Marathon Garden Club

The Marathon Garden Club has been working together since 1955 to bring gardening to the residents of Marathon, Florida. Their first project was the landscaping of the Chamber of Commerce building. This project garnered them a great deal of attention and led to projects such as public buildings, highways and schools, all of which feature live plant life and colorful blooms. In the 1970s, the group head several fundraisers that included plant fairs, craft fairs and flower shows, as well as adding flowers to bike paths and the local animal shelter. In the 1980s, they added trees along route 1 and Sombrero Beach, as well as the Welcome to Marathon sign. During the 1990s, the club was awarded the Governor's Environmental Education Award in honor of its efforts to save Queen Conch. Today, the club focuses on encouraging members to improve the gardens and landscape of their personal property in an effort to keep Marathon bright and blooming. They work with other garden clubs throughout the state and organize annual events like a plant and flower sale and a garden tour. Members receive a newsletter that includes information about upcoming events, as well as tips for gardeners. They have also published gardening guides.