The Hobby Greenhouse Club was founded in the early 1970’s by, amongst others, the late George Ross (pictured below). George conducted an evening class called “Hobby Greenhouse” through Cape Fear Technical Institute (now known as Cape Fear Community College) in his greenhouse at 2318 Metts Avenue. After the class ended, the students continued to meet and soon formed the Hobby Greenhouse Club. Meetings were held once a month in one of George’s greenhouses on Metts Avenue.
George Ross
The Hobby Greenhouse Club continues today much as it was when founded. We meet once a month on the second Tuesday at 7:00 pm where we have a guest speaker on a horticulture topic. Refreshments are served following the speaker, giving members a chance to be social. In addition to our monthly meetings, we occasionally have a field trip to visit a place of interest. Guests are welcome at all of our activities.
Having a greenhouse is not necessary for membership in the club – just a passion for plants and a love of your garden. Currently, fewer than half of our members have a greenhouse. We are a very social group of people covering a wide range of age, interests, and abilities, with plants and gardens being our common interest. Yearly membership for the Hobby Greenhouse Club is $12 for an individual or $15 for a family and dues are due in January of each year. For new members who join after July 1, membership is halved to $6 for an individual and $7.50 for a family.
Where we meet:
We alternate between meeting in the auditorium at the Arboretum (6206 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403) and the Pine Valley Baptist Church (3940 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28403). Check the event calendar for the location of the next meeting.