Thursday, April 4, 2019

Raul Zumba’s stunning Oakland garden, Part I

This impressive and unique garden is another I visited during my December trip to the Bay Area. It's owner and creator, Raul Zumba, generously hosted a social gathering for the Pacific Horticulture Society.

While the above photos seem to show the main entrance, we actually entered here...

Through the Mark Bulwinkle gate...

Wow...

Keep in mind, this was December. To my eyes this garden looks super lush now, imagine what it must look like in the summer time!

I wanted to explore that pathway, but we were headed to the house. I'll come back and see where it leads a bit later...

Loropetalum chinense looking smashing.

Check out that tall Cussonia paniculata!

Another path left unexplored, for now...

Ah, heading around the back of the house...

The entrance we took into the home is to my right as I stand here. Ahead is the bedroom. Wouldn't you love to have french doors opening off your bedroom to a private garden patio?

The bedroom is now to my back, and I'm looking at where I'd just been standing.

Fabulous fountain and small pond.

Have you noticed all the decorative rock-work done with those dark Mexican pebbles? It started as we entered the gate and is a feature in the hardscape throughout the garden. The rock-work carries over to inside the house too, with an amazing rock wall in the bathroom. Raul is an artist.

I was a little startled when I realized we were being watched over by a giant bird.

Let's go explore...

That's a pond at the bottom of the photo.

I believe the garden is just over an acre in size. There were many pathways and places to relax.

I am not a tall person. I have no idea how I pulled this one off.

Walking on...

Do you suppose water spurts and cascades during the summer?

I met the lady who lives in the guest house, I refrained from asking if she realized how lucky she was.

Check out the built-in sofa...

Banksia alert!

Turning around now and taking another pathway rather than walking across the lawn.

And finally heading down the pathway by the front entrance, the one I didn't take upon our arrival.

Bottle retaining wall anyone?

Wow...

This garden just keeps throwing surprise after surprise at you.

Here's where I end this long post. There will be more tomorrow...



All material © 2009-2019 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.

20 comments:

  1. Wow! That first photo or two shows the best use of old farm items I've ever seen. There are a lot of different materials and colors but he really knows how to incorporate and repeat. It never felt overdone or like there were too many disparate styles. Can't wait to see more.

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    1. He’s an amazing talent, and a very generous fellow!

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  2. Aw, what a treat! I agree, it must be even more fabulous later in the season. I love the bird sculptures high up on the rock wall by the waterfall, and the bottle wall is pretty fabulous too. I did notice the black beach pebbles. Do you think there is somewhere to actually order those by the truckload? I've only ever seen them in craft stores.

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    1. Maybe, in Portland you can buy them by the large bag at the rock store.

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  3. Wow, what an amazing garden and with an acre of land in the bay area, home of the highest real estate prices in the country?? What a treat to visit for sure!

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  4. Stunning! I bet you could have spent hours in there exploring. Is it my imagination or were the paddle cactus (opuntia?) in the pots thornless?

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    1. Indeed I could have, and yes, think they are.

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  5. Freaking fabulous! I love how the creative art and stonework (and brickwork) are incorporated into the garden.

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    1. You’d have absolutely loved this place Pam!

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  6. I really like this garden. Just the right amount of quirky.

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  7. oh you lucky girl ! I saw this garden once and once only when it was on GC Open Days several years ago.I knew of the garden and never thought I would ever get the chance to see it in person.I've been waiting for it to be open again-which I think it was one year but it conflicted with a trip-maybe Fling. Glad you got you chance to see it too!

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    1. I had no idea what I was in for when we pulled up out front. So lucky...

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  8. You do tour the most interesting gardens. I liked most everything except the giant bird topiary, which I found a little unnerving. I REALLY liked the stacked bottle retaining wall. I wish my bottled ice tea came in colored bottles but maybe I can make do (paint them?) - it'd be a great way to reuse the bottles I drain on a daily basis.

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    1. I wonder if an interior bottle paint would work? Interesting idea Kris.

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  9. Now THAT is a garden is love to visit! Can't wait for part 2 of your post!

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  10. Stunning...reminds me a little of Bella Madrona. And in December, too...looking amazing. The rock and brick work feel so in tune with the garden, definitely a garden with a lot of heart.

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  11. OMG, I'm in love with this garden not only for the amazing artistry of hardscape and plant placement but because all of those plants are hardy outside. The bay area garden vibe and climate that this garden so beautifully illustrates, is my favorite!

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  12. I almost never comment but read you all the time (former Portlander). I got several ideas to use, on a very small scale, to solve some things in my own garden. Thank you for so generously sharing both your own garden and those you visit.

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