“The urge to beauty, and the need for beautiful and gracious and lovely things in life is as vital a need as the urge for bread.”
–Luther Burbank (1849-1926)

While it is true that I lived for several years on four acres of land not far at all from Luther Burbank Home and Gardens, it is also true that I not once had visited prior to yesterday. And lucky me. I had not one but two docents escorting me about and sharing with me the history and secrets of famed horticulturist Luther Burbank’s life in early Sonoma County.

Varuna and Dave, docents at Luther Burbank Home and Gardens

One of those secrets is that the very spot where Varuna and Dave are standing is precisely where Luther Burbank was ultimately buried–in his front yard! (Who would know??) Originally the unmarked site was chosen as it was near a large favored Cedar of Lebanon tree, which Burbank planted in 1893. However in 1989 at last the tree succumbed to time and, not to be lost to history, a section of it was cut and a bench was fashioned which now resides in one corner of the front garden.

Burbank originally hailed from Massachusetts, but made his way to Northern California, where he pronounced that, “I firmly believe, from what I have seen, that this is the chosen spot of all this earth as far as Nature is concerned.” I would be inclined to agree. Burbank acquired this wonderful house and later constructed the adjacent charming greenhouse, and it was upon this land that he conducted his many plant-breeding experiments that became known worldwide. A carriage house stands behind the greenhouse which serves as a museum and gift shop for visitors.

Luther Burbank’s home from 1884-1906

Luther Burbank’s prized greenhouse

Inside the greenhouse I found this lovely door.

During the over fifty years Burbank worked as a horticulturist his primary intention was to improve the quality of plants and thus assist with increasing the world’s food supplies. He developed and introduced over 800 new plants including over 200 kinds of fruits, veges, nuts and grains and hundreds of different flowers. Can you imagine his rich life? I barely can if I try. It was there in this four acre garden where all this took place, and famous persons came from around the world to see.

“I shall be content if because of me there shall be better fruits and fairer flowers.”
–Luther Burbank

I took myself on a walking tour and found the following treasures.

prickly pear

ajuga

lovely old water feature

a flowering Japanese maple!

a lotus shaped sundial…

garden fountain, largely inspired by wife Elizabeth Burbank

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have visited Luther Burbank Home and Gardens. It is another gem in my life in Northern California for which I continue to give daily thanks.

Love and gardening blessings,
Kathryn xoxo

Posted on April 6th, 2009 by Kathryn
Filed under: Field Trips | 26 Comments »

My daughter came last week and within a day I suggested we go into the woods. There particularly was a road I wanted to explore, but not alone, as I was familiar enough to know there were places where it was only one lane, and I still do not know where it ultimately leads. What I did know was that there were redwoods there, and redwoods are healing. So we went. We immediately felt ourselves breathing more deeply, soaking up the negative ions and grounding. It is still winter, afterall, however, and the dampness and the hour caused me to refrain from wanting to hike up any unknown trails. Oh, yes, the knowing that there were most likely bears and mountain lions in those woods was also a deterrent. Better to inquire first.

I captured the following, intrigued.

And we made our way back over a narrow steep hill toward home.

Our full circle celebration past, the workweek began and I felt restless in my body, just unusually at odds with my familiar temple. “It’s time to focus on yourself, Kathryn. What do you need to do to bring yourself back to yourself fully? What would help you integrate what has happened and bring you back to peace and joy?” I knew it was time to go back to the woods for a second helping. This time I chose to go back to the road that carries many many family memories in its energy field. It’s the road that took me to live in the woods when Antonia left for college. It’s the road I drove over to carry my father out to Mendocino to stay at the small local hotel. It’s the road that delivered my amazing 94 year-old Grandmother to her greatgranddaughter’s wedding. It’s the road that continues to take us to sacred familiar ground that frames the many phases of our lives and will, no doubt, for many years to come. It is stomping ground. It is holy ground. Let me show you.

Doggies in tow, off we go. It’s hazy as we arrive on Hwy. 128, in the heart of Anderson Valley, known to many for its wineries. The mustard is in full blossom.

As I head toward the redwoods my head whips ’round and I can barely believe what I am seeing: this flock of sheep running amok in a vineyard! I turn the car around and go back to capture the raucous, naughty frivolity! I am still giggling over this little event. The doggies liked it, too. They barked appreciatively.

Continuing on our quest we made a pit stop at Gowan’s, which everyone does. I’m sure you have your version of this in your world at large. The small local fruit stand. (Maybe one day some of us will have our own!) Gowan’s is on over 250 acres and they have a LOT of apples!

I bought some homemade blackberry jam, which my daughter will appreciate on my scones on her next visit up, no doubt. And a nice bag of apples came along. Feeling better already! As I let the doggies stretch their legs, so to speak, I found myself thinking how kind and thoughtful and inviting it was of the Gowans to add this little picnic area in back. I loved the primary colored swings, awaiting joyful children in the sun. And the rustic bench is so inviting. Lots of behinds have sat there, I can imagine!

Continuing on our journey, the landscape suddenly and dramatically shifts as we approach the sacred redwood forest.

The energy of the forest changes markedly. I remind myself that I am on a thin pencil of pavement that runs through a very large and holy terrain. Mindfulness of this fact is intrinsic to this experience. Even if one had no words one would know something has changed. We enter the forest.

I stop the car and absorb the peace, the sanctity, the presence.

These ancient plants remind me how old the forest is, how small I am, how connected we are.

Lost

Stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside you
Are not lost. Wherever you are is called Here,
And you must treat it as a powerful stranger,
Must ask permission to know it and be known.
The forest breathes. Listen. It answers,
I have made this place around you,
If you leave it you may come back again, saying Here.
No two trees are the same to Raven.
No two branches are the same to Wren.
If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you,
You are surely lost. Stand still. The forest knows
Where you are. You must let it find you.

~ David Wagoner ~

Thanking the forest for her beauty, at last we turn the car about and round the bend, facing the river, moving quietly and swiftly toward the ever embracing ocean. I absorb this truth.

Retracing our path we come upon our happy landmark and head back to our sunny awaiting home, recharged and full of gratitude.

Love and Earthly blessings,
Kathryn xoxo
Happy Postscript: I am honored to acknowledge that Plant Whatever Brings You Joy was given a Premio Dardos Award this week from esteemed colleague Anita Bruzzese on her blog 45things.com!

Posted on March 18th, 2009 by Kathryn
Filed under: Sacred places | 26 Comments »