Orchard Garden

 

Art: Kiosk – Sam Maloof
St. Francis and the Birds – John Reyes

Plantings: This area includes relic Tangerines, as well as other fruit trees relocated from or reminiscent of the original site. The Fuji Persimmon tree, with its underplanting of Douglas Iris, was a personal favorite of Alfreda. It is a legacy tree moved from the original site. The area was replanted with trees from the original site to restore the pre-existing Tangerine groves. The color palette in this area is vibrant with bold hues of reds, oranges, yellows, bronze and deep purples. 

The towering specimen Canary Island Date Palm and a Pindo palm, are legacy trees relocated from the original site, most are over 50 years old. An olive tree on the western side of the path was originally grown as a bonsai by Sam’s mother (started from seed). It is about 65 years old and is very happy to have been released from its pot. 

The northern part of this zone is dedicated to fruit trees of the Mediterranean area, including many of Sam’s personal favorites such as fig, olive, pomegranate, apricot, loquat, apple and peach.  This area features a kiosk designed by Sam with information for visitors about water wise gardening. Visitors can enjoy resting on the benches under the Oaks. A redwood deck between the Oaks and Olive tree is occasionally used for meetings and classes.

Frost:  This area has been repeatedly damaged by frost, cold air naturally flows down from the mountains and through this low-lying channel. This is an instructive example of the micro-climate factors that affect a garden. Hardier plants are being introduced into this area.