History

The origin of the Rutherglen and District Garden Club goes back to 1958, when the wife of the local newsagent, Mrs. Keam, organised a public meeting to consider the formation of a horticultural society. The Rutherglen Horticultural Society was formed with the Shire President, Councillor A. G. Williams, elected as its first President and Mrs. Keam as Secretary. 

The Club flourished for a number of years with many interesting guest speakers arranged to give talks and demonstrations on gardening topics and floral art. Both Spring and Autumn Flower Shows were held in the Rutherglen Memorial Hall Supper Room. However interest waned in the late sixties. 

Mrs. Keam, who was a very ardent gardener and club enthusiast, had left the district and there was insufficient interest to have an election for office bearers. As a result the Society went into recess in 1968.

The long road to success

In 1984 Mrs. Mollie McLaurin and Mrs. Peggy Chambers moved for the formation of a Garden Club in Rutherglen. At a well- attended public meeting called for the purpose, it was agreed to wind up the Rutherglen Horticultural Society and transfer its funds, held in trust since 1968, to the newly formed Rutherglen and District Garden Club which has been functioning successfully ever since.