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Education is a large component of the MDGC. Our clubs offer educational programs to members and the public on new plant varieties, garden pests and diseases, pruning, wine tasting, nature walks through public gardens and arboreta, fun with flowers workshops and more. And, of course, gardening tips are always available from fellow members.
Many of our members attend the officially-approved National Garden Clubs, Inc (NGC) enrichment courses in landscape design, environmental studies, garden studies and floral design/flower show. Offered on a rotating basis, these “schools” are provided about every six months for two years with two-days of classroom presentations and tours. To encourage our garden club members to attend these enrichment sessions, the MDGC offers financial incentives such as paying the registration fee.
Also, the Milwaukee District and several of the garden clubs in it raise funds for and provide scholarships to college students in southeastern Wisconsin. In addition to awarding MDGC scholarships to college students in southeastern Wisconsin, we promote NGC's three youth projects: 1) the Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl poster contest, 2) writing poetry and essays and 3) creating sculptures.
Many of our members attend the officially-approved National Garden Clubs, Inc (NGC) enrichment courses in landscape design, environmental studies, garden studies and floral design/flower show. Offered on a rotating basis, these “schools” are provided about every six months for two years with two-days of classroom presentations and tours. To encourage our garden club members to attend these enrichment sessions, the MDGC offers financial incentives such as paying the registration fee.
Also, the Milwaukee District and several of the garden clubs in it raise funds for and provide scholarships to college students in southeastern Wisconsin. In addition to awarding MDGC scholarships to college students in southeastern Wisconsin, we promote NGC's three youth projects: 1) the Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl poster contest, 2) writing poetry and essays and 3) creating sculptures.
National Garden Clubs Schools
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Flower Show School – Course 2 Set for Aug. 29 and Sept. 2 to 4
Mark your calendars for Course 2 of the National Garden Clubs (NGC) Flower Show School. The 2-hour procedure lecture will be by Zoom at 9am on Saturday, Aug. 29 followed by all day, face-to-face design and horticulture presentations on Wednesday, Sept. 2 and Thursday, Sept. 3. The exam for students taking Course 2 for credit toward Nationally Accredited Judges Certificates will be held Friday (Sept. 4) morning. Course 2 is being sponsored by WGCF and the Wisconsin Judges Council and hosted by Milwaukee District Garden Clubs at ThriveOn King, 2153 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Milwaukee. According to Kitty Larkin who is WGCF’s Flower Show School Chaiman, there were 23 garden club members from Wisconsin and Illinois who attended Flower Show School – Course 1 in April. She says, “We’re excited to continue the NGC Flower Show School series by offering Course 2. We’ve got some great instructors coming to teach us about miniatures and table designs and marigolds and mums. Everyone is invited to attend Course 2 to continue learning and improving their skills.” Kitty pointed out that current judges may want to attend as a refresher because of the many changes in the NGC Handbook for Flower Shows. Course 2 instructors include Barbara May from Massachusetts who will teach flower show procedure and Anna Burns from Georgia who will teach design. Anna is the author of “Guide to the New Petite.” Terri Ewers from Iowa will return to teach horticulture. Save the dates and watch for more information and Course 2’s registration form. While waiting, feel free to contact Kitty by text at 262-295-2922 or by email at [email protected] with questions. |
Design Instructor Carol English visits with Chuck McCafferty as he creates a traditional line design at Flower Show School – Course 1 in April.
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Environmental School – Course 4 Set for Oct. 23-24
The next Environmental School will be held Oct. 23 to 24, 2026 at Maywood Environmental Park in Sheboygan. This is Course 4 in the series and will cover water and related issues.
Cost to attend is $80, which includes both days. On-site lunch is available at an extra charge of $14 each day. Those working towards the Environmental Consultant accreditation, who will take the exam, or those refreshing their existing accreditation pay an additional $5 fee.
Watch for more information and how to register.
Trivia fact: WGCF sponsored the first Environmental School in the country.
The next Environmental School will be held Oct. 23 to 24, 2026 at Maywood Environmental Park in Sheboygan. This is Course 4 in the series and will cover water and related issues.
Cost to attend is $80, which includes both days. On-site lunch is available at an extra charge of $14 each day. Those working towards the Environmental Consultant accreditation, who will take the exam, or those refreshing their existing accreditation pay an additional $5 fee.
Watch for more information and how to register.
Trivia fact: WGCF sponsored the first Environmental School in the country.
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College Scholarships
The MDGC scholarships program encourages college students in southeastern Wisconsin to study horticulture, floriculture, landscape design and architecture, botany, forestry, agronomy, plant pathology, environmental studies, city planning and land management. MDGC scholarships are funded through interest money accrued from its memorial scholarship fund. Garden club members and others donate to this fund as a tribute or in memory of a friend or loved one.
The MDGC scholarships program encourages college students in southeastern Wisconsin to study horticulture, floriculture, landscape design and architecture, botany, forestry, agronomy, plant pathology, environmental studies, city planning and land management. MDGC scholarships are funded through interest money accrued from its memorial scholarship fund. Garden club members and others donate to this fund as a tribute or in memory of a friend or loved one.
Kimberly Rusch
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Scholarship Recipient Pursues Landscape Design Degree
Congratulations to Kimberly Rusch who is the recipient of Milwaukee District’s 2025 scholarship. Kimberly is currently enrolled in the horticulture program at Milwaukee Area Technical College on a path towards an Associate’s Degree in Landscape Design. She graduated from University of Wisconsin – River Falls in 2006 with a degree in Marketing Communications with an emphasis on agriculture, and worked in that field until 2015 when she took time off to focus on her growing family. During this time, Kimberly found a love for flowers, plants and her landscape. When all three of her children started school full time, she went back to work in Landscape Maintenance at Lammscapes in Jackson. Kimberly wants to start a new career as a Landscape Designer using plants that require little to no maintenance to help homeowners build curb appeal with minimal effort. She says the MDGC scholarship will help her financially reach her goals and “I’m immensely grateful to the Milwaukee District Garden Clubs”. |
Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl Poster Contest
One of our most popular educational programs for youth is the Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl poster contest that garden clubs help coordinate every year. Hosted by the National Garden Clubs, Inc. and the U.S. Forest Service, the poster contest is for children from first to fifth grade. For more information, visit the National Garden Clubs, Inc., or the U.S. Forest Service.
One of our most popular educational programs for youth is the Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl poster contest that garden clubs help coordinate every year. Hosted by the National Garden Clubs, Inc. and the U.S. Forest Service, the poster contest is for children from first to fifth grade. For more information, visit the National Garden Clubs, Inc., or the U.S. Forest Service.
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Milwaukee District Garden Clubs (MDGC) was founded in 1932 as a part of the Wisconsin Garden Club Federation which is a member of National Garden Clubs, Inc. and its Central Region. A not-for-profit educational organization, we are proud to serve garden clubs who are gardening for good in southeastern Wisconsin.
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