The Annual ABDNHA Garden Tour

After weeks of iffy weather, Sunday morning dawned clear and without wind! The Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association had lucked out again. This was the thirteenth year the event had been held. I have attended each year and every year offers new insights as to what may be accomplished in a desert garden.

I just LOVE that the school kids take part in the tour - and they seem to like being a part of it, too. My guide explained how the planters were constructed by the science students, showed me the compost bin, vegetables and the Spanish class bed of onions.( They had better start eating them! ) What a great opportunity for the kids to learn about healthful food.

The De Anza region had two gardens on the tour, and each graciously opened doors and offered visitors a taste of desert living. The secluded courtyard of the Frederick garden is an enclosed private area ...colorful potted plants,a water feature and plenty of shaded patios exude tranquility. The native artifacts within the home are an unbelievable treasure!

The Dax/Chambers home was also open. The modern theme carried out into the garden. The water feature and outdoor shower were dramatic accents, as was the pool and two chaise lounges, surrounded by nothing less than acres and acres of wilderness! You could imagine yourself lying outside on a warm evening,looking up at the starry skies!

I was very familiar with the Burch garden and had visited it in the past. It's always fun to see how things have changed. What caught my attention were the fabulous mesquite trees surrounded by tiny yellow wildflowers. His home, too, was opened to the visitors and contains a multitude of Mexican art. Another courtyard and shaded patio areas make for ideal desert living. This natural garden occupies acres of land and the owner has utilized and modified native plantings by the addition of other desert adapted plants.

In the Indianhead region was the Roberts/Redding garden (AKA the house on the hill). This, too, utilized native plants and scenery. A very steep driveway leads to the house, perched on a knob which overlooks a desert oasis which the owners have created for wildlife viewing. The home is surrounded by wilderness...rocky and rugged. I am certain they have seen a myriad of desert creatures utilize the oasis from their high vantage point! They have even integrated a carcel into the landscape!

My last stop was at the Meehan/Winters garden. I am also very familiar with this garden and have long admired the work of the previous owner, John Richen, noted metal sculptor and artist. The walled vegetable garden was completed by the new owners and is a gem. The garden has matured nicely. The back walls enclose another desert oasis, with pools of water, living and cooking areas and plenty of shade. The palms, olives and sumac
have formed a shady retreat during summer- so shady and inviting that my husband and I had to warn the owner that we had watched a young mountain lion cross our yard, the vacant lot next to us and jump over the Meehan wall with very little effort! John Richen left his mark...his sculpture will always define this garden!

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