On Friday afternoon, I went to a garden I’d heard about for years but had never visited before: the Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek (California). It is renowned for being a succulent and drought-tolerant garden, created by Ruth Bancroft beginning in the early 70s. The land (originally 400 acres of walnut and pears, but reduced to 3.5 acres in the 70s) had been in her husband’s family for several generations. For more about the garden’s interesting history, you can read the overview on their site.
Ruth passed away this year, incredibly, at 109 and there was a moving memorial for her at her garden, I’ve been told. Check out her obituary to learn more about Ruth’s incredible accomplishments during her lifetime.
The Garden Conservancy was founded because of Frank and Anne Cabot’s visit to Ruth’s garden over 25 years ago. The Cabots were deeply moved by all they saw in Ruth’s garden and were concerned about the future of her garden. At Anne’s suggestion, he founded the Garden Conservancy whose mission is to preserve and share extraordinary gardens. Ruth’s garden became the very first preservation garden for the Garden Conservancy. Thank you for your inspiration, Ruth!
Ruth’s Folly
I arrived on Friday morning to a full parking lot of cars and garden enthusiasts. They were visiting the nursery, which is endlessly fascinating because there are most likely plants you have never seen before (at least that was true for me!). You really must wander through the nursery (and support the garden by buying a couple of plants).
A “hairy” succulent that, in its natural habitat, can withstand freezing temperatures in the morning and 100+ temperatures in the afternoon – all in one day!
I then met up with Milton Scheuler, a docent in the garden, who gave me a quick orientation of the garden. I recommend going around with someone the first time so you know what the extra special plants are in the garden. Milton pointed out many of the special trees and plants that I would have otherwise missed.
They have a rotating sculpture exhibit throughout the garden, and the ceramic wall above was my favorite piece during this exhibit. The exhibits feature west-coast artists who share a love of garden and art, and some of the proceeds help support the garden’s operations.
The Ruth Bancroft Garden is open to the public year-round. Check out their site to find out what’s in bloom now. You’ll find a very informative pdf of all of the plants and flowers that are in bloom, along with their names and location in the garden.
Be sure to visit this local gem – truly in our own backyard, for those of us who live in the Bay Area.
