The Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa, Inc. grew out of the Garden Short Courses begun at Iowa State College (University) in Ames, Iowa, in 1925. In 1927, a resolution was adopted to form a state garden club organization. A committee was selected to compile a list of all the city garden clubs in the state and create articles of organization. The constitution was presented at the 1928 Garden Short Course and unanimously approved. The Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa became a charter member of the National Council of State Garden Clubs (National Garden Clubs, Inc.) in 1929 and an affiliate of the Iowa State Horticultural Society.



The Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa has been a very active organization since its creation. Flower shows were an early and continuous part of the Garden Clubs of Iowa. Members were encouraged to participate in local and state flower shows and they could also attend workshops on flower presentation and flower show judging. Workshops and short courses are still organized for people interested in native plant species, conservation, and landscape design.



Conservation and community service projects have been another aspect of the Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa. In 1949, U. S. Highway 75 was designated Iowa's Blue Star Memorial Highway in honor of those who served in the armed forces. The Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa actively participate in creating memorials along this highway. The memorials consist of roadside parks, scenic turnouts, and roadside plantings of native materials.



The stated mission of the Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa is to "stimulate knowledge of gardening; to aid in the protection of trees, plants, and birds; and to promote civic beautification." As of 2005, there are 1709 members in 66 clubs organized in seven districts across the state.