The Chico Horticultural Society, Inc was organized May 1921, by Mr. W.F. Wight, founding President.  The non-profit organization is a charter member of California Garden Clubs, Inc., October 1931.

"Come grow with us!"  That's Chico Horticulture Society's standing invitation to anyone who likes or wants to get their hands dirty and grow things.


Our primary interest is to assist and educate the public and our members on all topics of flora and horticulture including flower design and growing. Founded in 1921, "Chico Hort," as our members call it, is one of the oldest horticulture societies in the state of California. It is also a charter member of California Garden Clubs Inc., a statewide horticulture society chartered in 1931.


Membership in the society includes farmers, accredited horticulture judges, professional landscapers, floral businesses, design shops, farmers, lifelong gardeners, and beginners. EVERY skill level is welcomed.


In addition to sharing knowledge with one another, guest speakers and special program topics are included in the monthly meetings. Over the last two years we’ve had speakers on California native plants, drought, the genus Salvia (“sages”), California’s native bees, growing roses, composting, worm farming, good and bad bugs and how to get rid of them safely.


Chico Hort also educates and gives back to the community through community gardens and school programs. Club members have planted and maintained the gardens at the Chico library, the veteran's garden in the City Plaza, and the garden surrounding the Chico Museum.


While the community garden projects are near and dear to members, the School Gardening Program is also an important project. Among the schools that have received grants are Hamilton High School, Chico Country Day School, Blue Oak Charter School, Nord School and Loma Vista School. Each of these schools has used their grants to create gardens as well a variety of other horticulture-related projects. Loma Vista, for example, did a project on recycling food waste, creating a compost and building a worm bin. Nord Country Day has an outstanding project. They have received grants from us for many years. They are teaching the children how to grow their own and they have put in an orchard. The children reap what they sow and they learn how to cook the fresh food. They are also growing flowers which the children may pick and take home to their parents.


The Chico Horticultural Society raises money for the School Gardening Program through its annual plant and flower sale held every April at the Home and Garden Show and also The Greens Workshop held each December. These money raising efforts typically garner about $1,500 for the school grants. Gillum's goal is to increase the fundraisers to increase the grant funds. There isn’t anything better than to have a child learn to garden—there is something about putting seeds in ground and seeing them grow. Children learn how to do something good. They also learn math, responsibility, taking care another living thing. It's incredible what this program does for these kids.


Meetings: Noon on the third Monday of each month (social time 12:00-12:30, business 12:30-1:00, Speaker 1:00-2:00) September through June.  The public is VERY welcomed!