We were hoping for 110!
Ruth Bancroft, creator of the wonderful Walnut Creek garden featured in the recent book “The Bold Dry Garden,” died Nov. 26, 2017, at the amazing age of 109. Thanks to the Garden Conservancy, Ruth’s 3.5-acre dry garden will continue to operate as a nonprofit open to the public. Winter hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. TuesdaySunday.
The garden includes succulents, cacti, palms and other dry-garden plants. Because the garden was started decades ago, it includes many mature specimens, giving visitors an idea of how a plant would fit in with a home landscape. The arrangement of plants will inspire gardeners to replicate combinations in their own gardens. Winter visitors can see the yearround appeal of these plants, including aloes in bloom.
An excellent day to visit the garden and learn more about Ruth and the plants she grew is Feb. 17. From 11 a.m.-4 p.m., the Ruth Bancroft Garden will honor her life and legacy with historic exhibits, planting demonstrations, guest speakers, docent tours and activities for all ages. Johanna Silver, author of “The Bold Dry Garden,” will be there to sign books. The event is free, but an RSVP is requested.
To learn more about the garden, and to RSVP, go to the garden’s website, www.ruthbancroftgarden.org, or call (925) 944-9352. The Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek.