The Order of Free Gardeners is a fraternal society that was founded in Scotland in the middle of the 17th century and later spread to England and Ireland. Like numerous other friendly societies of the time, its principal aim was the sharing of secret knowledge linked to the profession and mutual aid. The most ancient evidence of the order is a record of the minutes of the Haddington lodge, opened 16 August 1676, which begins with a compilation of fifteen rules called Interjunctions for ye Fraternity of Gardiners of East Lothian In the 19th century, its activities of mutual insurance became predominant. By the end of the 20th century, it had become almost entirely extinct.

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Fast forward to modern era.  Various groups from England went to Scotland, where they received their ceremonies into this most interesting Order; afterwards, they received a formal permission to form their own Lodge.  One such group formed in Sutton, UK, established the ‘Rose of England Lodge’. In early 2022, in Washington D.C. A contingency of candidates from Indiana, Texas, New York and Massachusetts were present, and were received into Rose of England Lodge. Subsequently, they were granted formal permission to form Lodges, many of which nestled themselves under the auspices of the International Order of Free Gardeners.

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Although the Free Gardeners have always remained independent of Freemasonry, the history and organization of the two orders show numerous similarities. Some commentators have pointed to possible mutual influences in the ancient history of the two organizations. Please note however, this Order is not Masonic.

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The idea of the Free Gardener refers to the biblical paradise garden and to the care of the soil, which is metaphorically equated with the cultivation of the spirit, the soul and the virtues. The reference to the Garden of Paradise, but also to the Tree of Life, which stood in the middle of the Garden of Paradise, also represents a conscious connection to Judeo-Christian mysticism.

 

​The Order works three separate Degrees, that of Apprentice Gardener, Journeyman, and Master Gardener.

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What does the IOFG do/attempt to accomplish?

The International Order of Free Gardeners is lead by a Grand Master and Grand Secretary for the purpose of assisting in forming Free Gardener Lodges throughout the world. Even through the guidance and leadership of a Grand Master and Grand Secretary, the IOFG does not collect dues or have oversight like one would expect with a Fraternal Grand organized system. Rather, it lets the Lodges nestled under the umbrella of the IOFG to work autonomously while keeping uniformity in Ritual and standards of decorum and practice. So, a mere confederation of Lodges working with one common purpose/goal of expanding the Order in unanimity.

You will find that many of the Lodges are filled with Brethren eager to share what the Order is about and promote the fellowship it expands upon.