Gardens
Origins of Tucson Botanical Gardens' Nuestro Jardin: a personal chronicle.
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Back in the late 1990's, TBG reacquired a small garden area formerly leased to another nonprofit called 'Growing Connections'. It was located near the geographic center of the Gardens, contained mature fruit trees, and its west border was a massive bank of the Porter family's original Opuntia ficus-indica (Nopales) cactus. Because the Gardens already had a Native Crops Garden, it was decided there needed to be a space dedicated Tucson's Mexican-American heritage. It was not to be a historic mission-style garden like that being planned by Tucson's Birthplace/Rio Nuevo, but rather a simple little back-yard patio/corral-- one you might find taking a wrong turn pretty much anywhere west or south of downtown.
The research, planning and construction of this beautiful garden was more than discovering an important overlooked piece of Tucson's horticultural history... for me it was a spiritual coming home of sorts. I remain forever, humbly grateful. (And La Virgencita is still with me.) I dedicate this page to my former colleagues of 10 years Cecily Ring Gill Cook, original Curator and the late Anthony 'Tony' Edland, Original Grounds Director. They worked tirelessly to to see that the Botanical Gardens' Nuestro Jardin, (title by the late Elva Flores), would live up to its heritage in every way. I also want to thank beloved Tucsonese, 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: Prof. Raquel Rubio-Goldsmith, Jose Armando Flores, owner of Flores Nacional Herberia, and tamale-teachers Brenda Zamora Silvas, owner Nana Z's Tamales and Noeme Armstrong of Pima Community College. Mil gracias siempre to Prof. Lupe Castillo, Gloria Barbea, and the late Albert Soto for taking time to share their wisdom and memories with me. Some tidbits. Click to enlarge ~
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Plants of Tucson's Barrio Gardens
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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 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 or seeds are 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 for menstrual cramps, and baby colic. In Morelos and Oaxaca, fennel tea is used to promote lactation in nursing mothers. |
Cool |
MANZANILA, 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 |
PERICON, YERBA ANIS 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 pericon 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 pericon as incense, and the flowers were used decoratively in many religious ceremonies. Pericon 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 is 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 pericon 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 cleasings, called limpias. Rosemary bundles are burned in the corners of a room to cleanse it spiritually-- possibly a survival 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 |
SABILA, 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, TAPIRO, MEXICAN ELDERBERRY (Sambucus mexicanas) |
The Aztecs used in 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) |
TE DE LIMON, 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 keeps lemongrass in her yard at home for her pets to chew on as needed. 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 hosebibs. 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, 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 (Lanta 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) |
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** In Spanish, feminine, granada denotes 'fruit'-- masculine, granado denotes 'tree'. |
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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) |
Unlike Anglo landscaping, Mexican-American gardens are centered around religious, spiritual and healing traditions and practical use rather than just aesthetics. Every plant has a purpose, spiritual meaning, or story behind it. Plants, cuttings and seeds are shared between neighbors, family and friends. Many flowering plants are grown to honor saints' feast days and other religious celebrations, such as the month of May to honor the Virgin Mary, Holy Week / Easter, Dec. 4-12 for La Virgen de Guadalupe, El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), and Christmas. There are flowers that are loved simply because they soothe the eye and warm the heart: roses, geraniums, iris, narcissus, canna lilies, hollyhocks, marigolds, sweet-peas, carnations, chrysanthemums, violets, zinnias, the list goes on... And of course, there are the yerbas/hierbas (herbs) for cooking and healing: oregano, manzanilla, (chamomile), cilantro, romero, (rosemary), epazote, and yerba buena (spearmint) spreading at the base of hosebibs. Food crops like corn, beans, squash, chiles, tomatoes, garlic, onions and melons, are also a staple but some require more space (and water - an issue always, even in the early days).
Shade trees around are tough; others are useful. Besides mesquites and palo verdes, Chinaberry (Piocha) is common-- they're fast-growing, provide dense shade, and also mulberries (mora). Other trees favored bear fruit such as higuera (fig), albaricoque (apricot), granada (pomegranate), and citrus.
These gardens have a look of ordered chaos and are used by the whole family as an outdoor living space. There is often a ramada for shade and an outdoor cooking spot for BBQ and cooking tortillas. Many homes have capillas, outdoor shrines that pay homage to the Holy Family, La Virgen de Guadalupe, San Judas Tadeo, and other favored saints, where personal prayers and offerings are made. When objects outlive usefulness inside the house, they find new life outside in the garden; often as planting containers. Nothing is wasted.
Our Mexican-Americans, true Tucsonenses, lived efficiently, in faith, neighbor helping neighbor and with what nature provided. In lieu of dominant Anglo "remove/replace" philosophy-- especially towards pre-existing communities-- the opening of this little garden space at TBG was a welcome, over-due public invitation to experience the richness of Mexican horticultural traditions here and appreciate the ways of the people from which they came.
Shade trees around are tough; others are useful. Besides mesquites and palo verdes, Chinaberry (Piocha) is common-- they're fast-growing, provide dense shade, and also mulberries (mora). Other trees favored bear fruit such as higuera (fig), albaricoque (apricot), granada (pomegranate), and citrus.
These gardens have a look of ordered chaos and are used by the whole family as an outdoor living space. There is often a ramada for shade and an outdoor cooking spot for BBQ and cooking tortillas. Many homes have capillas, outdoor shrines that pay homage to the Holy Family, La Virgen de Guadalupe, San Judas Tadeo, and other favored saints, where personal prayers and offerings are made. When objects outlive usefulness inside the house, they find new life outside in the garden; often as planting containers. Nothing is wasted.
Our Mexican-Americans, true Tucsonenses, lived efficiently, in faith, neighbor helping neighbor and with what nature provided. In lieu of dominant Anglo "remove/replace" philosophy-- especially towards pre-existing communities-- the opening of this little garden space at TBG was a welcome, over-due public invitation to experience the richness of Mexican horticultural traditions here and appreciate the ways of the people from which they came.
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NOTES
Raquel Rubio Goldsmith, Seasons, Seeds, and Souls: Mexican Women Gardening in the American Mesilla,1900-1940 (University of Arizona Press 1994) Patricia Preciado Martin,
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~ Click on photos to enlarge ~
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Spring: geraniums & daylilies
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Fall: Marigolds, Mexican tarragon (tagetes lucida)
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Nuestro Jardin was not without cultural controversy going in, on both sides-- and I learned a lot. TBG's Mexican-American on staff, Stella Lopez, was on the committee and stuck to her guns. (An artist herself, she painted all of the signage for the garden.) Between Tony, Cecily, Stella, and Jose Cano of Pima Co. Smartscape, they gently steered everyone in the right direction. Margaret Livingston was the architect.
The garden gained immediate notoriety, and it wasn't long before I was getting lecture requests from garden groups around southern AZ, and was even invited to present at a state-wide horticultural conference at The Arboretum at Flagstaff. |
But the most important aspect of this garden was the way it touched Latino families who walked through it. They would often be moved to tears recounting stories of their abuelitas and other fond memories, and would leave little prayers and pocket change for Nuestra Senora on the shrine. I knew we had touched upon something truly meaningful, and from then on my world view deepened profoundly. An old window reopened to the Latino people and culture I had lived next door to most of my life but always took for granted.
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I was invited back to visit Nuestro Jardin in 2013...
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by old staff colleague, Juliet Niehaus, Director of Horticultural Therapy. The Gardens had turned over maintenance of the Barrio Garden to her groups from the El Pueblo Senior Center. Twice a week they would come and work their magic on it and add their own touches of creativity. Here she is (center) with a couple of them. It was truly thrilling to see.
Original committee member, Stella Lopez, has continued to watch over things there as well I heard, and she refurbished all the garden signs a few years ago. ( Nuestra Senora's handywork, I thought....) 
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Caretakers of Nuestro Jardin - Juliet & Friends
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My Yard
of years gone by
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My gardening energies have historically gone towards the workplace, and my yard to my dogs. But in years past I've had fun behind the protection of chicken wire. I planted a fabulous shock of flowers in my Dad's retired wheelbarrow (below right) for my oldest daughter's wedding reception.... onward to 2020, bottom: Dad's wheelbarrow is now my yard shrine.
A gnarly old Arkansas red cedar used to dominate my front yard. It was packed as a seedling and brought from Arkansas with my home's original builders/owners. It finally succumbed to heat and drought a few years ago and now lives as a fence in a neighbor's yard. |
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Present day: Dad's wheelbarrow is a shrine to his patron saint, St. Francis
