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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Fullerton
Arboretum and Gardens
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By Matthew
Martz |
If your
idea of a lazy weekend is some time in the garden, and
you have a “green thumb”, then The Fullerton
Arboretum is your passport to the world of plants. Without
going far from home you can inhale the fragrances of the
Mediterranean, feel the cool shade of the Redwood Forest,
delight in the glorious fall color of the northeastern
United States, hear the rustle of the palm trees, take
a break in a desert oasis, observe succulents, and smell
the perfume of roses.
This collection of more than 4,000 plants is located on
26 acres at the Cal State Fullerton Campus. The ultimate
goal of the arboretum is protecting the earth’s
plant treasures, and a staff of volunteers and generous
supporters are helping make that dream a reality
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The Arboretum was officially opened in 1979 next to the
historic Heritage House, the home and office of Fullerton's
pioneer physician Dr. George C. Clark in 1894. It was
restored and now serves as a museum of family life and
medical practice of the 1890s. Tours of the heritage house
are offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00 pm until
4:00 pm.
Charitable donations have recently allowed for a new building
on the grounds -- The Nikkei Museum. This unique museum
highlights the region's agricultural history and the contributions
of the local Japanese American community and other pioneering
farmers of in early Orange County.
The museum offers tours the third Saturday of every month
(except January and August), starting at 10:00 am and
typically lasting about an hour. Tours are free; however,
donations are requested in the amount of $2/per adult
and $1/child.
When you visit, you must consider a nature tour of the
grounds at your own pace, or for a guided experience.
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The Fullerton
Arboretum's garden paths wander through four major collections:
cultivated plants, woodlands, Mediterranean and desert collections.
Included highlights are southern California native vegetation,
a rare fruit grove, an 11,000 sq. ft. organic vegetable
garden, the Channel Islands garden, an extensive cycad collection,
conifer collection, palm grove, community gardens, and a
children's garden.
The Fullerton Arboretum offers community education classes
during the week and weekends that help you to grow and connect
with your own garden. Included are lessons on home composting,
the care and pruning of roses, growing fruit trees, gardening
with perennials, botanical watercolor painting, the art
of pressing flowers, or just exploring California native
plants.
Any gardener and plant lover can find something of interest.
Kid’s classes for junior gardeners are also available.
All classes are by registration so check their website and
call for availability.
The Potting Shed is best described as “the gift shop”.
It’s where you can treat yourself to a new and unique
plant from the Arboretum collection.
If you dream of your own little garden, but perhaps lack
the space, community garden plots are available to the general
public on an annual basis. They are allocated on a first-come,
first-serve basis so call ahead to check availability. |
Tomato Tasting and Summer Salsa Contest |
Fullerton Arboretum's Lake |
The grounds host several
unique events throughout the year; one of the more interesting
is the Victorian Fashion Show. Hostesses in proper attire
will serve guests tea and tasty treats. All are welcome
to join in; hats, gloves, and costumes of the era are encouraged.
Another popular event is the annual Tomato Tasting and Sizzlin’
Summer Salsa Contest. Tomato Tasting awards given for best
cherry, paste and sliced tomatoes.
Next time visiting Orange County, or when looking for a
serene experience get way close to home, stop in and visit
the Fullerton Arboretum.
The
Fullerton Arboretum 1900 Associated Road at Yorba Linda
Boulevard in Fullerton. Open daily from 8 am to 4:45 pm.. |
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