreshments at 12:00 PM, Judging of Exhibits begins at 12:30 PM, and the Meeting begins at 1:00PM
Visitors & Guests are warmly welcomed!

Club Activities

Community Beautification Projects throughout the county
Scholarships and youth educational programs
Penny Pines donations to plant trees around the state
Rapp at Home Mothers Day flowers and Valentine Tea
Annual Seed Swap
Annual Holiday Greens Workshop and Sale
Monthly speakers at club meetings on gardening topics and floral design
Members display local horticultural specimens and floral design arrangements at meetings
Rapp in Bloom--tree give away project
TREX benches recycling project with the Lions club
Field trips in warmer months

Our Community Projects

The Rappahannock County Garden Club members join the citizens of our county in celebrating the life of our friends and fellow members who so generously have given of themselves, their time, and their talents in service to our greater community.

We support youth projects in Rappahannock County and stimulate an interest in the environment and conservation among the young and old. RCGC has supported the local Farm to Table program at our local elementary school. An annual “Smokey Bear” art contest has taken our children to the state level in the competition. In addition, our nature camp scholarships have led to a much greater appreciation of nature for these students. We are dedicated to protecting and preserving this beautiful county through many environmental efforts. We study, preserve, and strive to protect all species of beneficial wildlife indigenous to Rappahannock County and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Join in on the Fun

Seed Swap

We are sharing our love of horticulture with the friends and neighbors of the county. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring seeds, tubers, and bulbs from your garden to share. We offer lots of free seeds and garden books. We provide kid activities and free giveaways.

Flowers for Mothers Day

RCGC and Rapp at Home sponsor two Special events for our seniors: a lovely Valentines Tea and flowers for Mothers Day. The tea is a free event held at the Little Washington School house featuring music, catering, and flowers from RCGC of course.

Flowering arranging workshops

Linda Taylor, longtime member and VFGC judge shares her rare expertise in floral arranging according to the VFGC handbook. These hard-to-find workshops are open to all members and to the public in February.

TREX Benches

We partnered with the Lion's Club to get a TREX bench for the new Post Office in Little Washington and another for the county park, but there are a total of 23 benches for the county. The entire county has participated by recycling over 1000 pounds of plastic film at the landfill.

Educational programs

Headwaters and RCGC guided students on how to add soil, plant seeds, and water plants in their hand-decorated planters. Over the next few days, the potted plants were delivered to over 30 Rapp at Home residents, Rappahannock County's School Board, all local fire and rescue stations, and others.

Rapp in Bloom-Tree giveaway

RCGC and Friends of The Rappahannock partnered for the fourth free tree giveaway in late April 2024. Friends, and volunteers, and organizations have planted over 50,000 trees in our county since 2020.

Penny Pines Project

As a member of the National Garden Club, Rappahannock County Garden Club members are proud to partner with the USDA Forest Service in a reforestation/forest education program that plants replacement trees in areas damaged by fire or by other natural catastrophes.
Under a conservation agreement, the forest service does the planting, using club donations together with federal funds, and provides the same protection to the planted area from fires, insects, and disease given other forested areas. The tree plantations provide soil protection, watershed protection, soil stabilization, future harvestable timber, as well as beauty and shade for recreation.

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Scholarships for our youth

Since 1950 our club has rewarded excellence among students in Rappahannock County. Our annual Holiday Greens Sales produces wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces made by members. We sell these holiday greens to raise money for scholarships for local students to pursue higher education or attend nature camps. As of 2021 we have given college scholarships to more than 55 local students. In 2023 we made well over $8,000.00 and gave away 100% of the proceeds in scholarships. These scholarships are sometimes life-altering for these children.

Students Awarded RCGC Scholarships

2023 - Emily " Emma" Jenkins

Award Amount: $2,500 College: Virginia Tech
Intended study/major: National Security and Foreign Affairs
High school GPA: 3.93
Extracurricular/employment in high school: Softball, Peer Mentor, Terrific Thursday Camp Counselor, NHS, Pride Variety Show, SCA (Historian), Class Officer (Social Media Mgr), Gov Scholar, FFA (President), Pathways Academy, Pride Club--Coloring.

The Annual Holiday Greens Sale

The Rappahannock County Garden Club's Annual Holiday Wreath & Greenery Sale begins in October!
Handmade wreaths, swags, centerpieces and garlands will again be crafted by more than 40 members of our club. All items are made with local greens that have been thoroughly conditioned to ensure freshness well past the holiday season.
Profits are used to send local children to nature camps and provide scholarships to Rappahannock County High School students. You can decorate your home or business while supporting our community!
Your holiday greens will be available for pickup at the Washington Fire Hall on Wednesday after Thanksgiving.
Orders can be placed online, ans sales will end on November 24th. Some items sell out quickly, so place your order early!