South Laguna Community Garden Wins Awards

By Reuben Flores, Laguna Nursery

I am pleased to be writing to you with great news. As some of you know, I am a donor and consultant for the South Laguna Community Garden. The garden has been a collaborative effort among several Laguna Beach designers, gardeners, donors, and volunteers to bring organic herbs, vegetables and fruit trees to our coastal community. It is made up of individual plots that have been adopted by different neighbors who regularly tend to their spaces and create their own personal garden wonderlands; each is a unique representation of the personality and passion of its particular gardener. It has been incredibly fulfilling to watch both the garden and our friendships grow hand in hand during this process.

Last week the South Laguna Community Garden received official 

recognition when it was rewarded with a merit award from the Southern California Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (SCCASLA). Although all of us who have brought the garden to fruition have known its importance, it is exciting to see that others recognize the important role a garden can play in healthy living. I continue to educate our clients about this: It has been one of my life’s goals to bring wholesome gardening to every client’s household, whether it be through organic gardens, herb and vegetable gardens, or fruit and 

citrus trees.

Along with the health benefits, the aesthetic value of a garden is 

undeniable. I make an effort to choose botanics that will bring bird 

and butterfly life into the garden. I also choose aromas, textures, and 

functional art that will stimulate the senses and bring joy to all who 

spend time in the garden.

The ultimate point is that a garden is more than just a piece of landscape. It is a living, breathing part of your home, family, and lifestyle – a source of food and an escape from the chaos of everyday life. Please take a few minutes to check out the South Laguna Community 

Garden to see how much is possible when dreams, hard work, and community spirit combine.

I hope you will all take a little time to check out the South Laguna Community Garden, and I hope it inspires you as much as it has inspired me. It is located at Eagle Rock and Virginia Way.

Awards:

Environmental Award, City of Laguna Beach, April 20, 2010

Merit Award, Southern California Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architect, Oct. 28, 2010

Beautification Award, Beautification Council, Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce, Nov. 9, 2010