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Huntington Desert Garden: A World-Class Collection of Desert Plants

The desert landscape is full of rich beauty that can be found in the wide variety of plant life that thrives in such conditions. Located on the grounds of The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California, the Huntington Desert Garden is home to one of the world’s largest collections of desert landscaping, including succulents, cacti, wildflowers, and trees.

About the Huntington Desert Garden

The Huntington Desert garden was established in the early 1900s, between the year 1907 and 1908. It was first populated by plants provided by Henry E. Huntington and William Hertrich, who traveled throughout the Americas to acquire various specimens. Today, the garden contains more than 5,000 species of desert plants and covers 10 acres of land; it has been called “the most extraordinary garden in the world” and requires very meticulous care, as at least 3,000 of the species in the garden are from extreme environments and have very narrow tolerances for sun, water, and weather.

About the Collection

The Huntington Desert Garden’s collection contains primarily desert-based plants from throughout North, South, and Central America. Some of the most prominent species include agave, aloe, yucca, terrestrial bromeliads, and cacti; the collection also contains pebble plants, Boojum trees, and puyas. The Huntington Desert Garden is well known for its stunning collection of Golden Barrel cacti, some of which are more than 85 years old; the garden’s most massive plant, a Cereus xanthocarpus, is famous for its age of more than 125 years old.

The Huntington Desert Garden is the perfect place to find inspiration for your own desert-style landscaping and yard. You can also view more amazing landscape ideas when you visit Santa Rita Landscaping on the web and click through our online gallery of past projects. If you’re ready to cultivate a beautiful desert landscape of your own, call us at (520) 623-0421 to begin working with an experienced landscape designer in Tucson.

Kew Gardens: The Largest Collection of Living Plants on Earth

The sprawling Kew Gardens of southwest London contain the world’s largest collection of living plants that attract about 1.35 million visitors per year, making the gardens one of England’s most visited tourist destinations. The gardens have been on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 2003, and they include more than 30,000 different plant species throughout the unique property.

Garden History

Though the gardens were not opened until 1759, their layout is highly influenced by the presence of royal residences established in the area around 1299. Collections in the garden were relatively unorganized until 1771 when the first director was appointed. The gardens became a national botanical garden in 1840, and this designation has allowed Kew Gardens to grow and continue development with plant houses that allow non-native plant species to thrive in the gardens.

Distinguishing Features

In addition to the largest collection of living plants in the world, Kew contains one of the largest compost heaps in Europe. A treetop walkway is one of the newest additions to the gardens, offering a view 59 feet above the ground in the canopy of the trees. Sackler Crossing connects the gardens to other natural areas with an inspiring minimalist modern design.

Plant Houses

Several plant houses facilitate the growth of diverse plant species. These include the Alpine House, Nash Conservatory, Palm House, and Princess of Wales Conservatory. Ornamental buildings also line the property with the notable Chinese-inspired Great Pagoda, which dates back to 1762. Kew Palace, the smallest of the British royal places, stands on the grounds with the Queen’s Garden in the back, which only features plants that would have been in England in the 17th century.

For the design inspiration that will let you create an iconic garden or outdoor living space at home, call Santa Rita Landscaping at (520) 623-0421. Our custom residential landscape design and installation can boost the value of your home and give you a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy in your Tucson residence.

 

Explore the Ryōan-ji Zen Garden

Zen gardening, also called rock gardening, is a unique form of landscaping that originated in Japan during the Heian Period, beginning in the late 700s. This type of landscape design uses the specific placement of rocks amidst other landscaping features, such as plants, water features, and sand or gravel. The Ryōan-ji Zen garden, located at the Ryōan-ji temple in Kyoto, Japan, is considered by many to be the greatest surviving example of kare-sansui, or “dry landscape,” Zen gardening in the world.

The Principles of Zen Gardening

Zen gardening was developed as a method to introduce the free-flowing form and tranquility of water into an area where none exists. Thus, the “dry landscape” design of a Zen garden is meant to mimic the ripple and flow of water, creating a peaceful atmosphere to focus the mind and cultivate inner tranquility. Zen gardens are designed for viewing from a single specific location, often while seated. These gardens are typically surrounded by a wall to create a barrier between the contained setting of the garden and the outside world.

The Ryōan-ji Zen Garden

The Ryōan-ji Zen garden is thought to have been created around the year 1450, during Japan’s Muromachi Period. However, much controversy exists as to the original builder of the garden and the exact year in which it was established. Covering a total of 248 square meters in a rectangular shape, the Ryōan-ji Zen garden is surrounded by a clay wall topped with tiles made from tree bark. Although the garden itself dates back to the mid-1500s, it was rebuilt in 1799 at a greater height than the previous garden. Inside the garden are 15 stones grouped in five separate formations and surrounded by moss and white gravel. Although the stones are not moved, the gravel continues to be raked daily by the temple’s monks.

Your landscaping should provide an exterior reflection of the space and personality within your home. At Santa Rita Landscaping, we can help you develop and implement the perfect custom landscape design for your Tucson home—visit us online or call (520) 623-0421 to learn more.

Spotlight on Water Features

Water features add appealing contrast to the desert beauty of Tucson. These popular landscape design features are sought after not only for their looks but for the relaxing sounds and atmosphere, they create as well. Installing a water feature in your yard is an easy way to instantly transform the appearance of your landscaping design, adding personality, style, and diversity.

Ponds

Incorporating a pool or pond into your landscaping is a great way to enhance your yard without disrupting the organic look of your property. A freeform pond creates a natural space where you can keep fish, plant a garden, or simply add seating for a relaxing space to calm your mind. If you like the sound of running water, a small fountain or waterfall can add ambiance while improving water circulation for ease of maintenance.

Fountains

Fountains are a popular southwestern landscaping feature that add movement and life to your landscape design. A fountain can take center stage as the focal point of your yard, or add a subtle touch when tucked away into a niche or beside a gardening area. Fountains come in a wide variety of designs, from modern to classical, and maybe freestanding or incorporated as part of a patio enclosure to add style and improve the feeling of privacy in your outdoor space.

Canals

A canal that houses flowing water can create the perfect complement to a heavily-hardscaped southwestern-style yard. Canals can transport water throughout your yard, softening its overall design while adhering to the more structured feel of your hardscaping. To soften the look of your yard further, consider adding a bridge or waterfall for a touch of classical, garden-like luxury just outside your desert home.

Santa Rita Landscaping can help you design, create, and install the perfect water feature as part of your Tucson landscape design. We offer residential and commercial construction and landscaping services to enhance the look and value of your property. Please visit our website or call (520) 623-0421 to discover the benefits of working with us on your next landscaping project.

Keukenhof Gardens: The Garden of Europe

The Keukenhof, or “kitchen garden”, is often regarded as the Garden of Europe. It is the second largest flower garden in the world after Dubai Miracle Garden, and it features about 7 million bulbs, which are planted annually in the 32 hectare park. In the iconic style of the Netherlands where the Keukenhof is located, the garden showcases a variety of tulips, which are best viewed in mid-April when the flowers are in full bloom. The garden was established in 1949 on 15th century hunting grounds in an effort to exhibit flowers where European growers could showcase their hybrids.

Unique Garden Styles

There are actually several small gardens in the Keukenhof, each showcasing different garden styles and features. The English landscape garden includes many unexpected see-through points along winding paths. In the historical garden, visitors can see older varieties of tulips preserved through this area. The nature garden pairs beautiful flowers with the serene sounds of a water garden featuring shrubs and perennials. Finally, there is a Japanese garden that brings elements of eastern design to the European landscape. Many visitors come to the Keukenhof expecting to see long fields of tulips, but the tulip fields surrounding the gardens are privately owned areas not included in the grounds.

Open Seasons

Keukenhof’s gardens are situated around Castle Keukenhof, which is a year-round facility showcasing many festivals and musical performances. The gardens, however, are only open from March through May when tulips are in bloom.

To bring the serenity of nature to your space with modern landscaping solutions, call Santa Rita Landscaping at (520) 623-0421. We can help design and install your residential or commercial landscape in Tucson using innovative solutions fit for the desert environment.