Gardening may seem like a solo gig—just you, your trowel, and the satisfying scent of soil—but it doesn’t have to be a one-person show. If you find joy in talking to tomatoes (I’m guilty), imagine how much fun it could be to share your passion with others who “get it.”
Here in North Idaho, we are lucky to have a vibrant gardening community, filled with local resources that support and inspire gardeners of all levels. From expert advice to garden tours, there are numerous opportunities to connect, learn, and make digging in the dirt a more social experience.
Got Garden Issues? Master Gardeners Can Help
“Helping people grow” is the motto of the Idaho Master Gardener Program, so when garden questions or issues arise, your first stop should be the Idaho Master Gardeners’ Plant Clinic.
Staffed by certified volunteer master gardeners, they can diagnose most problems you encounter in your garden with research-based solutions. Ranging from insect and plant identification to pest management, disease control, and much more, all for free.
In addition to the clinic, you can find master gardeners at the Saturday Kootenai County Farmers Market during the summer. While they may not always be able to diagnose issues on the spot, they will ensure your questions get answered.
The program also offers a wide array of gardening classes each spring, covering topics such as seed starting, pruning fruit trees, native beekeeping, and much more.
You will also find your Idaho Master Gardeners at the Kootenai County Fair each summer during fair time. The group maintains a demonstration garden at the Fairgrounds to teach patrons about the importance of pollinators.
The Plant Clinic operates seasonally from April to September, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 1250 W. Ironwood Dr., Suite 107, in Coeur d’Alene. In addition to walk-in assistance, gardeners can also call or email their questions to the clinic. For more information, visit: https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/county/kootenai/garden/clinic.
Cancer & Community Charities (3Cs) Garden Club
You may be aware of the good that the 3Cs do in our community. The women’s volunteer organization is committed to having fun while raising funds to support local Kootenai County charities that fight cancer and assist those in immediate need within our community.
In addition to its primary mission, the organization has various sub-groups, including a garden club, which is open to all 3Cs members who enjoy observing and discussing plants.
The club meets monthly during the garden season for inspirational tours and strolls through local gardens, greenhouses, and nurseries.
“If you enjoy seeing and talking about plants, this club is for you,” said Barb Zimmer, club leader.
I had the pleasure of hosting the group at The Coeur d’Alene Coop greenhouse for their April tour. The members were delightful, engaged, and eager to learn about my small nursery.
Annual dues are $15, and meetings are held on the first Wednesday morning of each month, April to October. For more information, visit: https://3cscda.com/groups/garden-club/
River City Gardeners Club
The 70-member River City Gardeners Club was founded in 2002 and brings together gardeners who enjoy participating in garden-related activities, sharing information, and forming friendships.
Monthly meetings are held from January to November and often feature guest speakers on various gardening topics. During the growing season, members frequently bring plants to sell or trade at the meetings, and there’s always a door prize for one lucky attendee. Members also receive a monthly gardening newsletter and special discounts at local nurseries.
Margaret Hildahl, Speaker Seeker/Garden Tour & Field Trip Director, ensures that speakers are top-notch (yours truly is speaking in June!) and plans various activities outside of the monthly meetings.
“We love exploring the beautiful gardens in the area, including those of our members,” Hildahl said. In addition to visiting local gardens and nurseries, two fun social events are held each year: one to kick off the growing season in the spring and another to celebrate the harvest in late fall.
“Our club is growing and more young people are joining us—we hope you will too!” said Hildahl.
Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at The Cove, 510 S. Clearwater Loop, Suite 100, Post Falls. Membership dues are $20 annually. Learn more: https://facebook.com/groups/rivercitygardenclub/
Coeur d’Alene Garden Club
With 150 members, the Coeur d’Alene Garden Club is the largest gardening club in the region. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, it’s dedicated to inspiring and promoting an appreciation for horticulture, gardening, civic beautification, and natural resource conservation.
Members enjoy various gardening activities, including speaker programs covering a wide range of horticultural topics, community projects, field trips, plant and seed exchanges, tours of private gardens, and the annual public fundraiser, the Coeur d’Alene Garden Club Garden Tour.
Celebrating its 27th year, the fundraising garden tour takes place on Sunday, June 29th, and features six beautifully unique gardens offering inspirational ideas to try in your garden.
Live music, artisan vendors, food vendors, and information booths will be set up throughout the gardens extending from Coeur d’Alene to Athol.
“Over the last 15 years, the club has donated more than $240,000 to local community charities, schools, and scholarship programs,” said Jill Marfice, club secretary.
Tour tickets are $20 and can be purchased at local nurseries or online through the club’s website (see below).
Club dues are $20 per year, and meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month, 1 p.m. at the CDA Public Library. For information and tour tickets, visit: https://www.cdagardenclub.com.
Whether you’re seeking expert advice or simply looking to connect with fellow gardeners, North Idaho offers a rich network of resources to help your garden—and your gardening journey—thrive. I encourage you to explore these local groups and services to cultivate healthier plants, expand your knowledge, and support your gardening community.
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