October 18, 2009: Santa Cruz Garden Tour

Those of you who were not able to join us last October missed a glorious day in Santa Cruz and a rare opportunity to visit a fantastic private garden just up the coast from there. The garden encompasses some five acres of hillside overlooking Monterey Bay. It has been under development for at least sixteen years, and has had the benefit of input from some of the leading garden designers of our area as well as from its owners. Our hostess most generously guided us through the various small gardens contained within the whole. The overall effect of this horticultural tour de force is one of complete syncrony with its environment. It has the feel of having sprung full blown from its hillside origins without major manipulation from its designers.

Garden rooms lead one down the hill from olive grove to vegetable garden to house and onward to orchards near the lower level pool.

Outdoor art fills each space. Bunch grasses and large Australian plants give a tumbled, natural look while paths lead you along. Nearer the house large pots and succulents set on gravel give drama to the natural materials used in the buildings.

We lunched there--feasting on apples fresh from the orchard--then went on to visit the Cabrillo College Horticultural Center where we were met by Ernie Wasson. He showed us the demonstration garden and briefed us on the lively curriculum offered by this Santa Cruz treasure, which offers so much to both its students and to the community. Following Cabrillo we drove on to Sierra Azul Nursery for shopping, a look at the garden sculpture display, and refreshments provided by the Rosendales. A pleasant and sociable end to a beautiful day.