PICTURED:Gardens of the World in Thousand Oaks features mission-style architecture and plants. From the Gardens of the World Website
David Goldstein
The 150ThAnnual NationalArbor Day is April 29,2022. This holiday is celebrated nationally on the last Friday of April. However, some states observe Arbor Day on other dates depending on their optimal tree planting times and historical events. California is the exception to the rule, declaring March 7 Arbor Day.
Kimberly-Clark (a tissue manufacturer) and the non-profit National Arbor Day Foundation have committed to planting two trees for every Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook post that includes the hashtag #ArborDay. These organizations will plant as many as 150,000 trees.
A letter from the foundation stating that Arbor Day is more than just planting trees, but also about sharing ideas and fundraising tips was sent to me. These ideas include valuing trees as a source of clean air to breathe, clean water for drinking, and beautiful memories to be made. According to the Foundation a central idea behind Arbor Day since its inception in 1872 was personal responsibility for caring for nature. This includes a duty of respecting it, replenishing it, and protecting it.
To appreciate trees and plants in this way, one must first understand nature. There are many educational opportunities in Ventura County that can help you do just that. It is a great way for people to learn and appreciate nature by visiting the Ventura Botanical Gardens and Conejo Valley Botanic Garden as well as the Taft Gardens in Ojai or the Gardens of the World, Thousand Oaks, during the week of National Arbor Day.
Ventura Botanical Gardens is a hillside garden that runs from Grant Park to Ventura City Hall. It was founded in 2005. Unfortunately, many mature plants were destroyed by the 2017 Thomas Fire. Therefore, its specimens remain young. The impressive views more than make up for the lack of shade and stately planted plants at the site. The site offers a panoramic view that includes crashing waves and stretches to Anacapa or Santa Cruz islands. Ventura Botanical Gardens’ website commits the organization towards integrating education opportunities. . . Provide habitat for a variety of animals and plants . . create habitat corridors [and] . . . Promote environmentally sustainable development. This is the final goal.
Derrick Wilson, President of Ventura Botanical Gardens Board of Directors, highlighted the educational value of the organization’s new Native Volcanic Substrate Collection. This collection recreates terrain in western Ventura County, and includes endangered plants that are only found in our county. The Garden staff will collect plants specimens and seeds and keep records of their reactions to climate changes and soil conditions. This information will help to guide gardeners on how to conserve water in extreme drought.
The Volcanic Collection is an addition to the gardens’ current display of native flora of the five Mediterranean climates. These examples show how species are tolerant of low water availability and can be used to help visitors plan conservation for their gardens.
Taft Gardens, located near Lake Casitas has plants of Mediterranean climates. There is also an African section, an area for native plants, and a cactus plant garden. Taft Gardens is run by the Conservation Endowment Fund. Their mission is to educate the public on environmental heritage, preserve endangered resources, and explore the relationship of humans and their environment. Alexandra Nicklin (visitor coordinator and general manager) reports that Taft Gardens seeks donations of signs to support these goals by educating visitors through self-guided tour.
Conejo Valley Botanic Garden at 400 West Gainsborough Road is strong on signs. Signs are placed along nature trails, by volunteer docents who offer school tours, or in combination with work for adult education. These messages communicate a variety. Visitors can see different stages of compost in a nursery that propagates Mediterranean and native climate plants. These plants were sold during events in the Kids Adventure Garden.
Gardens of the World is located across Thousand Oaks Boulevard, from the Bank of America Performing Arts Center. It focuses on a different kind of education. The Hogan family, who founded the garden, owned a travel agency. They devoted it to cultural rather than botanical education. They focus on fourth-grade curriculum and use mission-style architecture. A series of outdoor murals depicting California’s mission system are also used. The mission-style architecture is also used to instruct elementary school students. The missions’ plants include rosemary, guava and oranges as well as lemons, lemons, and olives.
A home garden is a great place to learn about trees and other plants. An important organization will benefit from a garden tour. The 24ThCamarillo Garden Tour will take place May 1 from noon to 4pm. Visitors can visit five residential gardens for $25
www.venturabotanicalgardens.com
David Goldstein, Ventura County Public Works Environmental Resource Analysis, can be reached at 805-658-4322, or [email protected].