National Garden Clubs is a not-for-profit educational organization that was founded in 1891. The Garden Club of New Jersey, a non-profit educational organization, became a charter member of National Garden Clubs, Inc., in 1929. Today’s Garden Club of Hackensack (GCH), affiliated with both organizations, was first conceptualized in the Fall of 2019 by Lorelei Kaminsky, a former Hackensack High School teacher with experience leading the Hackensack High School Going Green Club. 

A group of nine individuals who shared her vision for a Garden Club and the re-establishment of the abandoned Green House in Johnson Park in Hackensack gathered in the Hackensack Recreation Center to begin organizing and initiating her plan.

The primary goals were creating a GCH mission statement and logo, writing a Constitution and Bylaws, developing programming based on the Club’s mission, publicizing the Club, and recruiting members.  The next steps included joining the Garden Club of New Jersey, obtaining insurance coverage, and applying for and receiving non-profit status.  The dedication of the volunteers who helped to bring the Club to life in January of 2020 was admirable.  

The first meeting of the Garden Club of Hackensack was held on June 25, 2020.  It was a year of Covid 19 restrictions.  CDC guidelines for meetings were followed with meetings held virtually through Zoom. Despite the pandemic, outdoor volunteer activities included beautification  projects around the city and applying for and receiving a Plant America Grant from National Garden Clubs, Inc. GCH also provided educational speakers and trips, supported Girl Scout Troop 5880 initiatives, as well as Hackensack Community Garden projects,   

GCH continues to stay true to its mission and encourages all to join us!