Founded in 1932, the Sugar Land Garden Club came into existence 27 years before the city of Sugar Land was incorporated. We are one of the oldest garden clubs in Texas and also one of the few that operated continuously through the 30’s and 40’s.

In the early 1930’s, Sugar Land was a company town, owned and operated by the Imperial Sugar Company. The Imperial Sugar Company and Sugarland Industries were encouraging yard improvement with a program that awarded a $10 (equivalent to $230 today) prize every month to the best yard in each of six zones of the city. The homes belonged to the Imperial Sugar Company but it was the “company wives” who planted flowers in the yards to show their community spirit.

In the spring of 1932, a number of “company wives” who enjoyed growing flowers decided to have a flower show. Guests attending the show on May 12, 1932 were asked to register their interest in forming a garden club and more than 50 residents responded. On May 17, 1932, 39 ladies met and the Sugar Land Garden Club was formed. Mrs. W.T. Eldridge was the first president.

The first program was “The Culture of Flowers Adapted to Sugar Land” and was presented in June 1932. The club began a long tradition of education on a wide variety of gardening topics. In addition to the programs, the club has always had a strong commitment to community service. During the war years, members grew Victory Gardens and rolled bandages. The Sugar Land Garden Club presented their first flower show in 1934 and donated their first tree to the local community in 1937. Through the years the club has grown and changed with the times but the traditions of learning, friendship and community spirit have remained the same.

Today Sugar Land Garden Club monthly programs are open to the public, and we continue to help beautify the local community. We plant trees to celebrate National Arbor Day, we volunteer in the greenhouses at the Brookwood Community, we provide gardening toolkits to new Habitat for Humanity homeowners and our scholarship fund supports students at Stephen F. Austin State University.

There are now nearly 120 members in the Sugar Land Garden Club. People from all walks of life – different ages and backgrounds – and yes, even some men!

Come join us and be a part of this vibrant community!