Lotusland

About half a year before my trip to the US, I was listening to NPR and happened to hear about Lotusland, a large garden in Santa Barbara. It sounded interesting and after looking it up online, I asked my aunt if she had ever been. She answered she hadn’t even heard of it and would book tickets for us to go on a tour.

The Polish opera singer and socialite Ganna Walska bought the property in 1941 and spent the rest of her life creating the gardens. There are many different gardens, e.g. Cycad Garden, Fern Garden, Japanese Garden, Water Garden and each is spectacular. A path connects the gardens seamlessly.

Each garden has its own atmosphere: the Bromeliad Garden is dense like a jungle, the Fern Garden moist, the orchards emanated the smell of citrus. I love gardens, but there is one type of garden I don’t particularly care for- cactus. The funny thing is, in the desert I adore cacti. I think they are such interesting plants with beautiful flowers and fascinating forms. This garden was an exception and I couldn’t stop photographing them.

The area around the house has more formal gardens with a rose garden, an olive allée and a pool. And then there is the water garden where the lotus grow that gave the garden its name.

 

6 Replies to “Lotusland”

  1. Kathy williams says: Reply

    Can’t believe how lovely this garden is! Your photos are perfect.

    1. Thank you! I think you’d enjoy the garden.

  2. Aunt Gail says: Reply

    Seeing your photos of Lotusland brings back such a wonderful time I had with you in this gorgeous garden. Something amazing at every turn of the path, so unexpected, almost dream like. I’m so glad you discovered this gem tha I didn’t know existed. I had such a great time with you exploring Santa Barbara, eating delicious food and of course…the ice cream!

  3. Excellent photos of Lotusland! I especially like the ones with cactus. I’d like to visit there some time.

  4. Nancy J Coler says: Reply

    Hi Juliana,
    I am a friend of your Aunt Gail’s. I have silently admired your photos and recipes for years. Also I’ve heard stories about your trips together her and in Europe. Finally I am commenting. I went to Lotus Land years ago when the lotus were blooming. It was spectacular. I didn’t realize there were cactus gardens there. I imagine there is something special to admire year round. I thought at the time it was only good at Lotus time, which you’ve proven wrong.
    I’d love to be added to your email list.

    1. Thank you for your kind words, Nancy. I’ve added you to my newsletter list and hope you continue to enjoy my blog.

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