50 Years Of Roger’s Gardens: A Blooming Legacy Of Beauty And Seasonal Wonder

Let inspiration take root in one of the most beloved horticultural gems on the West Coast. — Roger’s Gardens is a living celebration of art and nature.

Tucked away in the heart of Corona del Mar, Roger’s Gardens is far more than a garden center – it’s a Southern California institution. With over five decades of vibrant growth, innovation, and heartfelt community connection, it has blossomed into a destination where nature, artistry, and seasonal magic come to life. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a design enthusiast, or someone simply seeking inspiration, Roger’s Gardens offers an immersive experience unlike any other.

Known for its spectacular themed displays, award-winning plant collections, and rich educational programming, Roger’s Gardens is visited by nearly one million guests annually. It has become a year-round destination that celebrates the changing seasons with the same creativity and passion it applies to its lush gardens and thoughtfully curated home décor. The center’s mission – to bring nature home – has resonated with generations of Californians and out-of-town visitors alike.

At Roger’s Gardens, every plant, sculpture, pathway, and boutique corner has a story. The experience goes beyond buying flowers or décor; it’s about reconnecting with beauty, understanding the environment, and engaging with the art of living seasonally.

Deep Roots: The History of Roger’s Gardens

Discover how nature becomes lifestyle at Roger’s Gardens — Every corner of Roger’s Gardens invites you into a story woven from flowers

The story of Roger’s Gardens begins in 1965, when Roger McKinnon opened a small garden shop on Fairview Boulevard in Costa Mesa. McKinnon’s innovative spirit and love for design led to pioneering ideas in American horticulture, most notably the introduction of the moss hanging basket in 1967. These simple yet elegant planters quickly became a hallmark of modern gardening and helped establish Roger’s Gardens as a forward-thinking and style-conscious brand.

In 1970, McKinnon passed the torch to his friend Gavin Herbert Sr., a visionary with a deep appreciation for the intersection of business and beauty. By 1975, Herbert Sr. had relocated the business to its now-iconic seven-acre home in Corona del Mar – a move that would permanently alter its trajectory. This relocation transformed the business from a quaint nursery into a full-fledged lifestyle destination.

One of the most nostalgic and symbolic additions to the new location was the original wooden bandstand gazebo from Disneyland’s Main Street. Lovingly preserved and installed at the on-site Farmhouse restaurant, the gazebo stands as a beloved reminder of Southern California’s rich cultural tapestry. It’s a favorite photo spot, a cherished gathering place, and a subtle nod to the region’s joyful, imaginative roots.

Whispers of Main Street magic live on at Roger’s Gardens — The seed planted by Roger McKinnon continues to bloom today

In 1995, the legacy continued with Gavin Herbert Jr. taking over leadership. Under his direction, Roger’s Gardens expanded its offerings to include not only plants and garden décor, but also curated home furnishings, art, seasonal boutiques, and immersive events. That same year, the now-iconic miniature outdoor Christmas railroad made its debut, quickly becoming a treasured tradition during the holiday season.

Today, Roger’s Gardens is widely recognized as a hub for horticultural excellence, creative seasonal design, and environmental leadership. As it marked its 50th Anniversary with the spring-long event “Bring Nature Home,” the celebration stood as a testament to the center’s enduring relevance and its passionate commitment to evolving while honoring tradition.

The Garden as a Stage: Seasonal Events & Immersive Experiences

Spring Blooms: “Bring Nature Home”

sensory journey through color and fragrance — Seasonal events bloom alongside the plants

Every spring, Roger’s Gardens launches a multisensory celebration of new life, color, and creativity. The “Bring Nature Home” campaign is more than a seasonal sale – it’s an immersive, educational journey through flowering landscapes, curated vignettes, and expert presentations that inspire guests to reimagine how nature fits into their homes.

This series of weekend events showcases everything from pollinator-friendly planting strategies to culinary herb gardens and floral design. Visitors stroll through themed installations, join workshops with top horticulturists, and learn firsthand how to combine aesthetics with sustainability in their own outdoor spaces.

Celebrate the seasons with color and creativity — Herbs, blooms, and garden wisdom come together in full display

Each weekend is built around a special theme. The Celebration Impatiens launch fills the grounds with vibrant pops of color, reintroducing this resilient plant as a staple for spring planting. The Herb Festival caters to food lovers and health-conscious gardeners, offering tea tastings, cooking demos, and more than 100 varieties of herbs to explore. Finally, the Rose Festival and Mother’s Day Celebration delivers an elegant flourish of over 350 rose varieties, including the acclaimed “Martha Stewart Rose.”

This orchestrated bloom of color and experience represents what Roger’s Gardens does best – creating a space where people can explore the intersection of nature, art, and lifestyle.

Peppermania and Tomatomania: A Culinary Garden Extravaganza

For those with a passion for homegrown produce, Peppermania and Tomatomania are the must-see springtime events at Roger’s Gardens. These food-focused festivals transform the grounds into bustling hubs of edible gardening innovation.

Peppermania is touted as the world’s largest pepper plant sale, with over 100 pepper varieties ranging in color, heat level, and culinary application. Shoppers consult with garden experts like David Rizzo, whose spicy enthusiasm and deep knowledge help guide everyone from beginners to pepper pros. Topics range from grilling tips and salsa secrets to the science of the Scoville heat scale.

Tomatomania, founded by Scott Daigre, brings a similar flair for tomatoes. These pop-up sales – now a fixture at Roger’s Gardens – offer heirlooms, hybrids, and rare cultivars alongside hands-on advice. Gardeners can take part in workshops covering soil prep, container gardening, pest control, and harvesting techniques, all designed to maximize flavor and yield.

The events reflect Roger’s Gardens’ commitment to community, education, and the celebration of homegrown joy.

Fragrant Fields: The Lavender Market

Smell the magic in the air - it’s lavender season at Roger’s — Immerse yourself in calm and color at the Lavender Market

One of the most enchanting features of the spring calendar is the Lavender Market, a four-week event celebrating the elegance, aroma, and versatility of this beloved herb. Guests can explore dozens of lavender varieties, each with its own fragrance, bloom style, and garden appeal.

But the event goes far beyond plants. It invites visitors into a multi-sensory experience filled with lavender-infused foods, luxurious bath products, aromatherapy kits, and more. The market encourages wellness and slow living, offering a moment of calm within the bustling landscape.

Whether you’re planting a lavender hedge, designing a calming balcony garden, or looking for a gift that soothes and delights, the Lavender Market encapsulates the soul-soothing qualities that define Roger’s Gardens.

Giving Back: Monarch Wishing Tree and Conservation Efforts

The flutter of Monarch wings is growing fainter - Roger’s Gardens is responding — Witness the beauty of a butterfly

At the heart of Roger’s Gardens’ mission is a profound commitment to environmental stewardship and ecological awareness. Nowhere is this more visible than in its work with pollinator conservation, particularly through its support for the Western Monarch butterfly.

Once fluttering in the millions across the western U.S., Western Monarch populations have plummeted by 97% since the 1980s. In 2022, they were officially declared an endangered species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This startling decline prompted Roger’s Gardens to take action – not only to educate the public but to help fund tangible solutions.

Central to this effort is the Monarch Wishing Tree, an interactive installation located prominently within the garden center. Visitors are invited to contribute a $5 donation in exchange for a wooden, life-size Monarch butterfly. Each butterfly features a handwritten “wish” and is added to the tree – creating a moving and ever-growing display of hope, remembrance, and commitment to nature. Tens of thousands of guests have contributed, turning this tree into both a visual marvel and a fundraising success.

Funds raised from the Wishing Tree go toward research, education, and conservation programs dedicated to saving the Monarchs. Informational signage around the tree educates visitors about the Monarch’s lifecycle and the vital importance of milkweed, its primary host plant.

To further support Monarch recovery, Roger’s Gardens offers a Free Milkweed Exchange, encouraging gardeners to plant native milkweed species in their own yards. This grassroots effort empowers individuals to become part of the conservation solution, proving that small changes in home gardens can ripple out to support entire ecosystems.

More than just a gardening center, Roger’s Gardens has become a voice for pollinator awareness, fostering community engagement and inspiring a new generation to cherish and protect our most delicate wildlife.

Art, Beauty & Community: Special Events at Roger’s Gardens

Roger’s Gardens isn’t just a haven for plants – it’s a cultural space that celebrates art, beauty, and shared moments. Through carefully curated events, the garden becomes a canvas for life’s most cherished memories and artistic experiences.

Private Events in the Garden

Lush blooms and golden light make every event picturesque — Host unforgettable moments in a setting sculpted by seasons

Named “America’s Most Beautiful Garden Center” by Garden Center Magazine, Roger’s Gardens doubles as a stunning venue for private events. Its 8,500-square-foot event space, available between 5 PM and 10 PM, offers a unique blend of natural elegance and modern convenience.

Perfect for weddings, corporate gatherings, milestone celebrations, and intimate receptions, the space is equipped with customizable lighting, picturesque views, and serene landscapes. The garden’s mature trees, curated plantings, and seasonal blooms offer a naturally breathtaking backdrop, requiring little additional décor.

Event guests are treated to an immersive setting where artistry and nature combine, making each occasion feel deeply personal and unforgettable. With expert event planning services and a reputation for impeccable design, Roger’s Gardens is one of Southern California’s most desirable locations for special moments.

Art in Bloom: Jeff Sewell’s “California Dreamin’” Exhibit

In addition to horticultural artistry, Roger’s Gardens embraces the fine arts through exhibitions like “California Dreamin’,” a solo exhibit by award-winning American impressionist Jeff Sewell. Held from July 24 to August 24, the exhibit transforms the Fine Art Gallery into a vibrant showcase of California’s coastal beauty, expressed through luminous oil paintings.

Visitors are invited to attend a meet-and-greet reception with Sewell on July 24, where they can enjoy light fare and wine, engage with the artist, and purchase original works. Known for his loose brushwork, atmospheric color palettes, and evocative landscapes, Sewell captures the timeless allure of the California coastline in every piece.

Art exhibits like “California Dreamin’” emphasize Roger’s Gardens’ dedication to cultural enrichment, giving guests another reason to return season after season – not just for plants and décor, but for inspiration, dialogue, and connection.

Enchanted Seasons: Halloween and Christmas Boutiques

Perhaps no events better reflect Roger’s Gardens’ flair for storytelling and immersive design than its beloved Halloween and Christmas Boutiques. These annual showcases are legendary throughout Southern California and draw thousands of excited visitors every fall and winter.

The Halloween Boutique, opening in late August, transforms the garden center into a bewitching world of shadows and whimsy. Exclusive artisan pieces, themed décor, and interactive displays line every corner, inviting guests into a spellbinding realm of gothic elegance and playful fright. From moody floral arrangements to hand-carved pumpkins and eerie lighting, the experience is both sophisticated and haunting.

Then, in early October, the gardens shift into festive overdrive for the Christmas Boutique. This winter wonderland celebrates European holiday traditions, offering rare ornaments, handcrafted décor, and giftable treasures sourced by Roger’s Gardens’ own buyers on annual trips abroad. Twinkling lights, scent-infused pinecones, and curated Christmas trees transport visitors into a world of enchantment and nostalgia.

These seasonal boutiques aren’t just shopping events – they are living theater, designed to inspire emotion, creativity, and community joy.

Cultivating the Future: Roger’s Gardens Today and Tomorrow

Innovation and tradition grow hand in hand toward the future — The next chapter is blooming – and it starts with you

As Roger’s Gardens moves beyond its 50th year, it continues to evolve while staying true to its roots: sustainability, education, community, and artistry.

In recent years, the garden center has championed green initiatives such as the “Plants Not Plastics” campaign to reduce single-use plastic waste, the elimination of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and support for California-friendly landscapes. Through workshops, signage, and staff engagement, it provides accessible education to help locals make environmentally conscious gardening choices.

Community involvement remains central to the mission. Whether through seasonal fundraising efforts, local partnerships like the one with Sea and Sage Audubon Society, or support for youth education programs, Roger’s Gardens leads by example – showing that a business can thrive while also giving back generously.

Looking to the future, the garden center aims to expand its influence beyond Orange County by sharing sustainable practices, unique events, and artistic programming with wider audiences – both in person and online.

As owner Gavin Herbert Jr. stated during the 50th Anniversary Spring Celebration:

“Our goal has always been to bring beauty into people’s homes and lives. That mission is more important than ever. We hope to keep inspiring new generations to cultivate not just gardens, but meaningful experiences.”