In the 1940s a number of horticultural societies sprang up in Nova Scotia to answer the call of the Rural Beautification Project. Its goal was to beautify the province, support local gardeners and encourage the growth of nurseries. As the years passed, lovely gardens, landscaped properties and retail nurseries appeared. The Department of Agriculture and Marketing, along with the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, decided it would be helpful to host an event to bring together gardeners from one end of the province to the other. In 1954 they initiated what was to become a tradition—an annual conference where garden club members could meet each other, enjoy tours of local gardens and gather for a banquet that featured a special guest speaker. The first conference was held in Truro and was a resounding success. At a conference held the following year a new organization came into being: the Nova Scotia Association of Garden Clubs.

• Running Best Community Project competitions
• Lobbying for larger fines for littering roadsides
• Starting an annual garden photo competition (1960)
• Instituting a provincial Garden Quiz
• Approving an NSAGC logo (1964)
• Awarding the Centennial Scholarship in Horticulture (1967)
• Setting up a Flower Show Judging School
• Awarding a Gardener of the Year Award (1968)
• Voicing of ecological concerns (1969) about non-returnable containers, exploitation of beaches and the effluent being discharged into Boat Harbour
• Having the provincial government declare the first week of June as Provincial Gardening Week

The most eagerly awaited event of the year occurs in the spring when the Association hosts a convention where club members meet and exchange ideas, make friends, learn about the latest gardening trends and enjoy local gardening attractions. Convention locations rotate to a different region each year so that clubs have the opportunity to showcase their area of the province.

The convention provides an opportunity to learn about all things gardening during the speakers' presentations. This includes a keynote speaker at the Saturday evening banquet. There is a marketplace at the convention and local vendors are invited to showcase their products and provide an opportunity to shop for your gardening needs.

The Floral Art Competition allows garden clubs to display their flower arranging skills under several categories. The photo competition takes place before the convention, but the photos of the entrants and winners in each class are showcased during the event. There are also tours of private gardens that attendees may visit.

Deb Bowes-Lyon

The Chairperson is responsible for making sure that each Annual General meeting, Board meeting and Executive meeting is planned effectively, conducted according to the by-laws, follows an agenda, and that matters are dealt with in an orderly, efficient manner.

Ginny Blayney

The Vice Chairperson fills the role of the Chairperson in his/her absence and learns about the organization in order to fill the Chairperson position when the Chairperson's time is up.

Kathy d'Entremont

The Past Chairperson provides continuity to the Board and Executive and historical information such as past decisions and why they were made. The Past Chairperson brings nominations for the Executive and Board to the Annual General meeting for voting and approval by the membership.

Melissa Weir

The Secretary documents the Annual General meetings, the Board meetings and the Executive meetings and distributes the minutes from those meetings. The Secretary is the recognized agent for NSAGC with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies. He/she maintains the various NSAGC documents and official seal.

Susan Hazelwood

The Treasurer maintains custody of the NSAGC funds, keeps accurate financial records and prepares financial reports and a budget for approval at the appropriate meetings. The Treasurer also manages the yearly Membership Assessment process and maintains the Tags and Seals inventory.