Membership

Come Discover Who We Are!

Become a DGC Dirt Digger!

No Residency Required

New Member Picnic 2022

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)

August 2021 Garden Walk Celebration

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:

Collaborates on annual community events that offer education and children’s activities, such as Seed/Houseplant Exchange, Pollinator Week, and Oaktober. Includes June National Garden Week, DGC General Meeting, planting of library planters, and the creation and maintenance of a display case garden.

Garden Creation and Maintenance:

• St. John Lutheran Church: parking lot, Butterfly Garden, Eugenia’s Daylily Garden, Sprouts Learning and community garden, 2024 Monarch Waystation, and cemetery 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

• Misc Outreach: • Member of Darien Action Committee working with other local organizations to promote community sharing and projects or all. “One Darien”. Participate in Darien’s National Night Out, Tree Lighting Event, and other community activities. • Gift of Carl: Arbor Day assistance • Darien Park District Events: Flea Market/Craft Fairs • DGC Sprouts Youth Club: offering education and community gardening for local families

• Membership and Support for the following: • DuPage Monarch Project Associate Member, supporting their events and initiatives • Rt.66 Monarch Flyway Supporting Partner, committee member, actively adding gardens to the flyway • Illinois Monarch Project Action Plan: pledge annually • Chicago Region Tree Initiative (CRTI) Supporter • City Nature Challenge Chicago Metro: promote and participate in this annual iNaturalist BioBlitz • Garden Clubs of Illinois Inc. Horticulture Scholarships: supporter • The Conservation Foundation: supporter • Rotary’s Operation Pollination: signed their Pollinator Pledge • Darien Park District: provide support for ongoing habitat planting and other projects.