In 1996, a children’s garden was established near the Antoine LeClaire House in Davenport. The Scott County Master Gardeners, Davenport City Parks and Recreation Department, Friendly House and Vander Veer Botanical Park found themselves cooperating at this garden as well as at other gardening projects, along with The Friends of Vander Veer and ISU Scott County Extension. To better pool their resources in an organized way, the organizations formed The Garden Growers in 1997 as a 501(c) (3), nonprofit organization.

In addition to the six participating agencies, The Garden Growers also partners with the Davenport Community School District, Ecumenical Housing Development Group, John Lewis Community Services, United Neighbors, Scott County Sheriff’s Department, Freedom Homes, Family Resources, Lutheran Social Services of Iowa, East Bluff Neighborhood Association, and Heritage Hills Neighborhood Association, and others.

In June 2000, The Garden Growers was recognized at the Tri-State Master Gardener Conference as the winner of the first “Tri-State Search for Excellence Award.” This award commends volunteerism and the ability to make a difference in low-resource areas of communities.

In 2006, The Garden Growers supported seven community gardens, four children’s gardens, two treatments gardens, and two neighborhood green spaces (one still in development).

Land for the existing gardens was provided by the City of Davenport, Davenport Community School District, and Ecumenical Housing Development Group, among others.

The Garden Growers provides materials necessary for gardening such as tools, plants, seeds and mulch; expertise in horticulture including access to Scott County Master gardeners; assistance with site selection, preparation and water; educational materials and classes; assistance with community organizing; and an opportunity to showcase neighborhood gardens during the annual Great Garden Showoff.