Marathon Garden Club

The Marathon Garden Club was founded in 1955 by a group of community-oriented residents who were passionate about enhancing the beauty of their surroundings. Over the years, the club has evolved into a thriving organization that not only encourages its members to improve their own gardens and neighborhoods but also engages in various community projects aimed at promoting environmental awareness and beautification.

Our Story

From its humble beginnings, the Marathon Garden Club has been dedicated to educating its members and the public about gardening and related subjects. One of its first projects was to landscape the Chamber of Commerce property, which set the stage for future beautification efforts. In the sixties, the club played a key role in the beautification of the airport strip, which eventually led to it being named a Monroe County Park. Additionally, the club established a memorial garden at Fishermen's Hospital and vegetation at Sombrero Beach.

During the seventies, the club raised funds to establish a Garden Center through various events such as house tours, plant and craft sales, flower shows, book sales, and more. Mahogany trees were planted at the animal shelter, and the club took action to help stop the Lethal Yellowing palm disease. In the eighties, trees were planted along U.S. 1, Sombrero Beach Road, and at Marathon High School. The White Heron civic beautification award was also established during this period.

In the nineties, the club was awarded the Governor's Environmental Education Award for its efforts to save the Queen Conch. The existing Garden Club Center was purchased and renovated, and today it serves as a hub for various meetings, workshops, exhibits, flower shows, and educational programs. During the new century, the club sponsored Floral Design and Flower Show Judging Classes, horticulture seminars, and a Christmas Tree exhibition, which began in the nineties and continued through 2007. Although Hurricane Wilma caused extensive damage to the landscaping in 2005, the club has since recovered and continues to thrive.

Today, the Marathon Garden Club remains committed to its mission of promoting environmental awareness and beautification in the community. If you were to compare the Marathon of 50 years ago with today's city, you might be surprised to learn that many of the beautification and environmental improvements were due to the efforts of our garden club. A variety of projects continue, as club members work with local businesses and organizations to ensure that the community remains a beautiful and sustainable place to live.

Services Offered

The Marathon Garden Club offers a range of services and activities for its members and the wider community. These include:

• Membership: Join today and get involved with fellow plant and flower lovers, share tips, and learn from local experts.
• Events: Whether it's festivals or plant clinics, the Marathon Garden Club always has something happening. View our upcoming events to see what's next.
• Scholarships: We work hard to raise money for the community, and we gave away $4,500 in scholarships last year! Learn more about our scholarship program.
• Plant Nursery: The plant nursery, located at the Garden Club, is now open every Thursday morning, 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for sales. We have a wide selection of plants and small trees that we have grown in the nursery. Come by and check us out and browse the gardens. Our Master Gardeners are hard at work keeping the gardens looking great. They are available to answer your questions or help you choose the perfect plant(s) for your garden.
• Clubhouse Rental: The Marathon Garden Club is the perfect place for your next event in the Florida Keys, whether it be a meeting, party, wedding, reception, shower - you name it! Our indoor clubhouse and outdoor gardens provide the right setting for you and your guests. Read more and view photos of our clubhouse here.
• Gift Store: Explore our charming and well-priced gift shop for unique items and souvenirs.