What We Do
The Garden Club of Oakmont grows more than flowers. It nourishes friendships, plants new ideas and cultivates a love for gardening. Our members continually learn about a variety of topics such as garden aesthetics, environmental responsibility, native plant cultivation, flower arranging, horticultural therapy, organic and sustainable farming, and container gardening.
The Garden Club of Oakmont is very active in sprouting and sustaining neighborhood and civic enrichment projects that help make Oakmont a flourishing community. Below are some of the committees that make this happen. Members can download the Interest Sheet for 2022-23.
The Garden Club of Oakmont is very active in sprouting and sustaining neighborhood and civic enrichment projects that help make Oakmont a flourishing community. Below are some of the committees that make this happen. Members can download the Interest Sheet for 2022-23.
Adopt a Block: Responsible for cleanup, weeding and maintenance of a block of Allegheny River Boulevard.
Civic Planting: In conjunction with the Oakmont Boulevard Project the Garden Club maintains beds by Riverview High School and RiteAid; selects all plant materials for hanging baskets and planters for clock tower and pavilion.
> Gardening with Seniors: Selects and schedules approximately six one-hour programs at Presbyterian Senior Care each spring and fall. Programs are gardening themed, hands-on activities for older adults.
Kerr Museum Clean-Up: Responsible for assisting the museum in spring and fall clean-up of outdoor spaces; aids with selection and planting of appropriate plant material.
Library Arrangements: Provide flower arrangements on a weekly basis to enhance entrance and common area of the Oakmont Carnegie Library.
Library Holiday Decorations: Decorates the Oakmont Carnegie Library with Christmas decorations; removes and stores decorations in January.
> Oakmont Hometown Christmas & Parade Float: Participate in the Oakmont/Verona Hometown Christmas Parade in November.
Luncheons: Selects menu for meetings at Oakmont Country Club and other locations; collects meal fees.
Membership: Works to increase Garden Club membership; welcomes new members; monitors changes in membership status.
November Luncheon Fundraiser: Plans, organizes and executes the Garden Club's major fundraiser: the November Luncheon at the Oakmont Country Club.
> Oakmont in Bloom: Enhances the business corridor of Allegheny River Boulevard in conjunction with the Oakmont Boulevard Project: cleans up corridor and plants annuals in spring and fall in tree wells. Chairs serve as liaison with watering contractor.
Oakmont Street Sale: Sets up booth at Oakmont Street Sale on the last Saturday in July to raise awareness about the Garden Club, to encourage new members to join and to sell gardening items and plants.
Parks: Works in cooperation with the Oakmont Recreation Board to enhance the beauty of the parks in the community.
Programs: Selects and schedules programs and speakers for the monthly Garden Club meetings.
> Scholarship: Provides $2,000 scholarship annually for a rising or current undergraduate student residing in the Riverview School District; reviews applications and selects a winner each spring; coordinates receipt of the award.
Spring Plant Sale: Coordinates a large community plant sale in the Saturday before Mother's Day in May. Selects vendors, schedules delivery and pick-up of plant material; coordinates donations of "From Our Gardens" perennials; schedules work shifts for members; executes set-up and break-down of sale.
Investing in Our Community
GCO proudly donates to the following community organizations:
GCO proudly donates to the following community organizations:
- Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
- Kerr Museum
- Len Anderson Fund
- Oakmont Boulevard Project
- Oakmont Lions Club
- Phipps Conservatory
- Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
- Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
- Riverview Community Action Center
- Riverview High School Musical
- Riverside Park Fund
- Riverview Relay for Life