GoGardenNow

Gardening Resources

Ready to go garden? If you want to dig deep into gardening, these resources are among the best.

Here you'll find information published by experts, societies and clubs devoted to particular types of plants and gardening activities, and valuable information from state and federal agencies.

GoGardenNow Plant Spacing Guide

The African Violet Society of America "is the connecting place for people around the globe whose common interest is one amazing plant - the African violet. This fascinating plant, hailed as 'America’s Favorite Houseplant,' provides color and beauty in the home all year long. As a non-profit, educational organization, AVSA is dedicated to helping African violet enthusiasts successfully grow, show, propagate, and hybridize these beautiful plants."

All-America Selections. "All-America Selections is an independent, non-profit organization that tests new varieties then introduces only the best garden performers as AAS Winners."

A to Z Flowers - The Ultimate Flower Resources provides a wealth of information on flowers of many sorts. Their goal is to provide the ultimate flower database. The articles are very informative and fun to read.

The American Bamboo Society promotes "the beauty and utility of bamboo." This is your source for everything you'd ever want to know about bamboo.

The American Begonia Society. It's purposes include "to stimulate and promote interest in begonias and other shade-loving plants, to encourage the introduction and development of new types of these plants, ...to gather and publish information in regard to kinds, propagation, and culture of begonias and companion plants, to bring into friendly contact all who love and grow begonias."

American Bonsai Society, Inc. "is the pioneering national bonsai organization. As a non-profit corporation, [their] purpose is to promote knowledge of and interest in bonsai and to serve as a national focal point for bonsai fanciers."

The American Boxwood Society is "devoted to the appreciation, scientific understanding and propagation of the genus Buxus.

The American Camellia Society "is a national membership organization dedicated to fostering appreciation for and knowledge of plants of the genus Camellia. Founded in 1945, the Society is headquartered at Massee Lane Gardens near Fort Valley in central Georgia. Massee Lane Gardens has nine acres of camellia plantings and an additional twenty-plus acres devoted to specialty gardens and collections."

The American Conifer Society promotes "the use of conifers in the garden and landscape and to educate the public about their care and conservation." Its mission is to promote the development, propagation and conservation of conifers, to encourage the appreciation and use of conifers in the landscape, to educate the public and professionals about conifers, to spread the joy, knowledge and diversity of conifers across the world!"

The American Daffodil Society is "dedicated to the encouragement of widespread interest in daffodils." It hosts a lot of daffodil websites, and offers free resources about daffodils.

The American Dahlia Society is a non-profit organization founded for the purpose of stimulating interest in, disseminating information about, and promoting the culture and development of, the dahlia.

The American Daylily Society "is a non-profit service organization dedicated to educating people about daylilies, promoting the cultivation and enjoyment of daylilies, and fostering the on-going improvement of the genus hemerocallis."

The American Fern Society is one of the largest international fern societies in the world.

The American Hibiscus Society promotes and encourages "the development and improvement of hibiscus", collects and disseminates information concerning hibiscus. 

American Horticultural Society. "Making America a nation of gardeners, a land of gardens. That's our vision. Ambitious? Sure, but we don't think it's impossible. It's what we've been doing for more than 90 years."

AHS Garden Directory. Find botanical gardens to visit, and save money with the AHS Reciprocal Admissions Program.

"The American Hosta Society is a society dedicated to the study and improvement of the genus Hosta and the dissemination of general and scientific knowledge about them. There are many benefits for the members that result from these efforts, both social and in nursery trade."

The American Hydrangea Society exists for people who love hydrangeas and want to learn more about them.

If you love growing flowers, and would like to explore the professional art of flower arranging, check out the American Institute of Floral Designers.

The American Iris Society. "The Mission of The American Iris Society is to organize and disseminate knowledge of the genus Iris, while fostering its preservation, enjoyment and continued development."

The American Ivy Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the genus Hedera through education and promotion. AIS members are nurseryman, horticulturists, botanist, and plant enthusiasts, professionals and non-professionals who share a passion for ivies of the world.

The American Orchid Society promotes and supports "the passion for orchids through education, conservation, and research.

The American Penstemon Society is "dedicated to all things Penstemon" - a family of flowering plants found only in the Americas.

"The American Peony Society was established...to promote cultivated peonies and foster studies to improve its worth as a garden plant." You'll find a lot of information about Peonies there.

The American Pomological Society is the oldest fruit organization in North America, founded by Marshall P. Wilder in 1848 to foster the science and practice of fruit growing and variety development.

The American Primrose Society "has been bringing together Primula enthusiasts since 1941."

"The American Rhododendron Society is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to encourage interest in and to disseminate information about the genus Rhododendron. Members' experience ranges from novice to expert. Society activities include public education, plant sales, flower shows, seed exchanges, and scientific research."

American Rose Society. "Founded in 1892,the American Rose Society is the oldest single plant horticultural society in America. ...The American Rose Society exists to promote the culture and appreciation of the rose,through education and research,to members,to local rose societies and their members,and to the public."

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) "is the professional association for landscape architects in the United States, representing more than 15,000 members.  The Society’s mission is to advance landscape architecture through advocacy, communication, education, and fellowship." You can also search their database for a professional Landscape Architect in your area. 

The American Violet Society is devoted to the study, propagation, conservation, and dissemination of the Viola genus. 

The Azalea Society of America is "the source of information about azaleas."

The Beginner's Guide To Basic Gardening - "Like most hobbies, getting into gardening may seem challenging at first. But with a few simple tips and the willingness to get your hands dirty, you’ll find it to be equally rewarding and enjoyable." Find them here.

The Biota of North American Program (BONAP) "provides in-depth information on the entire vascular flora of the continent north of Mexico, as well as for Hawaii and Puerto Rico." 

Bromeliad Society International purpose is "to promote and maintain public and scientific interest in the research, development, preservation, and distribution of bromeliads, both natural and hybrid, throughout the world."

The Cactus And Succulent Society Of America (CSSA) is a worldwide community of avid gardeners, hobby and commercial horticulturists, nurserymen, and professional scientists who all share an appreciation for cacti and other types of succulent plants.

The Cycad Society, Inc. "is dedicated to the conservation of cycads through the promotion of education and scientific research." It is one of the best places to learn more about cycads, and get involved.

"The Cymbidium Society of America was founded in 1946 to stimulate and extend the appreciation of Cymbidiums, Paphiopedilums and other cool-growing orchids. Now consisting of nine individual branches, the Cymbidium Society strives to develop, acquire and disseminate information concerning these beautiful and enchanting orchids."

Dave's Garden (aka "DG") is an informational website where a large, international community of gardeners can learn from each other and find resources offered by the gardening industry.

Eat The Weeds is a very interesting and inspiring website. "While most of the articles are about plants and a few off-beat animals there are some editorials here and there."

The Epiphyllum Society of America is an "international group of hobbyists who grow and enjoy epiphytic cactus hybrids, commonly known as 'epiphyllums,' 'orchid cacti,' or 'jungle cacti.'" 

"The purpose of The Garden Club of America is to stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening, to share the advantages of association by means of educational meetings, conferences, correspondence, and publications, and to restore, improve, and protect the quality of the environment through educational programs and action in the fields of conservation and civic improvement." Comprised of 200 member clubs and around 18,000 club members, you should find a garden club near you.

Working in partnership with individual garden owners as well as public and private organizations, The Garden Conservancy provides horticultural, technical, management, and financial expertise to sustain these fragile treasures. It helps ensure long-term stewardship of these natural assets, which are essential to the aesthetic and cultural life of our communities.

GardenWeb claims to be the largest gardening site on the Web, with garden forums, articles on gardening, directories, etc.

Gardenia.Net offers a wealth of information about all things pertaining to our favorite hobby.

The Gesneriad Society "is an all-volunteer international society devoted to the identification, culture, propagation, and conservation of gesneriads. The Society also encourages the origination, introduction, and conservation of species and cultivars." The African Violet (Saintpaulia) is the most famous plant of the group.

The Hardy Fern Foundation exists "to introduce and test the world’s temperate ferns for hardiness and ornamental value and to build comprehensive collections for public display, information and education." Learn more about ferns and their suitability for your garden.

The Hardy Plant Society/Mid-Atlantic Group is a "volunteer organization for gardeners in the Mid-Atlantic region. We encourage gardeners - from beginners to professionals - to learn more about horticulture and to share their skills, knowledge, and plants with each other. Members gather throughout the year to visit gardens and nurseries in the Delaware Valley."

The Herb Society of America is dedicated to promoting the knowledge, use and delight of herbs through educational programs, research, and sharing the experience of its members with the community.

The Historic Iris Preservation Society "was created to help preserve our iris heritage by locating at risk irises and bringing them together with irisarians who want to grow and perpetuate them. Of equal importance is the establishment of an extensive collection of reference material relating to early iris history."

The Holly Society of America. "The purpose of the Holly Society is to stimulate interest, promote research, and collect and disseminate information about the genus Ilex."

The International Aroid Society is the organization for Aroid enthusiasts to share their enthusiasm. What is an Aroid? Aroid is the common name for members of the Araceae family of plants, sometimes known as the Philodendron or Arum family. The occasionally beautiful and often bizarre combination of spathe and spadix called the inflorescence, sometimes referred to as a 'flower', is a distinguishing feature of all aroids." If you're not an Aroid enthusiast yet, join this group. Their enthusiasm is contagious.

The International Euphorbia Society is dedicated to the furtherance of knowledge of plants of the Euphorbiaceae and of their cultivation. 

"The International Geraniaceae Group is the society for those interested in growing and understanding the Geraniaceae" including geraniums and pelargoniums.

The International Palm Society is "the Internet's comprehensive source of information on palms. This web site includes extensive information on palmhorticulture, online access to over 50 years of articles published in the Palms Journal, and Principes, a gallery of images, links to other sites, links to PalmTalk - the world's most active online forum on all aspects of Palms, and much more."

The International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society "includes new water gardeners keen to learn, experienced water gardeners eager to share, commercial growers, hybridizers, botanical garden and university professionals, hobbyists with wide ranging experience, aquatic plant specialists, fish specialists, manufactures of water garden products, installers and retailers, and others who appreciate the delights of water in the landscape." 

"The Magnolia Society International is a non-profit organization devoted to the appreciation and study of magnolias. Founded in 1963, the Society activities include exchanging magnolia plant material, evaluating and promoting magnolia cultivars, educating the garden community, supporting research on magnolias, and serving as the international registration authority for new magnolia cultivars."

The National Audubon Society provides a Native Plants Database that will help you attract birds to your landscape using native plants suited to your area. Just enter your zip code into their search engine. 

National Chrysanthemum Society, USA. Its purpose is to educate by researching, teaching, and disseminating procedures for the propagation and cultivation of the chrysanthemum; improve the standard of excellence of the chrysanthemum;  promote a wider interest in the cultivation of the chrysanthemum; encourage a greater use and display of the beautiful blooms of the many cultivars of the chrysanthemum; and increase the bonds of fellowship among growers of the chrysanthemum.

National Garden Clubs "do more than just green your thumb. [They] connect you with people, plants, and programs that provide inspiration, information, and valuable resources." Would you like to join a garden club? National Garden Clubs website is a great place to find one nearby. "Certainly, joining a garden club is a great way to 'green' your thumb along with like-minded people. But, membership also provides extensive opportunities to participate in garden-related activities for worthy causes, such as: conservation efforts, school gardens for kids, disaster relief and community beautification."

The National Gardening Association (NGA) works to renew and sustain the essential connection between people, plants, and the environment through educational resources.

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture, formerly the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension System Service (CREES). Gardening Know How.com can help you find a Cooperative Extension Service Office near you for expert horticultural advice, pest identification, soil testing.

Native Plant Societies. "Every state and region has its own unique native plants. The native plant societies in your area can help you find answers to your questions." The American Horticultural Society has a listing of native plant societies near you.

The North American Fruit Explorers (NAFEX) is a network of individuals throughout the United States and Canada devoted to the discovery, cultivation and appreciation of superior varieties of fruits and nuts.

The North American Gladiolus Council is for gladiolus lovers at all levels of experience.

The North American Rock Garden Society is a great place for you to learn about designing, planting and maintaining rock gardens.

Pacific Bulb Society. Though "Pacific" is in the title, this organization is open to bulb lovers everywhere. If you want to learn about, tell about, or show off your bulbs, this is the place to begin.

The PLANTS Database.  A project of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. "The PLANTS Database provides standardized information about the vascular plants, mosses, liverworts, hornworts, and lichens of the U.S. and its territories. It includes names, plant symbols, checklists, distributional data, species abstracts, characteristics, images, crop information, automated tools, onward Web links, and references. This information primarily promotes land conservation in the United States and its territories, but academic, educational, and general use is encouraged."

The Sedum Society. "The principal aim of the society is to preserve as many species and hybrids of the genus Sedum and related genera as possible."

The Survival Gardener is a good gardening resource for preppers. According to the website, it's "the official gardening blog of author David The Good. It’s all about growing the most food for the least amount of work. If you want to know how to garden and feed your family no matter what happens, this site is for you."

USDA Soil Survey - This very useful interactive map from the USDA enables you to get information about the soil on your own property.