Exploring Alameda's Best Gardens

by Iris Watson


   

If you are a house painter, you instinctively take note of the condition of the homes in your town or neighborhood. If you are an auto salesman, you are acutely aware of almost anything with four wheels. And, of course, if you are a real estate agent, you simply have to have your ear to the ground 24/7 because you just never know when an opportunity will present itself.
And so it is with plant people. Once the horticulture bug has bitten, there is no cure. Fortunately, there is not a healthier, safer or more rewarding addiction than being a plant junkie. The only trouble is that we are often a hazard when moving about our wonderful little city because there are so many glorious distractions in every block. As often as not, I will go out of my way to savor a special tree in bloom (like the jacarandas on Alameda Avenue), a spectacular rose display (such as the one found on the corner of Fair Oaks Avenue and St. Charles Street) or perhaps a simple but stunning window box alive with color (i.e., the pink ivy geraniums on Santa Clara Avenue at Morton Street).
In my 25 years as a plant merchant, I have had the pleasure of watching our city bloom, figuratively and literally. Huge changes have taken place in our plantscape, and most are visible from the public streets. This is the Best of Alameda issue, so here are my picks for best Alameda gardens. Forgive me if I seem to be channeling Julie Andrews when I say, "These are a few of my favorite things..."

 

WIND RIVER ROCK GARDEN


If ever you want to get into the Zen of stone, this is the place to go. The public rock garden-found outside the device software optimization company's worldwide headquarters-is such a tranquil, peaceful park, in no small part because of the masterful placement of the huge boulders, which rise out of a lake of green grass. Especially beautiful in the rainy season, the stones are covered with moss reminiscent of emerald green fur and flower-like lichens filled with small pools that reflect the sky above. I thank you almost daily, Wind River. Wind River Rock Garden, 500 Wind River Way.

GARDENS GALORE TOUR


Literally hundreds of avid gardeners visit our city each May to partake in the St. Joseph Garden Club's Gardens Galore Tour and explore some of Alameda's finest gardens. Each is a jewel unto itself, but collectively, it is a wonderful way to spend a Sunday. Look for it next year. Or, better yet, offer up your own garden. St. Joseph Garden Club, (510) 864-8503.

WEBSTER STREET BUSINESS DISTRICT


I am especially fond of the Webster Street landscape. The new "old" streetlights are magnificent, the benches are an unspoken welcome to the public and the choice of plants is excellent and will only get better. And you know what? I can always find a parking spot when I go to the farmers market. Projects such as these require a huge effort from volunteers, and they are to be commended for the years of perseverance. West Alameda Business Association,
(510) 523-5955, www.westalamedabusiness.com.
Check out these botanical beauties on your next trip around the Island-who knows, they may awaken your inner plant junkie.