The Charlottesville-Albemarle Council of Garden Clubs is a non-profit organization representing the garden clubs in the area. The purpose of the Council is to preserve the beauty and character of Charlottesville and Albemarle County and to coordinate civic activities of the various member clubs. The membership of the organization consists of the President or Vice-President and one other representative from each member Club.

In February 1961, a meeting was held at the Keswick home of Mrs. Leon Dure for the purpose of organizing a Council of Garden Clubs. The objective of such a council was to preserve the beauty and character of Charlottesville and Albemarle County, and to coordinate civic activities through member clubs.

The Charlottesville-Albemarle Council of Garden Clubs held its first meeting on March 14, 1961 electing Mrs. James A. Twohey as chairman. The charter members of the Council were Albemarle, Boxwood, Charlottesville, Keswick, Monticello, Piedmont and Rivanna Garden Clubs, followed in October of the same year by the Dogwood Club.

Since its organization, the Council has undertaken many projects. The Council has assisted the Committee of Highway Planting , the Beautification Commission, Arbor Day observance, and an Anti-Litter Campaign. It has also decorated public buildings for special occasions. In March, 1986, the Council observed the twenty-fifth anniversary of its founding. In commemoration of the event, the Council chose to honor Mr. Eugene C. German, Director of Parks and Recreation, for his interest in the beautification of the City of Charlottesville. A gift of $100.00 was made to the Department of Parks and Recreation for the purchase of a tree to be planted in his honor. A specimen of Metasequoia Glyptastroboides (Redwood) was purchased and planted in Pen Park with members of the Council present.

Also in March, 1986, the Council initiated a project to present Certificates of Appreciation to commercial establishments in Charlottesville and Albemarle County for beautification of their premises. Candidates are recommended by Council members.

In November, 1988, two benches were donated to the Hospice of the Piedmont with a plaque reading Council of Garden Clubs. Funds came from the Council, and each member club.

To commemorate Arbor Day, in March, 1995, the Council voted to donate a tree each year to a local school. The donation will alternate between city and county schools. Jackson-Via School was the first recipient; a white dogwood was planted in the school's courtyard.

In March, 1996, the Council gave three sourwood trees to Darden Towe Park to celebrate the thirty-fifth anniversary of the Council (March 14, 1961).

In April, 1997, the Council gave a service berry tree (Amelanchier) to Greenbrier Elementary School during a school-wide planting ceremony. The Charlottesville Parks and Recreational Service supervised the children while they dug, planted, and watered the new tree.

A dogwood flower was adopted as the logo for the Council. It will be used on the cover of the yearly handbook as well as any other Council publications.

Under the leadership and expertise of  Zan Short, the Council entered the cyberspace world.  Zan created a web page and arranged for it to be placed  on the Monticello Avenue server.  Not only Council information, but an abundance of gardening information such as garden publications, garden web sites, nurseries, and a calendar of garden events are available on this web site. In 1997 the Council voted for the website to be adopted by The Charlottesville Garden Club.. The name of the site was changed to "Gardening in Virginia". Members of The Council are requested  to submit information about their Club events that are open to the public if they would like for this information to be entered on the web page calendar.

On Arbor Day, 1997, a dogwood tree was planted at Stone Robinson School under the direction of Al Minutolo, Master Gardner.

In 1998 Beautification Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Old Dominion Animal Hospital, Edgecomb's Imported Auto Sales and Service, and Shopper's World. On Arbor Day a dogwood tree was planted at Burnley Moran School under the direction of Al Minutolo, Master Gardner. Monetary contributions to the Lane Baseball League were made to help with the planting of the newly renovated ball park. Additional funds were sent to JABA to assist them with the gardens at the Adult Rehab and Eldercare facilities.

In 1999 new guidelines were formulated for the beautification recognition awards.  It was decided that the award would be presented in two categories: 1. To a business or location that has a budget of more than $5,000 for grounds beautification, and 2. To a business that does most of the work "in house".  It is hoped that a brass plaque can be presented to the winners.  The support of both the University Hospital and the Blue Ridge House was continued by member clubs.  

The year 2000-2001 was a good one for the Council.  Representatives from the member clubs were generous in sharing ideas for programs and projects.  Two awards for grounds beautification were given, one to Wade Apartments and one to Foods of All Nations.  Maggie Gangloff of the Dogwood Garden Club designed lovely certificates and they were framed and delivered to the recipients.

Historic Garden Week, planned and executed by Albemarle, Charlottesville, and Rivanna Garden Clubs was reported to be one of the best ever.  Members of the other garden clubs were invited to participate either by serving as garden hosts or helping with flower arrangements.

The Sacagawea Garden Club denoted $50.00 to the Shelter for Help in Emergency, part of the Transitional Housing Program.  The Council at the May meeting voted to contribute one month's rent, $160.00, to the Piedmont Center for Horticulture.