The Civic Garden Center (CGC) is a non-profit horticultural resource whose mission is building community through gardening, education and environmental stewardship. Founded in 1942, the CGC is the only organization of its kind in our region. Our administrative office building is located at 2715 Reading Road on the former estate of Cornelius J. Hauck. Here we host classes, a horticultural library, several gardens for visitors to enjoy free of charge, the Green Learning Station and an outdoor compost classroom; the building and grounds are available for event and meeting rental. Off the main campus, the CGC has supported the development and continued success of over 50 community and children’s gardens throughout the city. Our outreach efforts include the Community Gardens, Youth Education and School Gardens programs. The CGC offers these programs at no cost to participants, thanks to the generosity of our donors, private and government grants and corporate sponsorships.

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Our largest fundraising event, The Plant Sale, is held annually the first weekend in May, and accomplished with the support of hundreds of dedicated volunteers. Many opportunities to volunteer are offered both on and off site, in gardens, in the Hoffman Library, through our Horticulture Helpline (in conjunction with OSU Extension) and within the administrative offices.  Donors and volunteers of the CGC receive benefits, including borrowing privileges from the Hoffman Library; volunteers may attend classes at no cost.

From the earliest classes in Victory Gardening to our most recent project focusing on sustainable gardening methods, the Green Learning Station, the Civic Garden Center has become the place to learn about gardening in the tri-state area. During your visit, stop in the lobby where we have:

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• Self-guided tour map

• List of classes and current events

• Information about current gardening trends

• A shop for gardening gifts and tools

• Information on becoming a volunteer and donor

• Brochures from additional gardening resources and local farming efforts.

 

We are proud of our accomplishments! Take a look at our annual report to see all that we do in a year.

 

2015 Form 990

 

Privacy Policy

The Civic Garden Center does not share or sell lists of donors or class/event registrants addresses, phone numbers, or email addresses to other organizations or companies.

Refund Policy

If you cannot attend a class or an event for which you have registered, please consider turning that payment into a donation (we will be happy to send you a letter stating your donation date and amount for a charitable contribution). If you would like a refund, please let us know when you tell us about your cancellation.