Payette Valley Gardeners collection

On November 1,1954, six women met and organized the Green Garden Gals Club. The club met monthly in the homes of members. The object of the organization was to “stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening; to aid in the protection of native plants and birds; and to encourage civic plantings”.

A marker had been set-up near the site of the Old Fort Wilson on Highway 52, five miles east of Payette. Surrounding the marker was a triangular shaped bit of land overgrown with weeds and wild grasses. For their first project, the Green Garden Gals decided to beautify the spot by preparing the ground for planting, hauling soil and water. They asked for and received donated plant materials. Club members built up and maintained the park until the 1980s when maintenance was transferred to the Payette Lions Club.

In 2000, the membership had dwindled to about six active members, when a surge of new members and interest in gardening encouraged the club to change its name to the Payette Valley Gardeners. The new name indicated the change in the times and to be inclusive to male members. The club then joined the Idaho Garden Club and became an affiliate of the National Garden Club. In 2004 Payette Valley Gardeners was chosen “Garden Club of the Year” by the Idaho Garden Clubs. Another major project led by the Payette Valley Gardeners was the building of the Memorial Rose Garden in Central Park (Payette). After years of work and fundraising, the Memorial Rose Garden was dedicated in 2005, featuring named benches and bricks. The Payette Valley Gardeners continue to provide educational offerings, events, and entries into competitions.