How long is a Membership valid?
- AHS Memberships are for a full year and last until the end of the purchasing month (e.g. you purchase a Membership March 1, 2025, the expiration date will be March 30, 2026).
What will my expiration date be if I renew before my current Membership expires?
- Expiration dates for renewals that are still active are added to the current expiration date and not the purchase date. If your current expiration date is March 30, 2025, your updated expiration date will be March 30, 2026.
If I renew after my Membership lapses, will that be added to my old expiration date?
- No, if your membership lapses, AHS provides a new expiration date ending the last day of month the following year. If your expiration date was February 28, 2025, and you renew March 15, 2025, your expiration date will be March 30, 2026.
Do you have a digital Membership card?
- Yes, AHS transitioned to digital Membership cards in 2025. New Members should receive their downloadable digital card via email up to three business days after purchase.
Can someone else use my Membership card to visit a participating AHS Garden Network garden?
- No, AHS Memberships are not transferable. A second name of a household member can be added for Membership levels with admitting privileges for multiple people. For instances where membership levels include access for three or more individuals, they must visit with the primary or secondary Member.
I haven’t received my digital Membership card after joining/renewing, what can I do to receive it?
- If you have not received your digital Membership card after three business days, please email membership@ahsgardening.org or call 703.768.5700 ext. 119
Are there goods and services associated with a Membership?
- Yes, the annual subscription to American Gardener magazine has an estimated fair market value of $20. The remainder of your payment may be considered tax-deductible.
Can I pay for a Membership through a Donor Advised Fund?
- Yes, Memberships can be purchased through Donor Advised Funds, however AHS waives the benefit of the American Gardener magazine mailing to ensure the membership is 100% tax-deductible.
What is the AHS Garden Network?
- The AHS Garden Network is a network of nearly 400 gardens throughout the United States and North America, organized and administered by the American Horticultural Society. Since 1990 the network has granted AHS and network garden members greater access to cultivated green spaces. Participating AHS Garden Network gardens agree to offer free admission and other discounts to members of AHS and fellow network gardens’ members.
What is the local visitor exception listed on some of the participating AHS Garden Network gardens?
- Some network gardens maintain a local visitor exception—this means that the garden offers benefits (such as free admission) only to network visitors whose membership card address is more than 90 miles from the garden. Reference the individual garden directory listing to determine if your garden of interest utilizes this exception.
I’m planning on visiting a participating AHS Garden Network Garden, what should I do?
- Please contact the garden you are planning on visiting to confirm operating hours and ensure there are no special events or special exhibits that do not qualify for reciprocal admission.
If I am a member of a garden that is part of the AHS Garden Network, does that make me a member of AHS?
- No, while members of AHS Garden Network Gardens receive reciprocal admissions privileges, they do not receive AHS exclusive benefits like our award-winning magazine, American Gardener, or discounts on programs.
I just joined AHS online, can I visit a participating AHS Garden Network garden before I receive my digital Membership card?
- Yes, please show your email receipt from your online Membership purchase as proof of Membership until you receive your digital Membership card.
Need further assistance?
Contact
Membership Department 703.768.5700 ext. 119
Email membership@ahsgardening.org