Organized in 1939, Lantana Garden Club was established to foster an appreciation and understanding of the special aspects of gardens, horticulture and landscape design among its members and the general public. From its earliest days, Lantana assumed a leadership position in developing civic and philanthropic projects that were designed to encourage a keen awareness of the importance of gardens and landscape design in both the residential and urban context. 

 

Since the 1950's, Lantana has been active in various beautification projects for the City of San Antonio and Alamo Heights, including major planting and landscape efforts for San Antonio highways, for the public water pump stations close to the Missions and along McCullough/Basse Roads, as well as for the Alamo Heights Junior School and High School Mule Stall. 

 

From its inception, a strong emphasis of Lantana's philanthropic projects has been placed on garden therapy for the ill and the disabled. Lantana has worked with the Southwestern State Mental Hospital, the State Chest Hospital, the Regional School for the Deaf, Pfeiffer Elementary School, and, more recently, at the Christian Assistance Ministry. 

 

Another distinction of the Lantana Garden Club is its strong reputation in the world of floral design and flower arranging, especially during the first four decades of its history. Lantana helped develop this field through its active participation in the establishment and curriculum of the Institute for Flower Judging, which provided courses on this subject through the San Antonio Garden Center, many taught by Lantana members. During this time, Lantana Garden Club's membership included more national flower show judges than any other garden club in southwest Texas. 

 

Named for the native Texas perennial plant, the Lantana Garden Club has a great deal to celebrate!

 

Source: Press release written by Merribell Parsons on the occasion of Lantana’s 60th anniversary.​