Our Garden Center:
A Legacy of Growth and Renewal
Celebrating decades of dedication, community spirit, and ongoing enhancements to our cherished space.
Groundbreaking for the Garden Center took place on March 29, 1962, with construction completed by August and the dedication ceremony held on September 23. A Family Tree Plaque was added to honor Charter Members, and a plaque recognizing Past Presidents was established the same year. In 1972, an addition was completed, creating what we now call the Apartment and the Café. During the 1970s, members remained very active, successfully paying off the mortgage for the addition.
In 2004, Hurricane Ivan caused significant damage, toppling mature pine trees and damaging the apartment. Extensive repairs, tree removal, and roof replacement were costly, and not all expenses were covered by insurance. From 2011 to 2014, renovations were made to the lobby, auditorium, restrooms, and Café, including the installation of a new awning with lighting. Further updates from 2014 to 2015 included office upgrades, enhancements to the Native Garden, and new plantings throughout the grounds. In 2016, acoustical panels were added to the Café, followed by repairs to gas piping, roofing, and gutters in 2016-2017. The City of Pensacola also assisted with restriping our shared parking area and addressing drainage issues on 9th Avenue.
We proudly celebrated our 85th anniversary with a commemorative tea, honoring our history and the continued dedication of our members.
Historical Highlights
1932 - The Azalea, Crepe Myrtle, and Camellia clubs joined the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs (FFGC).
1937 - Pensacola hosted the FFGC Annual Convention.
1940 - PFGC grew to 16 clubs with 352 members.
1943 - A War Bond Auction at the Annual Meeting raised $3,000.
1948 - The first Flower Show School was held.
1949 - The Garden Center was acquired near the Pensacola Bay Bridge, and the first issue of The Camellia was published.
1953 - PFGC became incorporated.
1954 - The Garden Center Building Fund was established.
1955 - Membership expanded to 36 clubs.
1956 - PFGC celebrated its Silver Anniversary and launched the "Litterbug" Campaign.
1962 - Groundbreaking for the new Garden Center took place, with the building completed and dedicated the same year.
1966 - The mortgage on the Garden Center was retired, and Pensacola hosted the 40th State Convention.
1970 - PFGC held its first Flower Show at the new fairgrounds, winning a national award.
1975 - The Roster of Honor was established to recognize significant contributions.
1982 - Celebrated PFGC's 50th Anniversary with a special tea.
1990 - PFGC co-sponsored an art and floral design exhibition, "How Our Garden Grows."
2000 - Launched the first "Secret Gardens of the Emerald Coast Garden Tour" and formed new Junior Gardeners Clubs.
2004 - The Veteran's Garden was dedicated, and the Festival of Trees fundraiser was initiated.
2006 - PFGC celebrated its 75th Anniversary with special events.
2012 - Fundraising efforts led to the renovation of the Garden Center Auditorium.
2014 - Sweet Bay dedicated a "Whimsey Garden" in memory of Carolyn Whitmer, and the 63rd Annual Fair Flower Show had over 900 entries.