Q. What is FROGS?
A. FROGS is an acronym for Friends of Green Spring, Inc., a 501(c) (3) volunteer and support organization that works with the Green Spring Gardens staff in support of the Garden's missions. FROGS has approximately 1250 dues paying members and an annual budget of $200,000.
Q. How does FROGS support Green Spring Gardens?
A. FROGS provides financial and volunteer support for a wide range of programs and physical improvement projects:
- Horticultural materials and equipment
Purchase of ALL plants, labels, and propagation materials
Funding for riding lawn mower (2011)
Funding for two work vehicles (2015) - Educational programs for children and adults
Purchase of books and supplies for children's classes
Purchase of books and magazines for the reference library
Subsidizes field trips to the gardens by children at Title 1 schools through the Frances Tyler Educational Fund - Operations
Salaries for garden interns and some seasonal staff
Supports staff training - Physical improvement and maintenance projects
One or more special garden improvement projects each year, including the Irrigation system, renovation of the children's classroom, tree care/planting initiative, gazebo repair and renovation, and historic house renovations - Fundraising activities
Over the past 10 years, FROGS has raised and contributed over $1 million to Green Spring. Currently, FROGS annual contribution represents about 10% of Green Spring's operational budget.
Q. What other kinds of support does FROGS provide?
A. FROGS combines fundraising and "friend-raising" by sponsoring the following annual events:
- The Harry Allen Winter Lecture Series
- Summer Concert
- Spring Garden Day
- Family Fall Festival and FROGS Silent Auction
Q. What are the sources of FROGS revenues?
A. FROGS acquires its revenues from three sources.
- Business operations. Annually, about 45% of FROGS total revenue comes from the following operations: Garden Gate Plant Shop, Harry Allen Winter Lecture Series, sale of used gardening books and magazines, other revenues
- Membership (mostly dues) Twenty-two percent (22%) of annual revenues
- Fundraising. Approximately 33% of annual revenues; includes plant sale events and fund drives
Q. What benefits do FROGS members most value?
A. Members most frequently mention these benefits:
- Playing a meaningful role in supporting their treasured Green Spring Gardens.
- Discounts at Green Spring gift and garden shops.
- Discounts at local commercial garden centers.
- Reciprocal privileges with more than 320 botanical gardens, arboreta.
- Advance notice of classes, programs, and events.
- Subscription to FROGS' Gardenline newsletter.
Q. How is FROGS led and governed?
A. FROGS is led by a volunteer [board] of directors, and governed following bylaws conforming to Virginia regulations.
Q. How can I help?
A. There are five ways that you can help Green Spring Gardens
- JOIN FROGS! Become a member of one of the region's most active and supportive friends group. Becoming a FROGS member is both easy and
inexpensive. - DONATE. Donors may direct their contributions to general garden support, specific programs or projects, or to a campaign such as the Annual Appeal. You may make donations online, by telephone (703.642.5173), by regular mail, or by visiting the Green Spring Gardens visitor center.
- VISIT AND SHOP AT GREEN SPRING GARDENS. The Garden Gate Plant Shop is sponsored by FROGS. Proceeds from all plant purchases go to FROGS to help support the gardens.
- ATTEND FROGS EVENTS AT THE GARDENS. Check the events section of our homepage for the latest on upcoming events.
- GET INVOLVED: SIGN UP AS A VOLUNTEER. Join the growing number of people who donate their time and talents to support this great community asset. FROGS funds a volunteer coordinator who focuses on attracting talented people to assist the garden's programs and events.
