Plant Sales
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In the Spring of 2025 the garden club partnered with the South Dakota State University to hold a Native Plant Initiative Sale. In addition to the over $5000 of plants sold for the SDSU project, over 200+ people visited the RCGC Education Garden for the first time.
In the fall of 2025 a garden club Iris and Succulents Sale was held t0 diversify and enhance the club's fundraising opportunities. Over $1,500 was raised with plans for a possible spring plant sale in 2026.
Fundraising
Wreath & Greens
The garden club is a non profit organization raising funds through an annual wreath/green sale and most recently a garden tour and fall plant sale.
The first wreath/green sale took place in 1961 at the YMCA. Since then the sale has been held at several sites with the current sale (1st Saturday in December) held at the Central States Fair Creative Arts Building.
Greens gathering begins in October with over 10 different types of greens from the Black Hills area. Items are made throughout November until sale day in December that include wreaths, swags, centerpieces, gnomes, porch pots and new items added each year.
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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.
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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.
Public Gardens
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