"I just called some people around the area and through word of mouth the group just grew. People used to come with babies and pushchairs and now we are all grandmothers, it is quite incredible."
She said there was no secretary or president with minutes, as they would just get on and do it.
The club has about 40 members who all share Mrs Buchanan's love for gardens, plants and seeds.
Once a month the group get together and explore new gardens organised by Mrs Buchanan.
Long time club member Joanna Lowry said they had been to some wonderful places all around the North Island.
"Lenora would organise a bus and we would go for three days and see some amazing open gardens which would inspire us all."
Mrs Buchanan recalled some "wonderful experiences" in New Plymouth, Wellington, Auckland and the Manawatu.
"We would see half a dozen gardens in a day and in most places we formed great relationships with the people."
Mrs Lowry said a gardening group from Wairoa, Nuhaka and Mahia came down here and they were then invited to go up there for a couple of days and look at their gardens.
Although Mrs Buchanan would no longer be the organiser of the group, she said she would stay involved and still attend the get-together.
"It was just getting too difficult trying to organise it all now with my sight disappearing."
Mrs Lowry said Mrs Buchanan had been the heart of the club for the 45 years and had made it extremely successful and enjoyable for all who were involved.
"No matter what she would be on that phone getting everyone together and organising some great trips, she was amazing."