OUR HISTORY

In 1969, a contingent of the Westlake Village Newcomers Club formed a special interest group and began meeting at their homes to share their mutual love of gardening. Soon the group obtained membership in California Garden Clubs, Inc. and the National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc. (presently titled National Garden Clubs, Inc.). The Westlake Village group incorporated as Westlake Village Garden Club, Inc. Their mission was to offer informative community meetings and educational workshops to promote the benefits of gardening.

In the mid-seventies, club members organized a major community service by re-landscaping and beautifying the prominent entrance to the First Neighborhood in Westlake Village at the intersection of Lakeview Canyon Road and Agoura Road. Members planted rose bushes and erected a large flag pole. For more than twenty years, faithful club volunteers maintained this community landmark until city maintenance crews assumed responsibility. Some of the original landscape remains today at Freedom Square along with a rock placed there in the early 70’s in memory of one of the founding members, Dorothy Steiner.

Over the years, the club has continued its spirit of community service and education. The club has donated thousands of dollars in scholarships to deserving students and support for community, horticultural and conservation organizations.

After bringing beautiful gardens to our community from 1971 to 2017 through our ever-popular garden tours, it became difficult to find homes willing to participate.  This was followed by our drastic drought situation.  As a club, we brought in speakers who showed us how to plant, grow and appreciate natural plants that require little water.

In late 2019, the world as we knew it came crashing down with the Covid 19 pandemic.  At the time, it seemed like our lives would never be as they were.  After a few years of extremely difficult times, our club happily survived bringing a new level of enthusiasm.

Several years ago, we introduced the club’s Plant Sale to the community which has now become a favorite plant event.  With new members, new experiences, we are continuing to work on fundraising programs that enable us to support our scholarship program, other philanthropic projects and promote our love of gardening.