Pretty purple.
Pretty purple.
0 2025/06/10 12:39:41
We kept bumping into one particular friendly and jean-clad blonde woman here and there. It was only afterwards that I recognized her photo in the brochure as the Garden manager. In this area, one finds some large chunks of colored glass strewn artfully-about.
We kept bumping into one particular friendly and jean-clad blonde woman here and there. It was only afterwards that I recognized her photo in the brochure as the Garden manager. In this area, one finds some large chunks of colored glass strewn artfully-about.
0 2025/06/10 12:39:22
Even the gift shop featured excellence.
Even the gift shop featured excellence.
0 2025/06/10 12:39:10
Beside that dogwood, this backlit beauty, with the sound of bees somewhere nearby. Someone had placed a lovely white flower in the lap of the Buddha statue. We also saw ferns near the lotuses and lily pond.
Beside that dogwood, this backlit beauty, with the sound of bees somewhere nearby. Someone had placed a lovely white flower in the lap of the Buddha statue. We also saw ferns near the lotuses and lily pond.
0 2025/06/10 12:38:53
'In flowered fields, the mind delights.' (B. Nietvelt)
'In flowered fields, the mind delights.' (B. Nietvelt)
0 2025/06/10 12:38:41
Ganna Walska: 'I AM THE ENEMY OF AVERAGE!" This fountain of cascading clam shells in the aloe by the shallow, kidney-shaped pool seems to prove her point. There were also 400 species of endangered cycads, those palms that the dinosaurs once fed on. Her own residential house was deliberately made to be one-story--she was terrified of earthquakes. It is still there, a lovely salmon-colored place for conferences, surrounded by a massive cacti collection, , echinocereus, escolaria plus others.
Ganna Walska: 'I AM THE ENEMY OF AVERAGE!" This fountain of cascading clam shells in the aloe by the shallow, kidney-shaped pool seems to prove her point. There were also 400 species of endangered cycads, those palms that the dinosaurs once fed on. Her own residential house was deliberately made to be one-story--she was terrified of earthquakes. It is still there, a lovely salmon-colored place for conferences, surrounded by a massive cacti collection, , echinocereus, escolaria plus others.
0 2025/06/10 12:38:32
A metal stork stood out. Close by, we heard owl hoots, doves and warblers. Bliss. Then crows started calling. We moved onto an area of mini-statuary, whimsical children's themes outnumbering the lions plus the Roman kind.
A metal stork stood out. Close by, we heard owl hoots, doves and warblers. Bliss. Then crows started calling. We moved onto an area of mini-statuary, whimsical children's themes outnumbering the lions plus the Roman kind.
0 2025/06/10 12:38:17
Karesansui is a Japanese garden design wherein raked sand combines with boulders and rocks to promote Zen meditation. One is supposed to focus on contemplating space, nature and the universe. Forest bathing is an off-shoot of that concept, and encourages strolling through wooded areas to unwind.
Karesansui is a Japanese garden design wherein raked sand combines with boulders and rocks to promote Zen meditation. One is supposed to focus on contemplating space, nature and the universe. Forest bathing is an off-shoot of that concept, and encourages strolling through wooded areas to unwind.
0 2025/06/10 12:37:57
As stated before, 'beautiful' is a tired word used among travelers, But here, it seemed the only descriptor. After securing our self-guided tour stickers, we began our stroll at this calm location. A collection of bonsai plants with self-watering hoses lay behind that pagoda. Mrs Z spied a hyper-busy Anna's Hummingbird. We would later see it again, having a comical chat with a statue of Triton by his fountain.
As stated before, 'beautiful' is a tired word used among travelers, But here, it seemed the only descriptor. After securing our self-guided tour stickers, we began our stroll at this calm location. A collection of bonsai plants with self-watering hoses lay behind that pagoda. Mrs Z spied a hyper-busy Anna's Hummingbird. We would later see it again, having a comical chat with a statue of Triton by his fountain.
0 2025/06/10 12:37:40
The friendly garden greeter. His booth was surrounded by a variety of floral exotica. We were about to see cacti, orchards, topiary (bushes as animals), sphagnum moss bromeliads, , dragon trees, orchids, rare agave, rose parterre (out of season) and the famed 'shakkei' Japanese section. Daijobu!
The friendly garden greeter. His booth was surrounded by a variety of floral exotica. We were about to see cacti, orchards, topiary (bushes as animals), sphagnum moss bromeliads, , dragon trees, orchids, rare agave, rose parterre (out of season) and the famed 'shakkei' Japanese section. Daijobu!
0 2025/06/10 12:37:21
These glass objects were for sale in the garden's nursery/gift shop. We bought three packets of seeds there to take home as an experiment. Just as we were leaving, there commenced a Guided Tour for new members, which probably doubled as a social mixer for singles and other folks.
These glass objects were for sale in the garden's nursery/gift shop. We bought three packets of seeds there to take home as an experiment. Just as we were leaving, there commenced a Guided Tour for new members, which probably doubled as a social mixer for singles and other folks.
0 2025/06/10 11:34:47
This is the classic and by now cliche view of the main meadow. California orange poppies filled the foreground. On Reddit the very next day, a German traveler posted a question with this same image that he'd found on the NET: "Is this Santa Barbara?"
This is the classic and by now cliche view of the main meadow. California orange poppies filled the foreground. On Reddit the very next day, a German traveler posted a question with this same image that he'd found on the NET: "Is this Santa Barbara?"
0 2025/06/10 11:34:34
There were tiny frogs and cicadas (Hi cigalechante) close by this succulent. Across the way were large 'dudlega', whose leaves reflected a lot of light. There was also an extremely impressive cut-sandstone model-map of the Channel islands, set amidst black pebbles and made by donator Hallie Silas. Another garden society member had donated a clever wooden bench that was by design, sandwiched between two varnished redwood slabs--see above.
There were tiny frogs and cicadas (Hi cigalechante) close by this succulent. Across the way were large 'dudlega', whose leaves reflected a lot of light. There was also an extremely impressive cut-sandstone model-map of the Channel islands, set amidst black pebbles and made by donator Hallie Silas. Another garden society member had donated a clever wooden bench that was by design, sandwiched between two varnished redwood slabs--see above.
0 2025/06/10 11:34:22
The hushed Redwoods area had 30 GIANT Sequoias including the 50m General Sherman. They are currently suffering from a bark beetle infest (georgous harrisonicus). The massive rock outcrops nearby had names like Blakesly and Lassiter. The unique kids area had colorful art installations and laminated poetry among the open-air huts constructed from twigs and bark. A boy recently adopted from Mali delighted in showing us his colorful sparkle wand. A chess board was made atop a sawed-off trunk.
The hushed Redwoods area had 30 GIANT Sequoias including the 50m General Sherman. They are currently suffering from a bark beetle infest (georgous harrisonicus). The massive rock outcrops nearby had names like Blakesly and Lassiter. The unique kids area had colorful art installations and laminated poetry among the open-air huts constructed from twigs and bark. A boy recently adopted from Mali delighted in showing us his colorful sparkle wand. A chess board was made atop a sawed-off trunk.
0 2025/06/10 11:34:09
There are 23 scientists on staff. They tend to 50,000 lichen, 50 different manzanitas, and other plants from desserts, chapparal and arroyo. They told us that the best views are from the Porter hiking Trail and also the new Tipton trail. We already knew that from reading their great 'Ironwood' magazine. Above is Tom Turtle, a notorious curmudgeon. As we passed, he muttered, "YA CALL THAT MUSIC?!"
There are 23 scientists on staff. They tend to 50,000 lichen, 50 different manzanitas, and other plants from desserts, chapparal and arroyo. They told us that the best views are from the Porter hiking Trail and also the new Tipton trail. We already knew that from reading their great 'Ironwood' magazine. Above is Tom Turtle, a notorious curmudgeon. As we passed, he muttered, "YA CALL THAT MUSIC?!"
0 2025/06/10 11:33:53
That same center housed a cool display made by grade 8 Art students from La Colina Jr. High. Those kids painted an assortment of unique seeds. Above we see one such example. Those same students also created a seed quilt with local artist Rosie Brand. About 1,300 seeds species are stored here (20% are from California) while a half-million are produced each year. The garden has 216 Native plants including grasses. Those are fed by 180, 000 gallons of agua collected in various tanks and channels.
That same center housed a cool display made by grade 8 Art students from La Colina Jr. High. Those kids painted an assortment of unique seeds. Above we see one such example. Those same students also created a seed quilt with local artist Rosie Brand. About 1,300 seeds species are stored here (20% are from California) while a half-million are produced each year. The garden has 216 Native plants including grasses. Those are fed by 180, 000 gallons of agua collected in various tanks and channels.
0 2025/06/10 11:33:43
(From Lonely Planet) 'Sprawled across 78 hillside acres with panoramic coastal views, this is part garden and part hiking wonderland.' Above is the uber-modern Pritzlaff Conservation Center (washrooms), with its carefully-placed outdoor seating. Nearby were the first of many attractive boulders we'd see at such gardens: Mother Nature as art gallery. Note that there are occasion 'Free Seniors' days. That does not mean that you get to take an elderly woman home, rather it means there is no fee.
(From Lonely Planet) 'Sprawled across 78 hillside acres with panoramic coastal views, this is part garden and part hiking wonderland.' Above is the uber-modern Pritzlaff Conservation Center (washrooms), with its carefully-placed outdoor seating. Nearby were the first of many attractive boulders we'd see at such gardens: Mother Nature as art gallery. Note that there are occasion 'Free Seniors' days. That does not mean that you get to take an elderly woman home, rather it means there is no fee.
0 2025/06/10 11:33:30
Most of the decor was tasteful.
Most of the decor was tasteful.
0 2025/06/09 22:21:51
The ranch was where JFK and Jacky had their honeymoon. You can well imagine the current prices to stay in one of the many lovely cottages. Those had some of the most attractive in-ground Jacuzzis that you'll ever see.
The ranch was where JFK and Jacky had their honeymoon. You can well imagine the current prices to stay in one of the many lovely cottages. Those had some of the most attractive in-ground Jacuzzis that you'll ever see.
0 2025/06/09 22:21:33
This seating area below a pergola seemed like it would be a great place to chill at night with candles and wine.
This seating area below a pergola seemed like it would be a great place to chill at night with candles and wine.
0 2025/06/09 22:20:57
Lily pond.
Lily pond.
0 2025/06/09 22:20:44
The food and drink were good. The service was better.
The food and drink were good. The service was better.
0 2025/06/09 22:20:33
*unrelated macdog: I can't ID this shot---might you know what it is? It was downtown. Next: more music then more gardens
*unrelated macdog: I can't ID this shot---might you know what it is? It was downtown. Next: more music then more gardens
0 2025/06/09 22:19:28
Part of the allure was the ranch's lovely grounds. The gardens were impressive and the decor included fountains, sitting nooks, old trees, metal tortoises and wooden carvings. Without prompt, one staffer informed us that the best photo op views were 'up by the pool area'. Unfortunately, his tip came too late as our return taxi was already en route.
Part of the allure was the ranch's lovely grounds. The gardens were impressive and the decor included fountains, sitting nooks, old trees, metal tortoises and wooden carvings. Without prompt, one staffer informed us that the best photo op views were 'up by the pool area'. Unfortunately, his tip came too late as our return taxi was already en route.
0 2025/06/09 22:18:26
There were only three parties celebrating that afternoon. The group of six nearest us had to sit through one of their party holding court non-stop. In that time, that person detailed their recent operation in such excruciating detail that we came 'this close' to asking for a different table.
There were only three parties celebrating that afternoon. The group of six nearest us had to sit through one of their party holding court non-stop. In that time, that person detailed their recent operation in such excruciating detail that we came 'this close' to asking for a different table.
0 2025/06/09 22:17:55
Tea for two on a sunny afternoon. The atmosphere was not as stuffy as we'd feared.
Tea for two on a sunny afternoon. The atmosphere was not as stuffy as we'd feared.
0 2025/06/09 22:17:35
John Decker's 1933 painting of the LA Oil Boom, depicting a derrick at night. The bobbing heads of oil pump jacks could be found mostly in black and Latino neighborhoods, places which suffered higher rates of related illness. Those derricks were phased out by 2020.
John Decker's 1933 painting of the LA Oil Boom, depicting a derrick at night. The bobbing heads of oil pump jacks could be found mostly in black and Latino neighborhoods, places which suffered higher rates of related illness. Those derricks were phased out by 2020.
0 2025/06/08 22:23:25
BF in SB
BF in SB
0 2025/06/08 21:31:59
Just down the lane from the above...grandpa and granddaughter.
Just down the lane from the above...grandpa and granddaughter.
0 2025/06/08 21:31:45
Iconic California poppy mosaic.
Iconic California poppy mosaic.
0 2025/06/08 21:31:05
In the La Arcada plaza of boutiques and such, this metal piece by J. Seward Johnson Jr. was called 'Who's in Charge?'
In the La Arcada plaza of boutiques and such, this metal piece by J. Seward Johnson Jr. was called 'Who's in Charge?'
0 2025/06/08 21:30:32
The unique ness continued. This was 'Ja K'iche' (Mayan 'home'), a fabric and acrylic creation on basswood panel that Guatemalan Estefania Ajcip made in 2023. She portrayed herself as a lonely child missing her daddy who worked for LA tailors for decades. Female Hispanic artists were featured in the 'Accretion' room.
The unique ness continued. This was 'Ja K'iche' (Mayan 'home'), a fabric and acrylic creation on basswood panel that Guatemalan Estefania Ajcip made in 2023. She portrayed herself as a lonely child missing her daddy who worked for LA tailors for decades. Female Hispanic artists were featured in the 'Accretion' room.
0 2025/06/08 21:30:24
Shout-out to friendly museum staffer Joshua. He greeted visitors in a bespoke suit unlike most others, doing so at a desk right below a spinning gold Egyptian Pharoah bust. Also, see dcd's TR photos of some paintings including the Monet 'Villa B'. See also: historic Indian/Nepali sculpture and also modern photography. Above: the clothing created from pages of art books.
Shout-out to friendly museum staffer Joshua. He greeted visitors in a bespoke suit unlike most others, doing so at a desk right below a spinning gold Egyptian Pharoah bust. Also, see dcd's TR photos of some paintings including the Monet 'Villa B'. See also: historic Indian/Nepali sculpture and also modern photography. Above: the clothing created from pages of art books.
0 2025/06/08 21:30:11
Local teen in middle says: "Who's that guy like, with a cane and sprawled on that plaza bench? Didn't we read about him in History last term?"
Local teen in middle says: "Who's that guy like, with a cane and sprawled on that plaza bench? Didn't we read about him in History last term?"
0 2025/06/08 21:29:54
Some pretentious Canadian photographer took this image in the waters of the marina.
Some pretentious Canadian photographer took this image in the waters of the marina.
0 2025/06/08 21:29:24
We took a lot of taxis. Most like the man above, were from Mexico. But some hailed from South America. We hired the above driver twice and the second time he brought his wife. We four had a long chat. Their adult daughter had just called home in tears from Chicago--her transfer there was not working out. To change the heavy topic, I pointed out the window: "See that Earl Warren Showground over the fence? Jimi Hendrix once performed a pair of concerts there back in the '60s." Next: gardens
We took a lot of taxis. Most like the man above, were from Mexico. But some hailed from South America. We hired the above driver twice and the second time he brought his wife. We four had a long chat. Their adult daughter had just called home in tears from Chicago--her transfer there was not working out. To change the heavy topic, I pointed out the window: "See that Earl Warren Showground over the fence? Jimi Hendrix once performed a pair of concerts there back in the '60s." Next: gardens
0 2025/06/08 21:29:03
As above, from a panel of four.
As above, from a panel of four.
0 2025/06/08 21:28:31
From a private home.
From a private home.
0 2025/06/08 21:28:10
From a motel's facade.
From a motel's facade.
0 2025/06/08 21:27:51
More street art. This was brand-new.
More street art. This was brand-new.
0 2025/06/08 21:27:35
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