Years: 

1927

Year Hutchinson Medal awarded:

1981

The Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc. (GCI) is a vibrant and historic organization dedicated to promoting gardening, conservation, and civic beautification across Illinois.

The Garden Clubs of Illinois is a charter member of the National Garden Clubs, Inc., which is the largest volunteer gardening organization in the world. GCI has more than 6,000 members across 146 clubs throughout Illinois. GCI provides education and resources to promote the love of gardening, floral design, environmental responsibility, and civic beautification.

GCI offers classes in environmental studies, landscape design, and gardening. They also provide scholarships for students pursuing horticulture and related fields. Special projects include conservation initiatives and youth engagement as well as flower shows. Several of their clubs, including the Garden Club of Barrington and the Garden Club of Evanston, have celebrated 100th anniversaries.

GCI members pledge to protect wildlife, beautify Illinois, and conserve its natural resources for present and future generations.