The Grapevine Garden Club was organized with the same mission that we have today: Promote interest in flowers, gardens, horticultural and floral design; further the protection and conservation of wildflowers, shrubs, and trees; stimulate appreciation and protection of birds; promote city and highway beautification; actively support environmental concerns; and encourage education in all these objectives.
Twenty-five of Grapevine’s leading citizens came together in 1932 to form the Grapevine Garden Club (GGC). The founding members got off to a quick start. In 1932, they adopted the slogan “Another Tree in Every Yard”. There were only 230 homes in Grapevine at that time, but 255 roses, 3,504 shrubs, 272 shade trees, and 143 fruit trees (a total of 4,174 plants) were planted in 1932 under the influence of the GGC.
Throughout the years the GGC has worked with numerous local civic organizations, but most projects have been completed in partnership with the Grapevine Parks and Recreation Department (PARD), most notably the Grapevine Botanical Gardens. GGC members have played a significant role in the development of the Grapevine Botanical Gardens. Back in 1938, GGC members urged the City Council to purchase three acres at the intersection of Wall and Ball Streets. This area was first named City Park and later renamed Heritage Park.
In 1939, a Boy Scout hut was constructed at this site for the first scout troop west of the Mississippi. GGC provided the landscaping and maintenance. The Cotton Belt Depot building was moved to the park in 1972 to be renovated. GGC President Alberta Nettleton and other GGC members were instrumental in its restoration as well as the dedication of the Grapevine Historical Museum and the birth of the Grapevine Historical Society.
With the purchase of the Bessie Mitchell house and property in 1995, Councilman Shane Wilbanks’ vision that Grapevine would benefit from a peaceful respite prompted plans for the Grapevine Botanical Gardens to begin. Additional acres were acquired in 1997, bringing the total to twelve acres. GGC has contributed to the evolution of the gardens. Along with adding plants and labor to numerous areas of the gardens, they raised $50,000 to build the Pewitt Pavilion and $150,000 to build the greenhouse. Both projects provide areas for educational programs.
The Botanical Gardens is an important wildlife habitat and dedicated bird sanctuary. The gardens have been designated a Lone Star Legacy Park by Texas Recreation and Parks Society because it is at least 50 years old and has distinctive design/construction and is associated with historic events or sites and has unique natural features. In 1972 when the Cotton Belt Depot was being renovated, many fund-raising events were necessary. One event held by the GGC was a Fall Festival, which was held again in 1973 on a grander scale. This festival evolved into Grapefest.
GC worked to landscape around the Torian Cabin, Heritage Gardens (at the train depot), gazebo area, several medians along Northwest Highway, around several city buildings, alongside the highways and train route. Some of the projects have since been changed and some of the buildings have been moved or no longer exist. GGC members efforts evolved into the formation of Keep Grapevine Beautiful (KGVB).
In 1992, members organized groups to clean up city roadsides, medians, and the Grapevine Lake area. In addition to being interested in horticulture, GGC members are civic minded too. The annual plant sale provides quality plants appropriate for our area. Profits are used to fund the scholarships we offer to local students with horticultural or environmental conservation related studies. Since 1985, 75 local students have received scholarships totaling $145.500.
GGC members have improved the front landscapes of the Grapevine Housing Authority units on West Texas Street since 2006. Residents have not only benefited from the beautification efforts but also enjoy interacting with us as we weed, prune and plant. We provide learning opportunities for members and guests with program speakers at the club’s regular meetings as well as sponsored community programs. Visits to residential, public gardens and professional gardens remail favorite activities.
GGC has been a continually active club and has enough accomplishments to fill a book! This article gives you a taste of the club’s accomplishments and impact on Grapevine. In 1932, Nellie Trigg, President of the Texas Federation of Garden Clubs said: “The community that beautifies its approaches and its public grounds and vacant lots and encourages home gardening is the community that will always attract immigration and flourish commercially.”