Tucson Botanical Gardens' Nuestro Jardin:
My Story
I had the privilege of working as a staff horticulturalist at the Tucson Botanical Gardens from 1996-2003. There was an established garden devoted to the Tohono O'odham and native desert crops, and they wanted a space dedicated to Tucson's Mexican-American horticultural heritage. It was not to be a grand mission-style affair like that being planned by Rio Nuevo at Tucson's Birthplace, but a homespun back-yard patio/corral-- one you might find pretty much anywhere in an older, un-gentrified neighborhood south and west of downtown.
By September 1998, the new treasure was ready for unveiling and quickly became the Heart/El Corazón of the Gardens... and has remained so ever since.
By September 1998, the new treasure was ready for unveiling and quickly became the Heart/El Corazón of the Gardens... and has remained so ever since.
These TPBCO (Tucson Pressed Brick Co) bricks came from from TBG's back lot.
This brick manufacturing company operated on the west bank of the Santa Cruz River from the 1890's thru early 1960's.
(It also supplied the bricks for the Catholic Archdiocese Cathedral on the Plaza in Santa Fe.)
I dedicate this page to my former colleagues Cecily Ring Gill Cook, original Curator, and the late Anthony 'Tony' Edlund, original Grounds Director. My gratitude also for the advice and friendship of Smartscape wizard Jose Cano along the way. He and Jesus Garcia, then a young ethnobotanist at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, helped with local/regional Spanish names.** They, and TBG staff member Stella Lopez who meticulously hand-painted bilingual signage, worked tirelessly to see that the Botanical Gardens' Nuestro Jardin, (anointed thusly by the late Elva Flores), would live up to its heritage. The landscape designer who gave her time and talent was Margaret Livingston of the University of Arizona.
I also want to thank beloved Tucsonense, Patricia Preciado Martin for her friendship and support during those early days, and for spending an evening in the garden reading from her book, Amor Eterno. My gratitude also for the Tucsonenses who graciously lectured and gave demonstrations for us: UofA Prof. Emeritus Raquel Rubio-Goldsmith, Jose Armando Flores, owner of Flores Nacional Herberia, and tamale-making teachers Brenda Zamora Silvas, owner of Nana Z's Tamales and Noemi Armstrong of Pima Community College. Mil gracias siempre to Pima Community College Prof. Emeritus Guadalupe (Lupe) Castillo, Gloria Barbea, and the late Albert Soto, then with the Pima Arts Council, for taking time to share their wisdom and memories with me.
The research, planning and construction of this garden was intended to shed light on an important and overlooked piece of Tucson's horticultural history. It included many drives through Tucson's barrios taking notes on plants, trees, objects, shrines, fencing/walls, etc. I spent a couple of afternoons browsing through the UofA Latin American Studies Library and read what books I could find on gardens by Mexican-American authors. We conducted interviews with community elders and educators and made countless phone calls. For me, it was an organic and spiritual coming home of sorts, and I remain humbly grateful.
I also want to thank beloved Tucsonense, Patricia Preciado Martin for her friendship and support during those early days, and for spending an evening in the garden reading from her book, Amor Eterno. My gratitude also for the Tucsonenses who graciously lectured and gave demonstrations for us: UofA Prof. Emeritus Raquel Rubio-Goldsmith, Jose Armando Flores, owner of Flores Nacional Herberia, and tamale-making teachers Brenda Zamora Silvas, owner of Nana Z's Tamales and Noemi Armstrong of Pima Community College. Mil gracias siempre to Pima Community College Prof. Emeritus Guadalupe (Lupe) Castillo, Gloria Barbea, and the late Albert Soto, then with the Pima Arts Council, for taking time to share their wisdom and memories with me.
The research, planning and construction of this garden was intended to shed light on an important and overlooked piece of Tucson's horticultural history. It included many drives through Tucson's barrios taking notes on plants, trees, objects, shrines, fencing/walls, etc. I spent a couple of afternoons browsing through the UofA Latin American Studies Library and read what books I could find on gardens by Mexican-American authors. We conducted interviews with community elders and educators and made countless phone calls. For me, it was an organic and spiritual coming home of sorts, and I remain humbly grateful.
Note: I mix past and present tenses here... Much is in the past now: changes in families, changes in society, climate change, etc. But there are remnants that are still present, and others being restored.
"Ordered Chaos"
Mexican-American gardens are centered around practical use rather than aesthetics. Every plant has a purpose -- be it for food, religious, healing or sentimental value. Plants, cuttings and seeds were shared between neighbors, family and friends. Some were brought by family and friends from Mexico to provide continued access to the old food ways and remedies. Many flowering plants were grown to honor saints' feast days and other religious celebrations, such as the month of May to honor the Virgin Mary, Semana Santa/Holy Week and Pascua/Easter, El Dia de los Muertos /Day of the Dead, Dec. 4-12 for La Virgen de Guadalupe, and Navidad/Christmas. There were flowers that were just loved and soothed the heart: roses, geraniums, iris, narcissus, canna lilies, hollyhocks, sweet-peas, carnations, chrysanthemums, violets, zinnias, and more. No garden was without yerbas/hierbas, herbs for cooking and healing: oregano, manzanilla/ chamomile, cilantro, romero/rosemary, epazote, and yerba buena/spearmint spreading at the base of hose bibs. Food crops like chiles, tomatoes, garlic, and onions could be grown in pots if necessary, while others like the "Tres Hermanas/3 Sisters" (corn beans and squash) and melons, were grown out in ground beds if there was enough space.
Trees were useful-- for fruit as well as shade. Besides mesquites, palo verdes and spreading hackberries, Chinaberries too might be seen. (They are messy, however.) In older gardens, one might find a membrillo/quince, pomegranate/granado, fig/higuera, and citrus. (The scent of citrus blossoms would fill the air, and the flowers made a delicious tea.) Tucson's "Mother Fig" grows in the rear patio of the historic Sosa-Fremont House downtown. Its stewards were kind enough to donate a cutting from it to plant in Nuestro Jardin.
Pre-dating air conditioning, barrio gardens were family outdoor living spaces. Meals were prepared, children played, elders would relax and chat, and celebrations took place. There was always a ramada or porch for shade and a barbacoa for grilling meats, vegetables and tortillas. Never grass-- just swept dirt and occasional borders made from rocks, tires, any creative material on hand. Chairs and tables, often from the house, lived out their retirement as patio furniture. Many homes have nichos or capillas-- outdoor shrines that pay homage to the Holy Family, La Virgen de Guadalupe, and other favorite saints where personal prayers and offerings are made. Household objects and fixtures, large and small, find some kind of practical or artistic use in the garden. Latino families were masters of up-cycling and self-care long before it was in vogue. Tucson's original families lived simply, neighbor helping neighbor, in shared faith, with what God/the Creator provided.
Trees were useful-- for fruit as well as shade. Besides mesquites, palo verdes and spreading hackberries, Chinaberries too might be seen. (They are messy, however.) In older gardens, one might find a membrillo/quince, pomegranate/granado, fig/higuera, and citrus. (The scent of citrus blossoms would fill the air, and the flowers made a delicious tea.) Tucson's "Mother Fig" grows in the rear patio of the historic Sosa-Fremont House downtown. Its stewards were kind enough to donate a cutting from it to plant in Nuestro Jardin.
Pre-dating air conditioning, barrio gardens were family outdoor living spaces. Meals were prepared, children played, elders would relax and chat, and celebrations took place. There was always a ramada or porch for shade and a barbacoa for grilling meats, vegetables and tortillas. Never grass-- just swept dirt and occasional borders made from rocks, tires, any creative material on hand. Chairs and tables, often from the house, lived out their retirement as patio furniture. Many homes have nichos or capillas-- outdoor shrines that pay homage to the Holy Family, La Virgen de Guadalupe, and other favorite saints where personal prayers and offerings are made. Household objects and fixtures, large and small, find some kind of practical or artistic use in the garden. Latino families were masters of up-cycling and self-care long before it was in vogue. Tucson's original families lived simply, neighbor helping neighbor, in shared faith, with what God/the Creator provided.
Fall: Marigolds/Cempaxúchil, Mexican tarragon (tagetes lucida)/Pericón
Spring: geraniums & daylilies
Bottles make great borders.
Barrio gardens are family gardens, so there are bound to be toys,
Original plaster Virgen de Guadalupe - a gift from TGB committee member Stella Lopez.
Some tidbits. Click to enlarge
In 2013, Dr. Juliet Niehaus, Director of Horticultural Therapy, invited me back for a visit.
Groups from the El Pueblo and Amory Park Senior Centers had taken charge of maintaining the Barrio Garden. Twice a week they came to work their magic in it and add their own touches of creativity. It warmed my heart. Here she is (center) with a two of them.
Original committee member Stella Lopez has continued to watch over things there as well I heard. As the artist who painted all the beautiful bilingual signage, and she came back to refurbish them.
Original committee member Stella Lopez has continued to watch over things there as well I heard. As the artist who painted all the beautiful bilingual signage, and she came back to refurbish them.
Caretakers of Nuestro Jardin - Juliet & Friends
The docents brought in a St. Francis, and put in a herb bed for him to watch over.
'Tired' flowers!
Gil's handywork.
La Señora, safer now behind bars and always much loved by everyone.
Some Plants in Tucson's Barrio Gardens
Click on the "drawers" to view collections.
Herbs
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Sources:
- Infusions of Healing, A Treasury of Mexican-American Herbal Remedies - Joie Davidow
- Healing with Herbs & Rituals, A Mexican Tradition - Eliseo "Cheo" Torres
- Father Kino's Herbs, Growing & Using Them Today - Jacqueline A. Soule
- Los Remedios and Medicinal Plants of the Desert & Canyon West - Michael Moore
- An Aztec Herbal, The Classic Codex of 1552 - William Gates (For the true herb nerd)
- It Grows in My Grandma's Backyard / Crece en el jardin de mi abuelita - Copilado por Janet Gerakos
Nombre/Name |
Traditions |
Season |
AJO, GARLIC (Allium sativum) |
The Aztecs used an indigenous variety of garlic as a seasoning and remedy. In traditional Mexican-American medicine it is used it is used for circulation and respiration ailments, digestive problems, and to expel parasites. A clove of garlic crushed against the gum was used as a temporary remedy for toothache. Garlic is widely regarded today as one of nature's great remedies, a natural immune system booster. |
Warm |
ALBAHACA, ALBACAR, BASIL (Ocimum basilicum) |
As a medicinal herb it has many of the same properties as its cousins, spearmint and peppermint, and is similarly used as a digestive or calmative. The essential oils have properties that are effectively anti-inflammatory, absorb stomach gas, and inhibit some of the microbes that cause dysentery. Mexican-Americans sometimes planted basil in front of their homes to ward off evil, or carry lucky basil in a pocket or purse. |
Warm |
ALHUCEMA, LAVENDER (Lavendula augustifolia, L. dentata, L. stoechas are best spp. for Tucson gardens.) |
This popular, highly fragrant herb was originally brought to the New World by the Spanish. In the days before indoor plumbing and daily showers, the clean, fresh fragrance of lavender was welcome. Mexican-Americans used a tea for indigestion and burn it as a kind of aromatherapy. Smudge sticks made from bundles of dried lavender are burned to fumigate sick rooms, and new mothers are purified with the scent of burning lavender after childbirth. |
Perennial |
AZAHARES, ORANGE BLOSSOMS (Citrus × aurantium) |
A tea made from the blossoms and peel of the Seville or sour orange, naranja amarga, can be taken as a calming agent, to aid digestion, to cure insomnia and even to alleviate heart palpitations. The fresh leaves, picked and boiled until the water is halved in volume, are also given to epileptics. |
Spring |
CEBOLLA, ONION (Allium cepa) |
Raw onion is eaten to treat anemia, exhaustion, bronchial, complaints, and gas. Crushed and decocted with honey, onion is taken as a tea for cough or sore throat. It can be grated and applied in slices over burns, bites, wounds, or even over arthritic joints. A roasted onion has great drawing power and is often applied, split and still hot, to boils. Mixed with hot vinegar, onion is used to make a chest compress to provide relief for those suffering from pneumonia. |
Warm |
CILANTRO, CORIANDER (Coriandrum sativum) |
The name cilantro is used to describe the leaves of the same plant, whose seeds are called "coriander". Cilantro is such a staple of Mexican cuisine that it is hard to believe it's not indigenous to the Americas but a native of Southern Europe and Asia. In traditional Mexican-American medicine, the leaves or seeds are used to make a soothing bedtime tea for children and a mouthwash to treat gum disease. |
Cool |
EPAZOTE, WORMSEED (Chenopodium ambrosioides) |
Epazote has been cultivated for thousands of years in southern and southeast coastal Mexico. Like the Old World herbs cumin and ginger, epazote has the unique ability to help break down hard-to-digest vegetable proteins. It remains a common flavoring for cooking beans. Epazote was brought northward into Sonora primarily by native peoples resettled there by Spaniards, and is recorded as planted in the gardens at Mission San Xavier del Bac. |
Warm |
HINOJO, FENNEL (Foeniculum vulgare, F. officianle) |
The seeds were considered a hunger suppressant and were eaten by the poor when they had nothing else, or on Catholic fasting days. Some still believe they help with weight loss. Today, Mexican-Americans use the herb to treat digestive disorders. The infusion appears to be an effective anti-spasmodic, a remedy for menstrual cramps, and baby colic. In Morelos and Oaxaca, fennel tea is used to promote lactation in nursing mothers. |
Cool |
MANZANILLA, CHAMOMILE German: (Matricaria rectita L.) Roman: (Chamaemelum nobile L.) |
German chamomile comes from an annual plant and Roman from a perennial. Both species share many of the same medicinal compounds and work much in the same way. It is a favorite in Mexican-American gardens and tops the list of popular herbal remedies. It's non-toxic, safe for young children, and useful in a variety of ailments. Manzanilla is soothing, it calms the nerves, settles an upset stomach, and cools burning eyes and skin. |
Cool |
OREGANO DEL CAMPO, Wild Marjoram (Monarda menthafolia, M. pectinata) |
This plant is not really an oregano at all, but a look-alike. Both herbs have purple flower-heads and fragrant leaves. They are used in cooking as a flavoring and medicinally for cough, fever, sore throat, and indigestion. The tea has a nice spicy flavor, induces perspiration and is said to help loosen phlegm. Mexican Oregano (Lippia spp.), was used medicinally by the Aztecs and has antiseptic properties. |
Perennial |
PERICÓN, YERBA ANÍS MEXICAN TARRAGON (Tagetes lucida) |
My personal favorite, this vigorous shrub has tender, highly aromatic leaves with a rich anise-like aroma and flavor. In fall, usually around El Dia de los Muertos, they produce masses of small, 5-petaled gold flowers. The Aztecs grew pericón for culinary, medicinal and ritual purposes. It added a spicy flavor to the royal chocoltl, a drink made from cocoa (the original chocolate). In the Aztec Herbal of 1552, Martin de la Cruz describes the use of the plant as a talisman, rubbed on the chest to ensure safety while crossing a river. The Aztecs burned pericón as incense, and the flowers were used decoratively in many religious ceremonies. Pericón was also an important medicine in ancient Mexico. It was named for the water goddess Ayauh. As the plant fell under the provenance of the water gods, it was used medicinally to treat the illnesses these gods controlled. Many of the remedies for which the plant is used today are survivors of Aztec medicine, echoes from the pages of the 16th century chronicles. Infusions of the flower petals are used to treat the common cold, intestinal gas, and diarrhea. In parts of rural Mexico today, pericón is laid in each corner of the corn field before the harvest, and nailed in the shape of a cross to the doors of houses to ward off evil spirits. The flowers are one of the herbs used during rituals to cleanse the spirit. |
Perennial |
ROMERO, ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis) |
Rosemary is one of the classic medicinal herbs brought to the New World by the Spanish. Branches of fresh rosemary are still used throughout Mexico and the Southwest in healing ritual cleansings, called limpias. Rosemary bundles are burned in the corners of a room to cleanse it spiritually-- possibly the survival of a medieval practice of burning rosemary to keep away the plague. |
Perennial |
RUDA, RUE (Ruta graveolens) |
Ruda was brought to Mexico by the Spanish. Long considered a "woman's plant", it is one of the herbs midwives used to speed uterine contractions during labor. Ruda is also one of the herbs used in limpias, spiritual cleansings. The leaves steeped in oil are used to treat earaches. This plant can be toxic in large doses and can cause skin irritations in some people. |
Perennial |
SÁBILA, ALOE VERA (Aloe barbadensis) |
One of the first plants to arrive in the New World with Spanish conquerors, aloe had long been valued for its ability to help heal battle wounds. Aloe has become a modern mainstream phenomenon, but remains a favorite in Mexican-Americn gardens and can be found growing in coffee cans and on windows sills. Studies have confirmed its healing properties and the presence of a substance that encourages cell growth-- which explains why it is often used to treat burns. |
Warm |
SAUCO, TÁPIRO, MEXICAN ELDERBERRY (Sambucus mexicanas) |
The Aztecs used it as a poultice for headaches, nosebleeds, wounds, and skin ulcers. At the turn of the 20th century, the dried flowers were used in a lotion to clear the complexion of freckles. The berries baked into pies and fermented to make the famous elderberry wine. Today, an infusion is of the flowers is used to treat fever in childhood diseases and to relieve stomach gas. A simmered tea with the bark is used as a purgative. The blue elderberries can be eaten, but the red are toxic. |
Warm (Summer desiduous tree) |
TÉ DE LIMÓN, LEMON GRASS (Cymbopogon citratus) |
This aromatic grass with a pleasant citrusy flavor is a native of Asia. Mexican-Americans often combine the herb with yerba buena (spearmint) or one of the other mints to brew a calming tea. It's lush growth habit and pale green hue make it a favorite in barrio gardens. My vet recommends keeping a pot of lemongrass in the yard at home for pets to snack on. They love it. |
Perennial |
YERBA BUENA, SPEARMINT (Mentha spicata) |
Yerba buena, the good herb, is perhaps the best loved most used of all Mexican-American herbs; it is rivaled only by manzanilla (German chamomile). It loves extra water and can commonly be found thriving around the bases of garden hose bibs. The name can be given to a number of mints, but most often it refers to the strongly flavorful spearmint. It was another herb brought to the New World by Spanish settlers. It contains essential oils that stimulate the flow of digestive juices, stimulate perspiration and diminish catarrh. Used topically, it is slightly antiseptic. The herb is, above all, gentle, comforting, and delicious. It can be used to mask the nasty taste of other herbs without diminishing their effectiveness. |
Perennial |
Flowering plants
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Sources: Ilya Sloan, Nurse at Carrillo Elementary School, Jose Cano, Patricia Preciado Martin, Lupe Castillo, Raquel Rubio Goldsmith, Gloira Barbea, Albert Soto
(and many of my own casual eye-witness sightings through the years).
(and many of my own casual eye-witness sightings through the years).
Nombre/Name |
Nombre/Name |
Nombre/Name |
AMAPOLA, POPPY (Papaver orientale) |
FLOR DE MAYO, DAY LILY (Hemeracallis fulva) |
NARCISOS, NARCISSUS 'Paper-white' |
ALAS DE PERICO, CANNA LILY (Canna spp.) |
GARDENIA |
NOCHEBUENA, FLOR DE NAVIDAD, POINSETTIA |
AZUCENA, CORAZON DE JESUS, AMARYLLIS (Hippeastrum spp.) |
GERANIO, GERANIUM (RED) (Pelargonium spp.) |
OBELISCO, HIBISCUS (Hibiscus rosa-chinensis) |
BARRITAS DE SAN JOSE, HOLLYHOCK (Alcea spp.) |
GOMPHRENA, (purple) |
PAJARITO, MEXICAN EVENING PRIMROSE (Oenothera berlandieri) |
BUGAMIBILLIA, BOUGAINVILLEA (Bougainvillea glabra, B. spectabilus) |
KALACHOE (K. blossfeldiana) |
PETUNIA, Petunia spp |
CEMPAXUCHIL, FLOR DE MUERTO, MARIGOLD (Tagetes erecta) |
LIRIO, IRIS (old-fashioned purple, yellow, & white) |
ROSA DE CASTILLA,** ROSA GUADALUPANA, ROSE ‘Chrysler Imperial’, ‘Queen Elizabeth, ‘Chicago Peace’, ’Ole’, ‘Love’, ‘Perfume Delight’, 'Double Delight' |
CHICHAROS, SWEETPEA (Lathyrus odoratus) |
LIRIOS DEL SAGRADO CORAZON, EASTER LILY (Lillium longiflorum) |
ROSA ENREDADERA, CLIMBING ROSE (Cascade variety) |
CHRISTMAS CACTUS (Schlumbergera spp.) |
MARGARITA AMARILLA, EURYOPS DAISY |
TOLOACHE, DATURA (Datura meteloides) |
CINCO NEGRITOS, YERBA DE CRISTO, COMMON LANTANA (Lantana camara) |
MARAVILLA, FOUR O'CLOCK (Mirabilis jalapa) |
TUBERROSE spp. (Polianthes tuberosa) |
CHRYSANTHEMUM (Chrysanthemum spp.) |
MASTUERZO, NASTURTIUM |
VERBENA Native (V. wrightii ) |
CLAVEL, CARNATION (Dianthus spp.) |
MAYITO, LAGRIMAS DE MARIA, RAIN LILY (Zephyranthes grandiflora) |
VIOLETA, VIOLET (Viola odorata) |
COSMOS (C. bipinnatus) |
MIRASOL, SUNFLOWER (Helianthus annuus) |
ZINIA, ZINNIA spp. |
ESPUELITA, LARKSPUR (Delphinium spp.) |
MORNING GLORY** (Ipomoea tricolor) ** (Morning glories are a noxious weed in parts of Southern Arizona. Purchase commercial seeds from nurseries.) |
** (Note: Rosa damascena 'Sempreflorens' - a Damask rose found in many Spanish missions.) |
vegetables & FRUITS
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Nombre/Name |
Nombre/Name |
Nombre/Name |
ALBARICOQUE, DESERT APRICOT (Prunus fremontii) |
FRESA, STRAWBERRY |
NISPERO, LOQUATE, LOQUAT (Eriobotrya japonica) |
CALABACITAS: ITALIANA y AMARILLA, ZUCCINNI & YELLOW CROOK-NECK SQUASH |
GRANADA**, POMEGRANATE (Punica granatum) |
NARANJA**, ORANGE (Citrus sinensis) |
CEBOLLINA, CHIVES |
HIGUERA, FIG (Ficus carica) |
NOPALES, INDIAN FIG PRICKLY PEAR (Opuntia ficus-indica) |
CHILE CAMPANA, BELL PEPPER |
JUJUBE, CIRUELA GOBERNADORA, CHINESE DATE (Ziziphus jujuba) |
PARRA, UVA, UVA SILVESTRI, GRAPE |
CHILE, CHILTEPIN spp. (Capsicum spp.) Anaheim, jalapeño, habanero, poblano, etc. |
MAIZ, CORN |
TOMATE, TOMATO Better Boy, Early Girl, Heatwave, Cherry Sweet 100’s |
CIRUELO, CHERRY PLUM (Prunus cerasifera) |
MELON |
VERDULAGAS, PERSULANE (Portulaca oleracea) |
~ |
** In Spanish, feminine, granada denotes 'fruit'-- masculine, granado denotes 'tree'. |
~ |
PLANTS, Shrubs & Trees
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Nombre/Name |
Nombre/Name |
Nombre/Name |
AJUGA (Ajuga reptens) |
GIANT PHILODENDRON (Philodendron selloum) |
OREJA DE RATON, DICHONDRA (Dichondra micrantha) |
ALAS DE ANGEL, PURPLE HEART (Setcreasea pallida) |
HELECHO, ASPARAGUS FERN (Asparagus spp.) |
PALO JUAN, TREE TOBACCO (Nicotiana glauca) |
ARIZONA ROSEWOOD** (Valquelinia californica) **Low-water alternative to oleander. |
HIGUERILLA, CASTOR BEAN (Ricinus communis) |
PRIMROSE JASMINE (Jasminum mesnyi) |
BURRO'S TAIL (Sedum morganianum) |
HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera japonica) |
PRIVET** (Ligustrum lucidum, standard) ** High water user, fallen out of favor. |
CORAZON DE JESUS, CALADIUM (Caladium bicolor spp.) |
JADE PLANT (crassula argentea) |
REINA DE LA NOCHE, NIGHT-BLOOMING CEREUS (Peniocereus greggii) |
CARRIZO, GIANT REED** (Arrundo donax) ** Can be invasive, hard to eradicate |
JASMIN, CHINESE JASMINE (Jasminum polyanthum) |
RUELLIA (Ruellia brittoniana ‘Katie’) |
CATSCLAW VINE (Macfadyena unguis-cati) |
JASMIN BLANCO °ESTRELLA, STAR JASMINE (Trachelospermum jasminoides) |
RUBBER PLANT (Ficus elastica) |
COLA DE BORREGO, SEDUM spp. |
MAGUEY, AGAVE (Agave americana) |
ROSE-OF-SHARON HIBISCUS (Hibiscus syriacus) |
CROTON (Codiaeum variegatum) |
LAUREL, OLEANDER (Nerium oleander, standard) |
SAN MIGUELITO, QUEEN'S WREATH (Antigonon leptopus) |
CUMARO, CANYON HACKBERRY (Celtis reticulata) |
LENGUA DE SUEGRA, SANSEVERIA |
SWORD FERN (polystichum spp.) |
ELEPHANT EAR (Colocasia spp. |
NOPAL SANTA RITA, SANTA RITA PRICKLY PEAR (Opuntia violacea v. santa-rita) |
TI PLANT (Cordyline fruticosa) |
ENCINO, ROBLE, SCRUB LIVE OAK (Quercus turbinella) |
MORA, PERSIAN MULBERRY (Morus nigra) |
TROMPILLOS DEL ANGEL DE LA GUARDIA, TRUMPET VINE (Campsis radicans) |
GHOST PLANT (Graptopetalum) |
MORA DE TEXAS, TEXAS MULBERRY (Morus microphylla) |
YUCA, YUCCA (Y. gloriosa,, Y. aloifolia) |
RESOURCES:
Raquel Rubio Goldsmith, Seasons, Seeds, and Souls: Mexican Women Gardening in the American Mesilla,1900-1940 Ch. 8 of Women of the Mexican Countryside, 1850-1990 - Creating Spaces, Shaping Transitions (University of Arizona Press 1994)
Patricia Preciado Martin,
Jesus Garcia, Desert Life/Vida Desertica - a Vocabulary/Vocabulario ( Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Press 1998)
It Grows In My Grandma's Backyard/Crece en el Jardín de mi Abuelita - Janet Gerakos, Diane Carol Herkshan, Terri Mendez, Lorri Ann Torrez (Tucson Awareness House, Inc. 1982)
Raquel Rubio Goldsmith, Seasons, Seeds, and Souls: Mexican Women Gardening in the American Mesilla,1900-1940 Ch. 8 of Women of the Mexican Countryside, 1850-1990 - Creating Spaces, Shaping Transitions (University of Arizona Press 1994)
Patricia Preciado Martin,
- Images and Conversations - Mexicans Recall a Southwestern Past (University of Arizona Press 1982)
- Songs My Mother Sang to Me - An Oral History of Mexican American Women (University of Arizona Press 1992)
Jesus Garcia, Desert Life/Vida Desertica - a Vocabulary/Vocabulario ( Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Press 1998)
It Grows In My Grandma's Backyard/Crece en el Jardín de mi Abuelita - Janet Gerakos, Diane Carol Herkshan, Terri Mendez, Lorri Ann Torrez (Tucson Awareness House, Inc. 1982)
A Corny Little Story
So this little barrio garden opened a door on a part of life long closed, and I remembered how familiar and comfortable it felt. La Virgen was an old, old friend. One day I found a prayer from a 9-year-old girl asking to be forgiven of her sins, and I cried. The more personal La Cultura became for me, the more it was no longer just about plants. The cultural chasm at the gardens became harder and harder to cross, and after the passing of beloved Grounds Director Tony, I began to feel more and more alone.
Then Our Lady began getting stolen out of the shrine. I was given funds to buy a replacement. She was stolen again. A welder came and crafted a grill across the front of the shrine, but someone just pulled her out between the bars. The welder returned again and added leafy embellishments to the bars, making it impossible to get her through. So I was sent to buy a third Guadalupe. That evening, when the garden closed, I sat down and had a talk with the new Señora. I told her I didn't know why we were unable to keep her in our garden anymore, but I wanted to be where ever she was, and I asked her to guide me.
Dia de los Muertos 2003 would be my last day at the Gardens, and after a couple of temporary jobs I found myself working in broad-based interfaith community organizing in immigrant churches around Southern AZ and across the border for the next 12 some-odd years. I also eventually converted to the Catholic faith out of love and respect for la gente of Baja Arizona and Sonora and their history, and for the desconocidos who die in our deserts holding fast to their faith in La Virgen. My Catholic name is Linda Magdalena, for the town of Magdalena de Kino - the heartbeat of the Pimeria Alta, and the resting place of the remains Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino.
And The Lady continues to pop in and out of my life in unexpected ways. Who knew?
Then Our Lady began getting stolen out of the shrine. I was given funds to buy a replacement. She was stolen again. A welder came and crafted a grill across the front of the shrine, but someone just pulled her out between the bars. The welder returned again and added leafy embellishments to the bars, making it impossible to get her through. So I was sent to buy a third Guadalupe. That evening, when the garden closed, I sat down and had a talk with the new Señora. I told her I didn't know why we were unable to keep her in our garden anymore, but I wanted to be where ever she was, and I asked her to guide me.
Dia de los Muertos 2003 would be my last day at the Gardens, and after a couple of temporary jobs I found myself working in broad-based interfaith community organizing in immigrant churches around Southern AZ and across the border for the next 12 some-odd years. I also eventually converted to the Catholic faith out of love and respect for la gente of Baja Arizona and Sonora and their history, and for the desconocidos who die in our deserts holding fast to their faith in La Virgen. My Catholic name is Linda Magdalena, for the town of Magdalena de Kino - the heartbeat of the Pimeria Alta, and the resting place of the remains Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino.
And The Lady continues to pop in and out of my life in unexpected ways. Who knew?
A rough sketch I did before I left TBG