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Lotusland: gardens of treasure
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"Lotusland" named for the sacred Indian lotus growing in one of the ponds
On a beautiful mid-June day when the marine layer decided to take time off, I took advantage of a rare free tour of Lotusland. Usually it’s $35 for adults and $10 for children under 18, but on select days of the year they offer comp entrance to local residents. Botanic enthusiasts will find the tour well worth the price.
Located near Cold Springs School, Lotusland is a unique 37-acre estate with 16 distinct gardens. The property has a long history dating back to 1882. But it was Madame Ganna Walska who dubbed her estate "Lotusland" in honor of the sacred Indian lotus growing in one of the ponds on the property. The docent who led the tour had many tidbits to share about Madame Walska, an operatic singers born in Poland, she died in 1984 leaving her garden and her fortune to the Ganna Walska Lotusland Foundation.
While walking the gardens we saw everyday plants as well as the more than 32 rare, exotic ones. The newest garden consists of over 500 columnar cacti relocated in 2001 from Merritt Dunlap’s home in Fallbrook, California. It’s not only the flora that catches the eyes. The Butterfly Garden is designed to attract insects and birds to assist in pollination. While I listened to them buzzing around the plants I could smell the aroma the flowers give off to help themselves mixed with the sent of the rich soil. In the Cycad Garden I learned that plants increase their temperature when it comes time for them to be pollinated.
The vegetation wasn’t the only sights to be seen. Fountains, statues, pounds, and grottos pop up around every bend and hide in places you may not catch them. The view of the Montecito hills also loomed majestic on this gorgeous clear day.
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