Membership
Come Discover Who We Are!
Become a DGC Dirt Digger!
No Residency Required
Member Benefits
As a member you will have the opportunity to fully participate in all activities that benefit our club, its members, and the community.
They Include:
Meetings
Programs
Garden Walks
Volunteer Opportunities in the community
Field Trips
Ability to participate in district, state, and national programs
The monthly Darien Dirt Diggers Newsletter
Access to Our Private Website, YouTube Videos for Members Only, and other Member Only Areas
A subscription to Garden Glories, the official publication of the Garden Clubs of IL. Inc.
And so much more!
Members are encouraged to participate in as many activities as they are able. A successful club of any kind depends on the volunteer work of its members. Positions on our board and various committees are filled on a volunteer basis.
Guests may attend two meetings free. See below for a link to our membership form. A portion of the annual dues goes to the support of the Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc. and the National Garden Clubs, Inc. Membership dues and fundraising events support the club’s administration, monthly programs, and speaker fees; as well as regional, state, and national garden club educational opportunities, grants and other community programs that fulfil our mission.
We hope you will decide to join us and we look forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship.
Gina Pignato - President
Click below to download our DGC Membership Form
The completed form and dues can be returned to us in person or to our mailing address
2026 DGC Membership Form
GCI Photo Release (please remit with membership form)
DGC Mission Statement and Purpose
“The Darien Garden Club Was Founded To Encourage A Nurturing Environment Where Both New And Experienced Gardeners, Nature Lovers, Environmentalists, And Anyone Interested In Horticulture Can Meet And Share Their Experiences And Get Support From Those Who Have Similar Interests.”
Our goal is to inspire interest in gardening and its benefits, increase knowledge, and foster respect for the natural environment. We aim to share ideas for improving the home landscape and enhancing views beyond our backyards and build friendships with others who share these interests.
Monthly Member Meetings
Our members gather on the first Monday of each month (with some exceptions) at St. John's Lutheran Church. Social time begins at 6:30 pm, followed by the meeting at 7:00 pm, which starts with the program. Programs last for one hour and feature speakers on topics like gardening, the environment, and other subjects of interest to our club. A business meeting is then held to update our members on the club’s community involvement, ways they can participate, upcoming field trips, and other opportunities and announcements.
DGC Service Projects and Outreach
Our Club's Activities Engage The Community, Enhance Its Appearance, And Educate The Public About The Environment, Nature, And Gardening.
Indian Prairie Library Partnership:
Collaborate on Annual Community Events that offer Education and Children’s Activities, such as Seed/Houseplant Exchange, Pollinator Week, and Oaktober. Includes June’s DGC General Meeting for National Garden Week, Planting of Library Planters, and the Creation and Maintenance of the Garden Display Case.
Garden Creations and Maintenance:
St. John Lutheran Church:
Parking Lot - Butterfly Garden, Eugenia’s Daylily Garden, Sprouts Learning and Community Garden, 2024 Monarch Waystation, and Cemetery - Ongoing Maintenance.
Darien VFW Post 2838:
Veterans Peace Memorial at Darien Community Park - Ongoing Maintenance
Sunrise Westmont:
Pollinator, Terrace, and Bistro Gardens
Horticultural Therapy Group:
Monthly Projects and Educational Sessions for Seniors at the Following Facilities - Eden Vista in Burr Ridge; Sunrise in Westmont; Oak Trace in Darien
Miscellaneous Outreach:
Member of the Darien Action Committee (DAC): Working with other Local Organizations to Promote Community Sharing, Collaborating, and Local Projects to Support - “One Darien”
Participate in City of Darien’s: National Night Out, Holiday Tree Lighting Event, and other Community Events and Activities
Gift of Carl: Arbor Day Assistance
Darien Park District Events: Flea Market/Craft Fairs
DGC Sprouts Youth Garden Club: Offering Education and Community Gardening for Local Families, No Residency Required
Membership and Support for the Following:
DuPage Monarch Project: Associate Member, Supporting their Events and Initiatives
Rt.66 Monarch Flyway Project: Supporting Partner, Committee Member, and Actively Adding Gardens to the Flyway Project
Illinois Monarch Project Action Plan: Sign Pledge Annually
Chicago Region Tree Initiative (CRTI): Active Supporter
City Nature Challenge - Chicago Metro: Promote and Participate in This Annual iNaturalist BioBlitz
Garden Clubs of Illinois Inc.: Horticulture Scholarships: Active Supporter
The Conservation Foundation: Active Supporter
Rotary Club of Darien - Operation Pollination: Signed Pollinator Pledge
Darien Park District: Provide Support for Ongoing Habitat Planting and Other Projects