Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Garden Club in Marathon, Florida Keys
Founded in 1955, the Marathon Garden Club has dedicated over seven decades to advancing horticultural education, environmental conservation, and community beautification in the Florida Keys. Our organization empowers members through expert-led classes on landscape design, floral arrangements, and sustainable gardening practices while maintaining a thriving plant nursery open weekly. Through annual scholarship programs that have awarded $4,500 annually to local students pursuing environmental and scientific studies, we demonstrate our commitment to nurturing future generations. The club's historic clubhouse provides a picturesque venue for community events, combining indoor facilities with meticulously maintained gardens. Our Master Gardeners offer personalized plant selection guidance and maintain demonstration gardens that showcase regionally appropriate horticulture.With a proven track record of successful environmental initiativesincluding palm disease prevention programs and coastal restoration projectswe combine practical expertise with community engagement. Our educational programs, from beginner workshops to advanced floral design courses, cater to all skill levels. The club's enduring partnerships with local businesses and organizations amplify our impact on regional beautification efforts. Transparency in operations and community reinvestment remain core principles guiding our activities. Our membership-driven model fosters knowledge sharing among gardening enthusiasts while maintaining rigorous standards for environmental stewardship.
Services
Plant Nursery Sales
Gardening Workshops
Event Rentals
Scholarship Programs
Community Beautification
Floral Design Classes
Environmental Education
Plant Clinics
Gift Shop
Master Gardener Consultations
Details
- Year established: 1955
Highlights and features
- We offer over 70 years of horticultural expertise through educational programs and Master Gardeners.
- Our public plant nursery provides regionally appropriate plants at accessible prices.
- We've awarded $4,500 annually in scholarships to local environmental science students since 2015.
- Our historic clubhouse combines indoor facilities with beautiful gardens for special events.
- We maintain demonstration gardens showcasing sustainable landscaping techniques for tropical climates.
What people say
Learned so much
Wonderful ladies
Delightful meetings
Charming gift shop
Perfect event venue
Services
Plant Nursery Sales
Our public plant nursery offers regionally appropriate plants and small trees grown on-site. Open weekly for convenient plant purchases, the nursery features expert guidance from Master Gardeners. Visitors can explore demonstration gardens while selecting plants suited for Florida Keys climates.
Gardening Workshops
Expert-led educational programs cover landscape design, floral arrangements, and sustainable gardening practices. Classes accommodate all skill levels from beginners to advanced gardeners. Local horticultural experts provide hands-on instruction and practical advice for tropical climates.
Event Rentals
Our historic clubhouse provides indoor facilities and outdoor gardens for weddings, receptions, and community events. The octagonal main room features cathedral ceilings and modern amenities. Rental packages include tables, chairs, and kitchen access for catered events.
Scholarship Programs
Annual scholarship awards support local students pursuing environmental science and related fields. Over $4,500 is awarded annually to Marathon High School graduates. Recipients demonstrate academic excellence, community involvement, and financial need.
Community Beautification
Ongoing initiatives include coastal restoration, palm disease prevention, and public garden maintenance. The club partners with local organizations for environmental conservation. Historic projects have transformed public spaces like Sombrero Beach and the airport strip.
People
Margie Casey
President
Leads the club's strategic initiatives and community outreach programs. Committed to advancing horticultural education in the Florida Keys. Oversees environmental conservation projects and member engagement activities.
Rhonda Cooper
1st Vice President
Manages club operations and event planning. Coordinates educational programs and community beautification projects. Ensures continuity of the club's environmental stewardship initiatives.
Carl Miller
Treasurer
Oversees financial management and scholarship fund administration. Maintains fiscal responsibility while supporting community initiatives. Manages budgeting for educational programs and facility maintenance.
Susie Curry
Clubhouse Rental Coordinator
Manages venue bookings and facility rentals. Provides personalized support for event planning. Ensures the clubhouse remains a premier event destination in the Florida Keys.
Sande Neiditz
Past President
Provides institutional knowledge and historical perspective. Continues environmental advocacy through community education programs. Hosts educational radio segments about local horticulture.
Questions
How can I join the Marathon Garden Club?
Contact us via phone or email to receive membership information and application materials.
What educational programs do you offer?
We provide gardening workshops, floral design classes, and plant clinics taught by local experts.
Are your plant nursery hours consistent year-round?
The nursery operates weekly during regular season, with potential adjustments for holidays or extreme weather.
Can non-members rent your clubhouse?
Yes, our facility is available to the public for events with prior arrangements.
How do you select scholarship recipients?
Applications are evaluated based on academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need.
Do you offer gardening advice to the public?
Our Master Gardeners provide free plant selection guidance and horticultural advice during nursery hours.
