In 1940, five Garden Clubs existed in San Antonio. Among the members were two women, Mrs. R.R. Witt and Mrs. J.R. Murphy. They conceived an idea to establish a headquarters that would provide a link between organized members, potential gardeners and the general public.

The purpose was to generate interest in horticulture, conservation, civic beautification and community projects. The women took their vision to Ellen Quillen, curator of the Witte Museum, who gave the group the use of the Weaver’s House at the Witte. This was the beginning of a period of intensive work by creative people who produced untold accomplishments, including promoting the famous World War II “Victory Gardens”.

The Garden Center was incorporated in 1955. It had outgrown the Weaver’s House at the Witte Museum and a search was on for a new home. The City and the San Antonio Conservation Society approved a site at Mahncke Park. After ten years of preparation, ground was broken in 1965. The building was constructed at a cost of $250,000 with funds raised by the individual member clubs. It was officially opened on October 26, 1966 and dedicated on May 3, 1967. A year later, an extension of 2,400 square feet was added to our building. This is now known as the Adele Frost Horticulture Hall.

The number of organized clubs grew rapidly and by 1962 there were 65 clubs, with members totaling more than 2,000. During the ensuing years, the Garden Center contributed to many projects, including beautification of public places, planting trees at city schools, highway plantings, teaching junior gardeners and participating in the community “Litter-Bug” program. There were numerous, and intensive, garden therapy programs. However, our priority was to create a Garden for the Blind.

Even though promotion to establish a Garden of the Blind started as early as 1956, action eventually materialized in 1967. Through years of hard work and a concerted effort, the Garden Center women raised $58,500 towards the project, a tremendous undertaking.

Nine years later, on July 21, 1976, a most unique and impressive groundbreaking ceremony took place. A mule and plow, guided by two women from the Lighthouse for the Blind, along with Mayor Pro Tem Al Rhode, plowed a furrow across the one-acre site, located up the hill from the Garden Center. This area is now the Garden for the Blind, and it was the cornerstone of what as to become the San Antonio Botanical Garden.

Today, San Antonio Garden Center remains a centerpiece for Garden Clubs throughout the area. Supporting the Garden for the Blind is still our highest priority.