“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” -Rachel Carson

My daughter just graduated from college, and we drove across the country to return to California. All along the way, there was the miracle of new life everywhere, the vastness of sky stretching out as we drove for hours, and the inescapable power of the storms thundering outside our car and tent day and night! I was humbled by the world I experienced driving on highways and through parks- at times, incomprehensible in its beauty, its complexity, its magic.

Many times, such an overwhelming experience of the earth’s beauty and power will leave us altered. But in the midst of city life and our everyday busyness, how does the beauty of the earth find us? Can we seek and create moments like this?

This Saturday, June 15, I am inviting you to join me in experiencing the Regional Parks Botanic Garden. This naturalistic garden is located within Tilden Park and displays ten acres of native plants from all over California. It is a California wonderland, and a favorite place of mine!

The complimentary tour will begin at 3:30 pm at the Visitor’s Center, and will be an hour or an hour and a half. There is no charge for admission to the garden or for parking, but do allow time to park beforehand, as Tilden has many visitors on the weekend.

If you would like more information about the garden, or directions, you may visit their website: http://www.nativeplants.org/about.html.

I look forward to sharing this special place with you! Sincerely, Alya