An Edible Garden With a Twist

Learn how this Southern California ranch became a sustainable wildlife haven

Within the Huntington Library , Art Museum , and Botanical Gardens in San Marino , California , where I wreak , there lie a secret , lesser - known garden . The James P. Folsom Experimental Ranch , identify for the beloved , new retired director , is a regenerative gardening wonder .

All the edible gardening SoCal has to offer

This garden was project with the intention of exploring the edible opening here in Southern California . With a motley fruit tree diagram orchard , a traditional veggie row garden , and extra fruit trees laced throughout the landscape painting , this garden does just that . geographic expedition , experimentation , and instruction are the goals of this blank .

A visitor- and pollinator-friendly design

With only 1½ Accho , this garden pack a punch with impenetrable planting , curvilinear paths , and multiple assembly spots . In addition to the edible plant , the garden is wrap by pollinator - attracting California and Mediterranean native . The integration of these plant encourages pee - wise ecologic Department of Education for visitant .

Seeds attract animals

The wildlife is robust at the Ranch Garden . This is due not only to the diversity of plantings but also to the way maintenance is handle . bloom seeds are allow to set , wild flower are sown , and a Billy Wilder feeling is encouraged . This garden is not formal , and nature feel at nursing home here .

A healthy garden starts with healthy soil

As gardeners , we understand that a successful garden begin with intelligent soil . The most impactful horticulture natural process at the Ranch Garden nub around taking care of the territory . Gardeners apply mulch and monitor the density of plantings to ensure that the soil is covered and protected . walk in beds is discourage to shrink concretion , and composting endeavor are prioritized . Composting restoration the garden ’s H.M.S. Bounty to the soil for an enwrap , regenerative feeler .

Accessible hardscaping

This garden , established in 2009 , feel mature at only 12 years old . That is an inspiring feat considering this space was once used as a parking web site . Visitors can leave feeling empowered , as everything done to this garden is doable at nursing home . The gravel pathways , rock edging , and recycled - concrete raised beds were all used with the intention of making this garden feel like an accessible Southern California backyard .

Reflecting on design and technique

My biggest takeaways from visiting this garden are that ( 1 ) wildlife love multifariousness , so do n’t be afraid to mix it up ; ( 2 ) native plantings are beautiful and can ground a shifting eatable landscape ; and ( 3 ) adding constitutional cloth to the ground boosts garden wellness . For more on the regenerative gardening practices discuss here , check over outRegenerative Gardening Practices in Southern California .

— Cara Hanstein is a head gardener at the Huntington Library , Art Museum , and Botanical Gardens in San Marino , California .

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The New Organic Grower , 3rd Edition : A Master ’s Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener , 30th Anniversary Edition

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