About Us

In 1947 the Rapid City Garden Club was organized with 27 members. Today there are over 70+ members of all ages.

Our History

Founded in 1947, the Rapid City Garden Club has promoted gardening through education, conservation, and community projects for over 75 years. Highlights include contributions to the National Christmas Tree, local beautification efforts, and a time capsule set to open in 2036.

Projects include the Noordermeer Gardens Sundial, Storybook Island flowerbeds, roses at The Monument, school grants, and tree planting that helped Rapid City earn “Tree City, USA.” The Memory Lane Tree Arboretum, with over 100 labeled trees, honors deceased members.

Anniversary projects include a Butterfly Garden (50th), the diverse Education Garden (60th), and a Bee Pollinator Garden (75th), all showcasing the beauty and challenges of gardening in the Black Hills’ five ecosystems.

The Club also supports future horticulturists through an annual scholarship for students in South Dakota State University’s Horticulture and Landscape Design program.

Community Outreach

We maintain three public community gardens to showcase regional and unique plants and trees; Which you can see more below.

Our community projects include trees, shrubs, bushes, flowers and bulbs for many Rapid City buildings and parks; Civic Center Memorial Rose Garden and Crabapple Trees at the Memorial Reflection Pool; Storybook Island landscaping Airport at the airport and Central States Fairgrounds; Park benches throughout the city to name a few projects throughout the years.

Members-Only Area

Public Gardens

Anniversary Butterfly Garden

Located by Canyon Lake Parking lot off JacksonBoulevard and Chapel Lane on the path going to the gazebo.

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Memory Lane Tree Aboretum

Located at 1111 Mountain View Road by the City of Rapid City Water Treatment Plant, with plaques for deceased members in the Ralph Coe Tree Arboretum behind Behavior Health on Mountain View.

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Education Garden

Located behind Canyon Lake Activity Center and between the bike path, a home to over 15 different beds and over a 100+ combined types of flowers, roses, shrubs, succulents, trees and vegetables.

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Rachel Lindvall

Fundraising Director

Peg Nervig

Interim for Projects Gardens

Currently Vacant

Programming

Kimmy Hayes

Secretary

Greta Chapman

Treasurer

Club Officers

Explore the gallery to see the beauty and creativity of our garden club in action. From vibrant floral displays to community events, our gallery showcases the stunning results of our collective passion and hard work.

Past Presidents

1947 - Al Schamber

1948 - Frank Rehurek

1949 - John Atkinson

1950-1951 - Clarence Gray

1952-1953 - R.J. Mansfield

1954-1955 - Grace Reinhold

1956-1957 - Katherine Brehm

1958-1959 - Florence Parker
1960-1961 - Grace Reinhold

1962 - Jo Tiahrt

1963-1964 - Blanch Brittain

1965 - Emma Pooley

1966 - Marguerite Ferguson

1967 - Audra Noltensmier

1968-1969 - Betty Bonawitz

1970-1971 - Polly Meister

1972-1973 - Della Colman

1974 - A.L Haines

1975 - Gus Haines

1976-1977 - Arthur Meister

1978-1979 - Carroll Pooley
1980-1981 - Polly Meister

1982 - Wayne Wickenkamp

1983-1984 - Ramona Wickenkamp

1985-1986 - Vonda Chamberlain

1987-1988 - Della Coleman

1989-1990 - Hattie Olson

1991 - Pat Meires

1992-1993 - Avis Herdina

1994 - Bill Chamberlain

1995-1996 - Marian Tellinghuisen

1997-1998 - Gladys Bray

1999-2000 - Larry Stoner
2001 - Vonda Chamberlain

2002-2003 - Stewart Steele

2004-2006 - Rayola Anderson

2007-2008 - Theresa Nordin

2009-2012 - Betty Wagner

2013-2015 - Rayola Anderson

2016-2019 - Cathy Robeson

2020-2023 - Connie Hobbs

2024 - Transition Team

2025 - New Bylaws Treasurer & Secretary Officers, Fundraising & Projects & Program Directors