Spartanburg Men's Garden Club
"dedicated to gardening education and community beautification"
Brief History
The Spartanburg Men's Garden Club (SMGC) was started in 1948 by a small group of civic minded men who wanted to support Mr. W.O. Ezell's beautification efforts in Spartanburg. Over the years, various leaders emerged to continue Mr. Ezell's vision.
Harold Hatcher donated his garden to the Spartanburg County Foundation following years of his personal investment. SMGC continued their support of Harold Hatcher at Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve. The club began in the 1980's the highly successful Plant Sale that was held at various locations until it was moved to Hatcher Garden. In the late 1990's, Hatcher Garden began offering annuals and perennials for sale to complement the trees and shrubs offered by SMGC's Plant Sale. Both sales take place on the same day at Hatcher Garden.
A dedicated group of men were responsible for the success of the Plant Sale during the 1980's: Jess Taylor, Dick Look, John Nevison, Walter Soderberg, and Winston Hardegree are a few of them.
Henry Pittman and his Street Tree Program, through the SMGC, is another leader who carries on the work of W.O. Ezell and Harold Hatcher. Henry was awarded The Order of the Palmetto (2008) for his beautification work. The Street Tree Program has spawned other green organizations in Spartanburg: Spot of Pride (Hans Balmer), Circle of 100 (anonymous donors), Noble Tree Foundation (Roger Milliken, Michael Dirr, Richard Webel, and other local leaders), in addition to many other groups.
Women joined the SMGC in 1990 and continue to make their presence felt by serving on the Board of Directors since 1997. Linda McHam was co-chair of the 2006 National Convention, and she was the first woman President of the club (2006 - 2008).