I hadn't visited the Charles C. Jensen Botanital Gardens in awhile and last Saturday gave me the perfect reason to take in the beautiful sights of Spring in all her glory. A plant sale! I enjoy going to the local plant sales because you can buy those 'hard to find' plants that you don't see at the box nurseries and most often you can purchase native plants to your area.
The 3-1/2 acre garden was the property and master work of Charles C. Jensen from 1958 until 1976. When he retired at the age of 63, Mr. Jensen had a vision to create a garden to be enjoyed by all. He and his wife, Marguarite, moved from their home in Oakland to Fair Oaks bringing many of their plants with them. After clearing the brambles and overgrowth from their new property, Mr. Jensen began planting magnolias, azaleas, dogwoods and Japanese maples. He hybridized, grafted and acquired many new plant varieties that attracted people passing by and brought many visitors to his garden.
After his death, a group of citizens formed the Charles C. Jensen Botanical Garden, Inc. Committee to preserve this magnificent garden. Through successful fundraising efforts, the garden became the property of the Carmichael Recreation and Park District in 1976 where the garden is open to the public and enjoyed by visitors throughout the year. Friends of Jensen Botanical Garden is a volunteer group that gives TLC to the plants and work to add more varieties of plants to the garden each year. One of the volunteers told me that they try to have enough varieties so that something is in bloom throughout the year.
I took so many photos while there that I put them into a slideshow. I hope you'll take a few minutes and view it because you'll see some wonderful spring flowers in bloom. Enjoy!
And let's not forget the plant sale! I wanted so many of the plants that were for sale that day, but I controlled myself and only bought a Cape Fushia which I am anxious to see bloom. It will be another plant for the hummingbirds in my garden to enjoy.
Do you have any gardens in your area that you enjoy visiting?
That looks like a wonderful place to visit, Elaine - kudos to you for restricting yourself to one purchase!
ReplyDeleteHere in Vancouver, we have VanDusen Gardens, Queen Elizabeth Park, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden and lovely gardens at UBC and in Stanley Park. One of my favourite public gardens, though, is Creekside Gardens, near Roberts Creek on the Sunshine Coast of BC. There are a lot of people who have found creative ways to make a living there and all across the region there are in-home artists' studios that you can drop into on the weekends. Creekside Gardens is on someone's property, but it's open to the public by donation. It's an amazing place.
Elaine, I love this post! Your slide show is gorgeous. Beautifully done. What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday. I love local treasure like that! I am sure we must have a beautiful garden here (am somewhat new to Houston)...you have definitely inspired me to look into it!
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This is mine first visit to this blog and found your blog interesting one.The garden experience you shared in post through slides is great.I like all the clicks of the garden area
Elaine, Gorgeous photos! I love gardening and so admire those who do it well. What a lovely way to spend a day. I have a number of plants in my garden that attract hummingbirds and butterflies! What fun! Your post has just inspired me to get out and work in my garden!
ReplyDeleteWonderful slide show!! Nina is right, very well done!
What a treasure to have at your disposal and what a wonderful time of year to be able to enjoy it. We have local gardens to enjoy but my favorite trip is a 2 hour drive to Portland to see the Japanese gardens. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary
ReplyDeleteThis post makes me homesick for CA. I'm not a native but I lived in San Diego for a time and I never ceased to be amazed at the bounty and beauty of CA gardens. Thanks for taking me back!
ReplyDeleteOh, how neat! I love the tulips. Do they sell any edible plants?
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful! I'll be heading to the Duke Gardens soon in North Carolina. These photos make me look forward to that visit!
ReplyDeleteHi! Thanks everyone for your comments!
ReplyDelete@Teresa: I want to visit Vancouver someday and visit all those gardens. I bet they are so beautiful! Some of the gardens sound like some they have along the coast of California where people have also found creative ways to make a living and have the lifestyle that they love so much.
@Nina: I bet Houston has quite a few secret gardens.
@Outdoor Garden Furniture: Thank you for stopping by.
@Kathy: I hope you are able to get out in your garden soon. I know that you have had some weather in your area, but Spring is bound to stick around soon!
@Mary: I bet the Japanese gardens are a sight to behold. San Francisco has a Japanese Tea Garden that is so beautiful and inspirational. Your comment made me want to visit it again - soon!
@Shelley: I am glad the pictures of the garden brought back good memories to you. I love San Diego and wouldn't mind living there one bit. There is a cacti and succulent garden near the Zoo that is so amazing.
@Serene: I didn't see any edible plants other than herbs. The rosemary and lemon balm were so fragrant.
@yummychunklet: Ah! There's nothing like the South during the Spring! North Carolina has some beautiful gardens. I hope you post about your visit!
Thank you Elaine for sharing these wonderful images and taking us around this stunning place. How beautiful that this was created with such insight and passion.
ReplyDeleteI am not familiar with that garden but since I live right across the Bay in San Francisco, I will go sometime soon. Thanks for the great springtime suggestion.
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