Ruth Bancroft Inspiration
From The Bold Dry Garden, Photo: Marion Brenner
The Ruth Bancroft Garden is a botanical gem located in Walnut Creek, California. It also happens to be one of our favorite places to visit when we are seeking inspiration or looking to spend some quality time among plants. This is our post in memory of Ruth, who has recently left us at the age of 109 – Proof that gardening is the key not only to longevity, but also to happiness and definitely to spunk!
At the age of 63, Ruth began to develop her spectacular collection of rare dry garden plants on 3 acres of former walnut orchard. She died leaving behind a masterpiece unlike any other garden in North America. With an artistic eye, a sense of humor, and a penchant for the unusual, Ruth grew plants no one had heard of- importing from Mexico, South America, Australia, and South Africa, she learned how to keep them alive in a foreign environment, and was referred to as a ‘Scientist’ by those who noted her dedication to learning intimately about each species.
Ruth Bancroft, Photo: Marion Brenner
A visit to the Ruth Bancroft Garden at any time of year is a treat. Spring is a time for flowers, and many of the established species at the garden bloom spectacularly, bringing the garden alive with happy hummingbirds who must be confused by the similarities to the Southern climates from which they’ve just migrated. We are often impressed by flowers even we have never seen, and we are often struck by a new unusual plant that is performing so well that we may want to introduce one into one of our designs!
From The Bold Dry Garden, Photo: Marion Brenner
Grevillea flowers, hailing from Australia, are both unusual and spectacular. Many forms and varieties exist, and thrive in the landscape provided winter protection
Many varieties of cacti, representing the Desert Southwest and the Mojave Plateau, really show off after a late Spring rain.
Perhaps the most spectacular part of Ruth’s garden is the way it is arranged into landscape vignettes. With a self-trained artistic eye, Ruth combined plants that conventional garden designers had never even seen, working with form and texture, she developed a garden with a unique beauty. Unchallenged by her age, Ruth worked in the garden herself until her last years, and was well-loved by the staff of horticulturists and landscapers who continue to care for the garden today.
John’s prize copy of The Bold Dry Garden, a history and photographic record of the Ruth Bancroft Garden, inspires his design work from its precious home on his desk.
If you live locally, we recommend a visit to the Ruth Bancroft Garden. Whether dry gardens are your look or not, it’s definitely worth the experience! You never know… you may discover that you want to incorporate this style into your home landscape. Here at J. Montgomery Designs, we are designing now for Spring projects. Contact our studio to book a free consultation!
