Garden Valley (formerly, Johntown) is an unincorporated community in El Dorado County, California. It is located on Johntown Creek north-northwest of Chili Bar, at an elevation of 1949 feet (594 m). A post office operated at Garden Valley from 1852 to 1853, from 1854 to 1862, from 1872 to 1895, and from 1896 to present (having moved in 1940). The place was originally called Johntown in honor of the sailor who discovered gold at the site. The name was changed in recognition that marketing vegetables was more lucrative than gold mining. The population in Garden Valley was 3,929 as of the 2020 census Education The Black Oak Mine Unified School District serves Garden Valley. References External links Garden Valley Mining Properties Collection, 1934-1938. Unincorporated communities in California Unincorporated communities in El Dorado County, California