Our Story

In 1971, a group of nine women met in Adele Whelan’s garden to discuss the founding of a garden club. By 1972 the club had 26 members and was formally established as a member of the California Garden Clubs, Inc.

As the membership approaches 100, we continue the founding members’ mission: to beautify Bonita and its surrounding areas, to encourage community through gardening and flower arranging. BVGC seeks to inspire the local public and youth to preserve and protect our unique piece of San Diego County.

Rock Rose

The club’s flower is the rock rose, a vibrant native flower. The name comes from the showy 5-petaled blooms that resemble those of wild roses. They are noted for their beauty, profusion of bloom, and the ability to grow well in poor soils with little to no irrigation as an evergreen shrub.

Lemon Tree

The club’s tree is Lemon Tree, introduced to the Americas in the late 1400s. In the late 1800s – early 1900s the Bonnie Brae variety was first cultivated in Bonita, winning the top ribbon at the 1885 World’s Fair. Although there may still be Bonnie Brae trees growing in Southern California, none are known to still exist in the Bonita area.

Donations

As a 501c3 nonprofit funds raised are donated to various organizations to support the club’s mission.

Scholarships are awarded annually to Southwestern and Cuyamaca Community Colleges, supporting students whose field of study align with the mission of the club, such as Horticulture, Landscape and Nursery.