SCW Desert Garden Club’s mission is to promote, nurture and sustain interest in desert plants through education and charitable service to the SCW community, and to provide social activities for members.
The Sun City West Desert Garden Club Greenhouse is located in the Beardsley Recreation Center (corner of 128th Ave. and Beardsley Road) courtyard, behind the meeting rooms. Entrance is easily obtained from the 128th Avenue parking lot by taking the sidewalk between the rec center and the pool building. The public is welcome to come and see the Greenhouse and the Botanical Garden where several desert plants have been labeled with their names.
Volunteers meet weekdays to transplant, water, take care of, and sell the thousands of desert plants in and around the greenhouse.
Club Supports Local Charities
The SCW Desert Garden Club donates profits from its plant sales to various 501(c)(3)organizations that serve the Sun City West community. In 2023, $16,000 was given. In 2024 as of September, $31,000 was donated. The following groups are considered when making these donations:
SCW COMMUNITY FUND – provides confidential financial assistance to residents
SCW HELPING HANDS – loans out (free of charge) medical equipment for rehabilitation or temporary assistance and children’s items needed when grandchildren come to visit – functioning solely dependent upon donations
SCW POSSE – dedicated to enhancing the safety of Sun City West residents
SCW PRIDES – takes care of the landscaping of some of the main roads in the community
R.H. JOHNSON LIBRARY – provides funds for purchase of various materials for the library
VALLEY VIEW COMMUNITY FOOD BANK – provides the resources for wholesome, nutritious food
DOVES – provides help and support for victims of domestic and sexual violence
ARIZONA FIRE & MEDICAL AUTHORITY CHARITIES-SCW – supports Arizona Firefighter Cancer Support network and many Sun City West District community and outreach programs
SCW MEALS ON WHEELS – provides healthy meals to those who face food insecurity
NORTHWEST VALLEY CONNECT – provides rides to persons with disabilities and veterans
MARY’S FOOD BANK – helps feed hungry families throughout Phoenix and nine Arizona Counties
SONORAN AUDUBON SOCIETY – educates its members and the community about birds, other wildlife, and their habitats
HONOR FLIGHT – provides the support needed for veterans to complete a three-day journey of honor and remembrance to their memorials in Washington, D.C.
STELLA’S WISH FOUNDATION – grants wishes for terminally ill cancer patients, ages 18 and above