Laguna Woods Village—originally known as Leisure World—was founded in 1964 as one of the first large-scale, master-planned retirement communities in the United States. Developed by Ross W. Cortese, the village was built on 3,500 acres of the historic Moulton Ranch in Orange County, California. Construction began in 1963 with an initial offering of 530 housing units, all designed with the goal of creating a vibrant, active, and peaceful retirement lifestyle.
In 2005, the community officially changed its name to Laguna Woods Village to resolve copyright issues with the estate of Mr. Cortese and to reflect its evolving identity as a modern senior community.
The Garden Club was one of the very first clubs established within the village. As interest in gardening continued to flourish, the original club eventually evolved into two distinct groups:
- One focused on garden plot cultivation (vegetables, fruit, and sustainable practices)
- The other dedicated to horticulture and flowers
From those early days, the Garden Centers have grown into cherished spaces of beauty, productivity, and community engagement—nurtured by the hands and hearts of residents.
Our Organization
Today, Laguna Woods Village is home to nearly 18,000 residents and features a wide range of amenities, including two thriving garden centers. The Garden Centers Club proudly represents the interests of approximately 500 active gardeners, supporting a culture of organic gardening, education, and community spirit.
The club operates in partnership with the Village’s shared cost model and is supported by two part-time staff members, who help manage day-to-day operations and maintain the centers.
Our Leadership
The 2025 Garden Centers Club Board is made up of dedicated volunteers who guide the club’s mission, coordinate events, support sustainability efforts, and represent the voices of our members.
📸 (A picture of the current board will be featured here)