Gamble Garden
Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 5:18PM Have I been living under a rock for the past two decades? Don't answer.
Beyond the superb spring garden tours that they've so successfully hosted as far back as I can remember, I haven't really spent time on the grounds of Gamble Garden. I do not like admitting this.
Gamble’s gardens are sooooo worth a visit, particularly this time of year when summer perennials are beginning to burst into bloom. Two and a half acres of sheer delight situated in the heart of Palo Alto just off Embarcadero Road en route to Stanford University. And, of course, Stanford Shopping Center.
One of the many things that I adore about Gamble is that the entire property is open to the public/free of charge/during daylight hours. I was there very early one morning last week taking pictures and again later that day with good friend and former Gamble Board member, Susan. Both times many others were visiting, too, photographing flowers/using the site for family photo sessions/soaking in the beauty/taking notes and learning.
Please visit their website, Gamble Garden, for details about history, location, classes, events and numerous other multi-generational offerings and possibilities. It's a terrific place to meet friends for coffee, lunch or an early evening walk. You'll find demonstration, working and cutting gardens, as well as a greenhouse and lath house.
Labels let you know what everything is so that you can easily transplant the ideas back to your own garden. Or simply enjoy the space that the many, many volunteers have created.
You may discover, as we did, Paul Althouse, retired owner of Redwood City Nursery (one of my all-time favorite shopping ops), tending his cutting garden. Pretty amazing/very marvelous man who donates his time, plants and talent to Gamble. And to you, too/those who visit the garden.
Pick up one of the brochures enumerating the many upcoming offerings. Paul’s class is sure to sell out. So sign up today.
Meanwhile, “visit Gamble” via my photos. I could not capture everything, so schedule a visit soon.
And support Gamble by joining this wonderful non-profit community foundation available for all of us to enjoy.
Enjoy the music as you take your tour by clicking below. Cycle through the photos when they end because the slideshow may have started without you!
Thank you, Friends of Gamble Garden. Send me the form, OK?/I want to become a Friend, too.
Lois
Finally a few moments to go back to Gamble to take pictures of the main house. Unable to resist walking through the gardens again. Here is the result of yesterday's visit. Clearly evidence that I could/should stop by far more often/sure to find something surprising. And lovely. And positively beautiful. Often breathtaking.
Gamble Garden, gardening, photography
Reader Comments (2)
Lois,
Susan forwarded to me your amazing blog re Gamble Garden...thank you for your thoughtful note and beautiful photographs! You truly have captured some spectacular visions.
I hope you come back again and again.
(I know Susan is providing you with the 'friend' info.)
What a nice way for me to visit Gamble through someone else's eyes...thank you for sharing.
Vanessa
Executive Director, Gamble Garden
Hi, Lois! Don't feel too bad about not discovering Gamble Garden until recently. I, too, had no knowledge of it until about 3 years ago, when a fellow gardening friend enlightened me! I have been a member of GG for the last few years and, while I don't get an opportunity to actually visit their beautiful gardens very often, I love the fact that as a donor one can enjoy a 10% discount at a number of participating Bay Area plant nurseries - a great deal! Since I find myself at one nursery or another practically every weekend, this has amounted to a considerable savings!
Gamble Garden is truly a magical place. I love attending the Spring garden tours and look forward to them each year - such a wonderful event!
Cheers,
Jan