I think we could all use some news that we can agree on and be happy to shout from the rooftops! In this beautiful town we call home, we have an incredible group of over 200 people that quietly and diligently spread the spirit of service to others in the most humble and gracious manner. This all happens without many of you even knowing that these folks exist or what they do to increase your enjoyment of our wonderful city.
I want to applaud the Laguna Beach Garden Club, which has been in existence for 91 years and is comprised of men and woman from the ages of 40-90 years. Many think they are a “social club” but they are so much more. Their service to the community is astounding! They touch our lives in so many ways, from contributing funds to help build edible school gardens for our children at Thurston, El Morro and TOW schools and helping maintain the gardens, to providing scholarships for the students at Laguna Beach High and Saddleback Community College. Their members provide the labor and funding for Sister Cities garden, Forest Avenue Pocket Park, and BlueBell Butterfly Garden in Laguna Canyon. These ladies and gentlemen can be found volunteering at Crystal Cove State Park working hand in hand with the landscape crew. They can be found working side by side with the water district teaching about drought-tolerant plants and landscaping. They have given over $200,000 to causes that benefit the quality of our life. That is truly amazing.
They quietly find issues that need attention and, without any fanfare or hoopla whatsoever, apply the incredible talent and skills that exist among their members to, “Get ‘er done.” Their members are a diverse group of folks from different walks of life. All of these industrious folks working harmoniously to make the world a better place, without having to be asked. That is the definition of a blessing.
So next time you see one of their signs advertising a garden tour or plant sale, or they ask if you would honor them by letting your garden be shown at one of their events, tip your hat and give them a smile to thank them for all they do for all of us!
Karen Nelson, Laguna Beach Garden Club
