This garden is in my opinion the most beautiful piece of land i have ever seen. In 1960, Lester Hawkins and Marshal Olbrich started this garden as a place to grow the plants they loved.I believe Hawkins went off to found Smith and Hawkins and Marshal Olbrich stayed to create one of the true great collectors garden. Maggie Wychie has inherited the garden and has continued to fullfill Marshals vision with her partner (i forgot her name sorry). I remember visiting this garden in the mid 80's and being so impressed with all the different phormiums and anigozanthos both from Australia. Marshal lived on the property in a small house that sat on the edge of the garden where you could see a vast sea of plant heaven. My photos i must admit do not really capture the beauty of the garden. Sadly i must say i am not that good of photographer.i have some phots from that first trip and one can see how different the garden is. Western Hills has a very good reputation of introducing new plants from all over the world to the northern Californian garden. They have a very good relationship with all the botanical centers in the area and cooperate in the introduction of new species. Western Hills is also a nursery which takes up a considerable time thus Maggie has limited the times when the garden and the the nursery are open so they can attend to growing plants in the nursery and the garden. Always call in advance because you might make a long trip for nothing.
More late
