Each spring, something truly special blooms in our community, beyond the flowers and gardens themselves. The March 2026 Home and Garden Tour once again proved to be one of the most anticipated and beloved events of the season, bringing together creativity, craftsmanship, and community spirit in a way that continues to inspire year after year.
What many attendees see during the four-hour tour are the finished masterpieces, beautiful homes, thoughtfully designed gardens, and the unmistakable pride of neighbors who open their doors to share their beautiful homes. What they don’t always see is the remarkable
effort behind the scenes. This year’s tour welcomed 400 attendees and, as always, sold out quickly. Over 100 volunteers served in many roles to help ensure the tour ran seamlessly, thanks to months of careful planning and dedication.
Louise Green, Tour Committee Secretary and Treasurer, has been deeply involved in the planning process for several years. Her journey began when her own home was featured on the tour, an experience she describes as both exciting and inspiring.
“I really believe that the Home and Garden Club is so diverse, with a role for everyone,” Louise shared. “There are meetings, lectures, gardening education, home renovation ideas, and opportunities to volunteer or help with fundraising. What makes the experience so meaningful to me is working alongside such a great group of people.”
Louise explained that planning the tour is truly a year-long effort. In the fall, the committee searches for homes and gardens to showcase, while other members focus on safety, marketing, and volunteer coordination. The result is a carefully curated selection of homes: large and small, traditional and modern, each reflecting the individuality of its owners.
Since Sun City homes were originally built in the 1990s, many have been thoughtfully upgraded over the years. Homeowners have embraced the creative challenge of desert gardening, working with a limited plant palette to design lush, welcoming outdoor spaces that reflect both beauty and sustainability.
This year also marked an important moment of transition for the Home and Garden Club. After many years of dedicated leadership, longtime president Louise Cummings officially retired, passing the torch to Terry Johnson, who stepped into the role last year.
Terry, who was a snowbird from Seattle for many years, moved to Sun City in 2022 and quickly embraced desert gardening as both a hobby and a learning opportunity. Under her leadership, the club continues to thrive, supported by a strong and enthusiastic board.
“The tour is the single biggest event of the year,” Terry shared. “The subcommittee that handles the tour is amazing. They work on it for six to seven months, spending countless hours making sure everything runs smoothly and safely. I am so proud of our club, our members, our board, and our volunteers. It truly is a collaborative effort.”
Beyond the tour itself, the Home and Garden Club continues to extend its impact into the broader community, most notably through its support of Aziz Farms in Thermal, operated by the Tadros family. This beautiful date farm is more than just a destination; it is an educational resource that welcomes children to learn about gardening, nutrition, and where their food comes from.
Through hands-on programs that introduce students to planting, harvesting, and healthy eating, Aziz Farms provides a meaningful connection between gardening and lifelong wellness. The club’s ongoing support of this program reflects its commitment not only to gardening excellence but also to community enrichment and education. The farm itself has also become a favorite destination for group tours, private gatherings, and special events, thanks to its stunning gardens and welcoming atmosphere, and the club is proud to support them.
Year after year, the Home and Garden Tour continues to blossom as a celebration of community, creativity, and collaboration. From dedicated committee members and tireless volunteers, to generous homeowners and enthusiastic attendees, it is the collective spirit of so many individuals that makes this event such an enduring success.
