Today we go back to the beginning. These fabulous grass trees (Xanthorrhoea sp.) were just off the parking lot. Gerhard and I both stopped to photograph them while a Lotusland staff person looked on and commented that nobody ever stops to appreciate them, they just walk on by...
This is the walk off the side of the gift-shop, the actual entrance into the garden.
Agave attenuata line the first section of the main drive.
And then you tuck off to the right and find yourself in the tropical/jungle garden. Epiphyllum hang from the trees.
And Monstera deliciosa climb skyward.
Just about the time your eyes adjust to all that shade, bam! You're back out in the sun and the cycad garden.
Macrozamia communis
Encephalartos altensteinii
Our next stop is a little further along the main drive, at the garden's namesake lotus pond. I believe these beauties are Agave gypsophila.
Agave victoriae-reginae
And the pond/former pool.
When we visited back in July 2016 the lotus were in residence, photos here.
What you can't see in this photo is the bamboo barrier keeping people from walking down the cypress allee, it was closed that day.
The original bathhouse
Nope, closed!
Onward we go, to another part of the garden (tomorrow...)
Weather Diary, Mar 18: Hi 59, Low 40/ Precip 0
All material © 2009-2020 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
No need to apologize. I am all for a little plant porn at any time. Great tour. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteNo apologies offered, just noting the passage of time. Glad you enjoyed!
DeleteI never tire of seeing this garden with its amazing textures and forms.
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteSo beautiful, cheers me up--the news is so dreadful, the beauty of plants is so comforting. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWe gardeners are lucky to have our love of plants and gardens.
DeleteWonderful shots! I'd discussed the prospect of visiting again this year with 2 different friends and hoped one or another plan would work out. It's been well over a decade since I've been there. I just checked the garden's site and discovered that it's closed at least through April 15th. The Huntington and Descanso Gardens here are closed too.
ReplyDeleteI would expect that, most of our local gardens are also closed. I hope you get to visit sometime soon.
DeleteNo spring road trip for me this year,so a virtual visit to Lotusland is always welcome. I'm sad that so many botanical gardens have had to close-it seems like such a safe place to be--but they need staff and if staff is shelter in place the garden must close.
ReplyDeleteYes I agree, it's a double edged sword. If I didn't have my own garden I would rely on a public garden for my dose of nature, but its also not fair to staff. Not that CA gardens have a choice now.
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