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Arbutus Gardens

As we were touring Renee Moog's garden, another visitor told me that I should go to Arbutus Garden Arts, which was just down the road. I had no idea we were close but it was a garden I was familiar with and always wanted to visit. A pleasant surprise! Norm Jacobs is the owner, and he showed us around and answered questions. The garden is also a nursery and he propagates the plants. However, he says that he is in the process of retiring. My friend Linda bought an absolutely stunning weeping snowbell tree. I managed to discipline myself and only left with a groundcover, Erigeron pulchellus 'Meadow Muffin'. The garden is stunning with winding pathways surrounded by packed borders of mostly conifers and Japanese maples. I was enamored by the most beautiful specimen of Sourwood Tree ( Oxydendrum arboreum ). I have one that seems to be stunted, but Mr. Jacobs told me that they need space for their root zone and do not like competition. This could be my problem, as mine is surrou...

The Carson Mansion in Eureka, California and the coast


On the drive down to Miranda, California, we bypassed the beautiful northern California coast. It was a bit foggy as we stopped by an overlook to get some photos.





Later in the week, we drove back up the coast to Eureka. I have to say that it wasn't a very pretty town like I expected (perhaps we were in the wrong section). We did see the Carson mansion which is supposedly one of the most photographed Victorian houses in the U.S. Too bad we could not see the inside of it. It is a privately owned club now.






Another Victorian across the street, "The Pink Lady" was a wedding gift to Carson's son.




A bay area along the way -






Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. I love those big old Victorian houses. They are amazing with all the embellishments. Too bad you didn't get inside for some photos.
    The CA coast is a sensational space. I don't think I would ever tire of seeing the ocean.

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  2. I'm so glad you got to take this trip. I enjoyed all of your FB posts! I've only been to Eureka once, but I feel like there is a prettier section of town, I could be wrong though. However, the Carson homes are impressive.

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