HISTORY

Capturing the essence of family, nature and community…

Inspired by Ali Taghavi who pioneered a garden at our present site from 2002 to 2004, in 2009 the South Laguna Civic Association started our community garden with the permission of the land owner and the city.

In a little over two years…

we completed the installation of the entire South Laguna Community garden.  It has become a garden park, enjoyed informally by Laguna residents and visitors.  Classes and community events are also opportunities to enjoy the ambiance and lessons of the garden.

The entire garden project was completed by volunteers, with many donations.  It is truly amazing how a weedy vacant lot was transformed into a thriving garden, through the committed involvement of local families.

We had many Saturday work days…

at the garden beginning with the weeding on August 15, 2009, and finishing with the completion of thirty garden boxes on the upper terrace on October 31, 2009.  Enthusiastic volunteers did an amazing job of carpentry, fence installation, terracing and rock placement. Gardens grew and our Grand Opening on December 6, 2009 was a success!
With the steps complete we went on to welcome gardeners to the lower level.  The last 23 garden beds were completed in 2011.
In 2013 the property was sold to two new owners residing in Saudi Arabia. We continue to improve the garden, offer public programs, and raise funds to purchase the land to make a permanent garden park.

“What a wonderful project…

this has turned out to be!  What a great positive, productive way to bring people in the neighborhood together, as well as beautifying a pretty ugly vacant lot.”

Anita Dobbs

Take a Walk with Graham in the Garden Park!

“I can not find the words to tell you have impressed I am with your efforts.  This entire project have involved so little hype and talk and produced such incredible results.  The gardeners have significantly increased the quality of South Laguna.”

 Laura Sauers

“I LOVE our garden it makes me smile every time I walk past it. Thank you for everything you do to keep Laguna, Laguna.”

Ali Rounaghi

“This is an authentic grass roots creation – the kind of synchronicity Laguna has long been known for – and a testimony to Laguna’s good-natured culture. You can’t buy this kind of social invention, it comes from the heart — and if you lose it, it would likely be impossible to replace it.

From an investment standpoint – this is a substantial cultural asset.  Do the right thing. Opportunities like this don’t come often. Don’t lose it. Nurture it, like a little plant.”

Jim Allensworth

AWARDS

  • Merit Award from Southern California Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects
  • Humanitarian Award from California Landscape Contractors Association
  • Environmental Award from the City of Laguna Beach
  • Beautification Award from Laguna Beach Beautification Council