We aim to bring together gardeners of all ages & experience to foster growth in our gardens & our community.

About Us

The “A” Garden Club was founded in 1991 when Carole Hassler wanted to share her love of gardening with others. She placed an ad in the paper and 6 gardeners responded & got together that Fall for the club’s first meeting.

“A” was placed in quotes to secure a first-place listing in the membership directory of the “National Garden Clubs, Inc.,” of which we are a member in the Palms to Pines District.

The original members met in each others’ homes and at Beds & Breakfasts for their education in local plant lore and the exchange of ideas and techniques.

After Carole moved off the mountain, Trudy Brown became the Club’s new president. The Club grew over the years and Trudy obtained permission to host meetings at the Discovery Center—the first club to be allowed such a privilege.

Vicky Roney became the third Club president in 2009 and served for 10 years during which time she and fellow Club members established the very successful Fairy Festival in the Pines fundraiser.

JoAnn Stanton led “A” Garden Club from 2018 to 2020. During JoAnn’s tenure a memorial was erected at the Big Bear Historical Museum dedicated to Big Bear Hotshot Charles “Charlie” Morton who lost his life in the El Dorado Fire in August 2020. Through the generosity of the community and club members a red oak tree, bench and memorial plaque were installed and funds were donated to Penny Pines to restore 15 acres in the San Bernardino National Forest.

In 2017, the “A” Garden Club placed a Gold Star Memorial Marker in Veteran’s Park as a tribute to Gold Star families whose loved ones paid the ultimate price defending the United States of America.

Connie Dunn served as president from 2021 to 2024. The club grew to 100 members during Connie’s term of office and with growth came change. The Enchanted Garden Boutique, a farmer’s market-style event in the Village, took the place of the annual Plant Sale.

“Fashions in Bloom” fashion show and luncheon drew hundreds of guests who bid on clothing and merchandise. Topping it off, the Community Gardens came under the supervision of the club under Connie’s term.

“A” Garden Club is an educational organization with programs designed to instruct all members from novices to master gardeners, share experiences with garden materials, techniques, and innovations, and cultivate the gardener’s love of nature and other aspects of gardening. All are welcome to “A” Garden Club!