The Gardeners of Green Valley, Arizona

The Men's Garden Club of Green Valley was begun in 1980 by a newspaper ad bringing in 40 men with their own chairs to a local shopping plaza for discussion of desert gardening. It was decided that this organization would be viewed as one offering community service through the theme of gardening. Founder and first president, Allen J Ogden, remained a member of the club until his passing in 2010.

Early club members helped landscape around the Pima County Government Center, the Lions Recycling Center, and the major medians in "downtown" Green Valley. Through the 1980's, the Garden Tour, Youth Gardening and Plant Sales projects were begun. In 1986, the Arid Garden was planned for an acre of unused common area belonging to two local homeowner associations.

In 1983, Mr. Johnson of Sahuarita offered the club a parcel of his land to use as the Community Garden where it continues today. There are twenty-two plots, each 10 ft by 20 ft. The club financed costs of water lines installation, fence around the area, storage sheds, tilling equipment, a gazebo for shade, and a "portable potty". The produce harvested by the many gardeners is often more than they can use. Over 3,000 pounds of fresh vegetables have been donated to the local Community Food Bank from these plots!

Our demonstration garden, The Arid Garden is currently maintained by 14 volunteers. Plants, trees and shrubs are primarily low-water, native and desert adapted. The object is to show how lovely desert gardens can be, and assist newcomers with plant selections and care. Recent non-plant additions have been a new entry and fencing to discourage javelina visits. Most of the garden paths are disabled accessible, and there is a raised cactus bed for those sight-challenged. Volunteers work in the garden each Friday from early morning until noon & can answer visitor questions. Conducted tours of the 1-acre garden are offered for groups by making arrangements on Friday morning, or calling 648-7959. A copy of the Arid Garden brochure, including a plant list and map, may be downloaded by clicking Brochure.

From the women's auxiliary, women were accepted as members in 1989, though the name was not changed to The Green Valley Gardeners for another ten years. All projects are operated by member volunteers. Currently there are 150 members, nearly equally men and women.