Garden History & Design/Visiting Gardens

Garden History & Design

This committee works closely with the Smithsonian Archives of American Gardens to record and preserve and develop an appreciation of American gardens through the documentation of all types of gardens, which ensures their lasting legacy for scholars, researchers, and the general public throughout the world. The committee also educates members on historical and contemporary landscape and garden design, among other activities.

View our archives on the Smithsonian website.

Visiting Gardens

On occasion, the committee invites our members and other GCA members to visit local gardens, both Club members’ gardens and those of non-members. This committee also arranges trips for our members to visit other GCA properties, thus encouraging meeting fellow gardeners and learning about their Club’s activities and goals. Additional trips may be planned to visit nurseries or public gardens.

Escape the Winter Blues with a Virtual Garden Tour

When winter feels relentless, take a cozy armchair journey through hundreds of historical gardens—plus stunning garden designs and fascinating stories—archived at the Smithsonian Institution. Did you know many of these gardens were documented by GCA clubs, including ours? Explore them here: Smithsonian Garden Archives.

✨ Featured this month: The secret historic gardens of the Upper East Side of Manhattan!

Travel with Us!

Dreaming of your next adventure? The GCA’s Visiting Gardens program has exciting trips open for immediate sign-up!

🌍 International Destinations (2026): Morocco, Japan, the Cotswolds, Bhutan, Provence, and Paris.

🏡 Closer to Home: “On the Road with GCA” pop-up trips take you to unexpected gems, including Chanticleer (NJ) and Wave Hill (NY).

Sign up easily on the Visiting Gardens landing page on the GCA website! Join the Fun – Be Part of the Visiting Gardens Committee!

We bring joy, adventure, and discovery to our club by planning extraordinary garden visits. Have a great destination in mind? Know of a special place through personal connections? We’d love your ideas!

🌿 Help us create unforgettable trips.
🌍 Visit other clubs and exclusive gardens.
🌸 Share your dream garden destinations!

Email Mary Jane Piazza to get involved—we’d love to have you!