Founded in 1989, by Frank Cabot, the Conservancy has since helped a number of American gardens to develop preservation strategies, organizational structures, and funding plans.

[1] In some cases, the Conservancy takes the lead in transitioning the garden to a sustainable, nonprofit status.

The Garden Conservancy is headquartered in Cold Spring, New York.

During a visit to Ruth Bancroft's garden in Walnut Creek, California, Frank Cabot asked Bancroft what would happen to the garden after her death.

Cabot's wife suggested the establishment of a nonprofit organization for garden preservation, and the idea for the Conservancy was born.