History
The Garden Club of Johnstown was organized in 1930 with 154 members, the objective being “ the advancement of gardening and the cultivation of an interest in civic betterment and beauty in Johnstown and vicinity.”
Service to the Community is the Goal of
The Garden Club of Johnstown Today
Civic Development
We tend 15 garden sites in and around the city. Members can attend Landscape Design School to help with design. In order to finance this work, as well as other community projects, this year we are partnering with the Old Westmont Neighbors’ Group in their fundraising event, the Old Westmont Holiday Home Tour. See the information and links below. There is an elevator to take you to the Westmont Presbyterian Church Social Hall in the basement.
Floral Design
We hold a flower show every two years to educate ourselves and the public. An “Ode to Summer” flower show was held in August, 2024. For more instruction in this area, members can attend Flower Show School. To promote the study of Horticulture, participants enter their finest plant specimens to be judged. Members can learn more about horticulture in Gardening School.
Service Projects
Community service projects are an important part of our club. They are Conservation, Helping Hands of Cambria County, Horticulture Therapy, Scholarships and Youth Gardeners. For those interested parties, members can attend Environmental School.
Happenings!
Penguin Court Native Plant Sale
Monday May 11 (noon) —May 27; Pickups June 2 & 3
250 New Monarch Waystations in America’s Laurel Highlands &
Pennsylvania Pollinator Photo Challenge
Penguin Court and the Westmoreland Pollinator Partners have set a goal to certify 250 new Monarch Waystations in the Laurel Highlands this year to honor the nation’s 250th anniversary. Monarch Waystations are habitats that support monarch butterflies in all of their life stages from caterpillars that can only consume milkweed plants to adults that feed on nectar-filled flowers. The Laurel Highlands include Cambria, Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland Counties. Those who wish to participate must have property in one of these four counties that meets the criteria on the application below. Completed applications should be sent to mreckner@brandywine.org. Once reviewed, participants will receive a certificate and metal sign at no cost. Signs and certificates will first be available for pickup at a Monarch Waystation Reunion event planned for July 22 from 6-8 p.m. at the Donohoe Center in Greensburg. Afterwards, they’ll be available at one central location in each county, a couple of which are yet to be confirmed, so stay tuned there. Applications will be received until the goal is met.
Additionally, the 6th annual Pennsylvania Pollinator Photo Challenge is accepting submissions until August 2, 2026. Winners and honorable mentions will be announced at the “Monarchs, Milkweed and More” event at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Ligonier on Saturday, August 15 from 1-4 p.m. Details and submission guidelines may be found at the contest webpage.
GCFP Webinar Video
Below is the link to the video or the recent GCFP webinar.
As a reminder, the session featured a diverse range of NGC floral designs along with horticulture guidance on how to enter fruits and vegetables in a flower show. Also explored was Botanical Arts, including how to create beautiful necklaces using fresh and dried plant materials.
In addition, there were videos on the lifecycle of a butterfly, a stunning dahlia presentation and a collection of beautiful photographs showcasing a variety of bird species.
Enjoy !
Warm Regards,
Pat Wolanski
President, The Garden Club Federation of PA
Wild Ones Photo Contest
Enter by July 15
It’s Bloomin’ America—-A Patriotic Flower Show
Pittsburgh Area and Laurel Highlands Judges Councils
The Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania
Featuring Local Historical Societies
The Lamplighter Ballroom
6566 Route 22, Delmont, PA 15626
Friday, July 17, 2026
Free and open to the public 12-3pm
National Garden Clubs’ Judging of Horticulture and Live Floral Designs
All members of the GCFP may participate
“The purpose of this club shall be to advance the fine art of gardening, landscape design, floral design and the study of horticulture; to aid in the protection and conservation of natural resources; and to promote civic beauty in Greater Johnstown.”