Green Gulch Farm and Garden: A Winter Visit
Every year there are a few gardens that I have to visit. These are “destination” gardens: gardens worthy of a dedicated outing. The Green Gulch farm and garden in the Marin headlands is of that category. Usually we visit this garden in the summer, when parts of the garden are filled with the heady fragrance of rose, nicotiana and lavender. Recently we came here on a foggy, winter morning, and we found that these gardens and the farm had a special quality in every season.
Green Gulch Farm Zen Center, also known as Green Dragon Temple (Soryu-ji), is a Buddhist practice center in the Japanese Soto Zen tradition.
The public is welcome to the gardens and plant nursery, and to participate in their upcoming garden programs. On Sunday, March 15, 2009, head gardener Carolyn Cavanagh along with Sukey Parmelee lead an edible native plant walk through the surrounding hillsides.
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I had the pleasure of talking with the head gardener Carolyn Cavanagh about the gardens and farm. The most formal of the gardens was influenced by the horticulturist Alan Chadwick who contributed not only a sensibility for gardens in the English manner, but also introduced biodynamic techniques to the farm. The plantings were carried out by Wendy Johnson. A circular yew hedge (Taxus baccata) surrounds the garden punctuated by flowering arbors on the four directional entrances. Carolyn commented that the yew hedge is rigorously pruned to keep it at its current height. Centering the garden is a Japanese snowbell (Styrax japonica) surrounded by low clipped hedges.
The garden lies in a gently sloping valley which decends west to the Pacific ocean. The surrounding coastal hillsides are protected land, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
The flower borders maintain winter interest with foliage contrasts of russet, light green and gold.
In the orchard, espalliered fruit trees are interplanted with rows of currants and raspberries.
The orchard encompasses 28 varieties of fruit trees.
Carolyn explained that many of the trees have a dwarf root stalk to keep harvesting manageable. High density or angle plantings are incorporated; the entire orchard is highly pruned.
A sculptural manzanita, Arctostaphylos sp., stands at the entrance to the Garden of Peace.
A Tibetan cherry tree, prunus serrula, is festooned with mementos as a path for healing.
A highlight for me during a visit to these gardens is the plant nursery. Certified by California Organic Farmers (CCOF), I have purchased many plant treasures here such as the California native flowering current, Ribes sanguineum. This plant delighted me with long racemes of pendulous pink flowers, and I was excited to see what I would discover here today.
Abutilon sp with Penstemon barbatus blooms profusely in the nursery garden even in winter. I noted that these are plants to consider for color in the garden this time of year.
Many of the plants featured at the nursery are also grown in the surrounding gardens. I find this helpful as many plants are semi-dormant this time of year, and it can be difficult to envision what a plant will look like when mature. Some plants can be glorious when left to grow a few seasons in the garden, but can look rather twiggy and hapless when constrained in a pot. I purchased a one gallon plant that I have wanted for years, Angelica archangelica. The small, celery like leaves in its container gives little hint to the tall and wild display I hope to see from this plant in my garden this summer.
Libertia peregrinans does give you a sense of its habit when potted. With its striking orange-brown foliage, Libertia planted in the adjacent garden was an effective contrast to the yellow-green foliage of feverfew, Chrysanthemum parthenium.
With its deep overhanging roof, the potting shed overlooks the nursery garden, now mulched for winter.
Made partly of straw bale construction, the shed was built by the community.
A series of alcoves are incorporated into the thick north wall.
Volunteers are welcome to work in the garden on Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Volunteers are invited to stay for lunch.
The nursery is open every day, year round from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The nursery features organically grown plants which flourish in the coastal climate: flowering perennials, natives, culinary and medicinal herbs, shrubs, bamboo and fruit plants. Plants are for sale throughout the day.
Progressing through the valley as it gently descends to the sea, the series of ornamental garden rooms opens to cultivated land. Late blooming Calendula flowers thrive amongst rows of asparagus and a stately cardoon, Cynara cardunculus. On the morning of our visit, windbreaks of Monterey cypress, Cupressus macrocarpa held back the coastal fog.
Begun over 30 years ago by gardener emeritus Wendy Johnson, the Green Gulch farm was a pioneer and leading voice in the employment of organic farming methods in the United States. Today the farm is a living model for sustainable agricultural practices and land stewardship.
A summer residential apprenticeship program is offered in organic gardening and farming. The apprenticeship emphasizes meditation practice and hands-on work experience and instruction in organic farming methods. Former apprentices have gone on to establish organic farms, bakeries and promote positive growth in their communities in numerous ways. Jeremy Rourke, a public school teacher, works with elementary school children teaching computer science and chess and mentors at-risk youth: “I found out a lot about myself at Zen Center….On the farm time slows down….You see the lifecycle of plants; it’s going at its own speed. Giving up my time expectations of life helps with patience in working with the kids.”
Led by Alan Hawkins, workshops in beginning beekeeping are offered.
Now that it is winter the bees are cold and in their hives. We wish them well.
–Carolyn Cavanagh, Head Gardener at Green Gulch Farm
From May to November the farm provides its organic produce to the San Francisco vegetarian restaurant, Greens. Located at Fort Mason, the restaurant’s large windows command spectacular views of the Golden Gate and the Marin Headlands. Chef Annie Sommerville, with produce from Green Gulch Farm, has elevated vegetarian cuisine to influence and inspire chefs nationally.
Today we are surprised if a good restaurant does NOT have vegetarian options. Greens helped pave the way for this acceptance.
http://www.greensrestaurant.com
On Saturdays from June to October you can buy Green Gulch produce at San Franciso’s Ferry Market Plaza. Located on the Embarcadero by the bay, this market is a happening place with regional growers of certified organic produce, artisanal breads and cheeses.
http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com
For more information and to visit Green Gulch Farm and Gardens:
http://www.sfzc.org
The website includes many excellent public transportation and rideshare options.
Directions by car:
Take Highway 101 to the Highway 1/Stinson Beach exit. Turn left onto Highway 1 (Shoreline Highway). Follow the green signs for Highway 1/Stinson Beach. After 2.5 miles the road forks - bear left towards Muir Beach. Go 2 more miles and you’ll see a eucalyptus grove and large sign on the left indicating the driveway, “Zen Center/Green Gulch Farm/Wheelwright Center.”
The basis of farming is actually awareness…. Understanding interconnectedness, understanding impermanence, birth and death: it’s all right there on the farm.
–Sara Tashker, Green Gulch Farm
My sort of garden too and great photographs you take.
Comment by Phillip (UK) — 8. January 2009 @ 01:16
Hi Phillip !
I love ypur blog,Golden Age Gardens. You always have so many interesting things that you post. It is a pleasure to meet you finally in the blog world. Thank you for your comment!
Philip
Comment by admin — 8. January 2009 @ 01:22
What a fantastic garden and it looks like a wonderful place to work.
Comment by Phillip — 8. January 2009 @ 02:52
Doesn’t order just scream at you from this place. Did you notice the tub of sand as you entered the area where the shovels were kept? I think that is an excellent idea. Keeps the shovels clean so they won’t rust. I bet the sand has oil in it maybe. Some gardeners do that to keep them from rusting.
Ms Cavanagh wishes the bees well, now who doesn’t love that. And I like that it stood out to you.
The boots lined up was interesting. The last person who sat down and took their boots off had some pretty big shoes to fill. Looks like someone from every shoe size works there;) If you care so much as to order your shovels and pair your shoes nicely against the wall, then no wonder the gardens look so spectacular.
So many things about your post that I enjoyed from the way the building was constructed with little cubbies in the wall to the way the rows of vegetables line up with the trees. It was a pleasure to go with you.
Comment by Anna/Flowergardengirl — 8. January 2009 @ 03:19
Hi Phillip!
Yes, it is a special place. it has a real atmosphere when you are there.
best to you,
Philip
Comment by admin — 8. January 2009 @ 03:21
Hi Philip! I was really looking forward to this post when you mentioned it in the previous one - it was even better than I was anticipating! The richness of the photos, the depth of your investigations - always a pleasure. I love your photo of boots, that’s one for the framing - and also the vast stretches of kale, chard, etc that you show. Somehow I have never made it down into the gulch; next trip, a necessity! Oh, to work in the garden, stay for lunch, and even just peruse the plants on offer at the nursery - nirvana. Just wanted to add a shout-out to Deborah Madison, the founding chef at Greens. I kind of consider her the Alice Waters of vegetarian cooking!
Comment by Karen — 8. January 2009 @ 03:26
Dear Anna!
What a wonderful comment! I am smiling right now.
Anna! The bucket of sand! You notice everything! Yes, I need a bucket of sand to clean my tools so they do not rust.
The comment from Carolyn about the bees was from my talk with her, and I tried to keep the language as she said it. It was true and a bit wistful. They love their bees, and I wish them well, too. Thank you Anna for mentioning that.
The boots…your comments make me laugh and delight me.
Well, thank you, Anna, so much to read which was a bit of a long post. I was not sure anyone would take the trouble.
I feel like we just went on a garden tour together. That is really what my blog is about…Garden travels and inspiration, shared with a friend.
Philip
Comment by admin — 8. January 2009 @ 05:09
Karen,
What could be better than taking a stroll with you via this blog. I love your Greenwalks.
The boots! Yes, there is that moment when out and about with a camera that you think”this shot tells a story”. I know you must feel that on Greenwalks.
Deborah Madison! Yes, thanks for the shout out. So many people who have done wonderful things, and today make a difference.
Thanks for coming on the stroll and garden adventure.
Philip
Comment by admin — 8. January 2009 @ 06:23
PS Sorry, second comment on this wonderful post - that penstemon looks like my garnet one that probably will not have survived our recent awful weather. You remind me that it will definitely need to be replaced! I look forward to seeing summer pics of your angelica. Do they grow it there for medicinal purposes? I’m sure it will be lovely as an ornamental in your fabulous garden.
Comment by Karen — 8. January 2009 @ 06:57
Another fine place to visit, Philip! The simple geometry of the gardens is quiet and restful. I love the manzanita amid the plants of more Asian origin. The way it’s been pruned gently and respectfully to reveal its structure is wonderful.
I’m almost sorry you posted the photos of the vegetable fields. The beauty of the vegetables is almost enough to turn me carnivorous–The plants look too sumptuous and alive to eat! If only my veggies were so filled with the life force…
Looking forward to more of your beautifully-observed travels–
James
Comment by lostlandscape(James) — 8. January 2009 @ 08:06
Hi Karen!
Thanks for the PS
What I love about Angelica is that it brings to mind old Midieval herb and physic gardens. So, a bit of the romance about it for me. I will have to ask what plant, if any they use medicinally.That would be interesting.
How fun that you and the Seattle bloggers are getting together!
I wish I could be there!
Philip
Comment by admin — 8. January 2009 @ 18:53
Hi James!
Thank you so much for your comment!
I debated about showing the manzanita photo. I loved the way it had been pruned, but I wish I had taken another shot of it which was brighter, or at least used the hedge more of a backdrop to show the form. I included it, and I am so glad you noticed it.
Life force…that is such a great way to describe the vegetables.
Thank you so much, James!
Philip
Comment by admin — 8. January 2009 @ 19:06
What a great place, I can’t wait for my next trip to the area to go there and check it out in person. Thanks for all the good info.
Comment by Megan — 8. January 2009 @ 20:59
Hi megan!
I love the black and white edition must have plants on your blog, nestmaker.
Thank you for your comment!
Philip
Comment by admin — 8. January 2009 @ 21:25
What a fantastic garden Philip! And I love your photos of it - especially the first too.
I must have been great to go round with the Head Gardener too - I’ve had a couple experiences like that at a couple of our National Trust properties and they’ve been fascinating.
Thanks for all your comments over at my place - they’re much appreciated
Comment by VP — 8. January 2009 @ 22:47
Hi VP!
I love all your posts, but the recent one on the garden name and mission statement was thought provoking.I found Helen’s blog who started the thread on your site. I am going to have to let the name a statement percolate a bit. All so fun to think about. I really like yours “My garden: ever changing, always learning.”
I love that.
Philip
Comment by admin — 9. January 2009 @ 00:42
Thank you for the lovely tour, Philip. I felt as though I walked peacefully beside you. If this beautiful in the winter, I can imagine how lovely it must be in other seasons …
Comment by joey — 9. January 2009 @ 00:57
Hi Joey!
Thank you for your comment.
We have had more rain in the last few days, and the hills near Green Gulch should be turning very green soon.
Best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 9. January 2009 @ 01:08
Hey Philip, yet another great post. I had no idea that was up there across the bridge! I will surely have to visit. Those beautiful fields of veggies get me excited! I’m inspired: I think I shall tinker around my indoor garden a bit here…
Comment by Ronnie — 9. January 2009 @ 02:45
Hi Ronnie!
This is such a great day trip from the city. It feel a world away. I love your tree shoots…”Little Tree, Big world”
Philip
Comment by admin — 9. January 2009 @ 03:22
Another great our Phillip! This is one beautiful garden and experience. I loved everything about it, but I did really like the potting shed! gail
Comment by Gail — 9. January 2009 @ 04:07
Hi Philip, I can’t believe it took me so long to find your blog. Thanks so much for the tour/review of Green Gulch Farms. Another I can’t believe… that I grew up in Marin and lived in the Bay Area until just 2 years ago and never went to Green Gulch Farms! It’s on my To Do List for the next time I’m in the area.
Comment by Michelle — 9. January 2009 @ 06:15
Why am I suddenly in the mood for a good salad? Of particular interest to me was your picture of the Penstemon, Phillip. I plant those like there’s no tomorrow. The range of color and foliage of that plant is other-worldly - including some fascinating desert varieties. I am considering doing a Penstemon post, just featuring them. Thanks for that gorgeous and informative tour. It is so good seeing people who take gardening to places like that.
Comment by Steve — 9. January 2009 @ 22:53
Hi gail,
I loved the potting shed,too!
Thank you for your comment!
Philip
Comment by admin — 9. January 2009 @ 23:15
Hi Michelle!
Thank you for your comment!
When I was there in the summer they had tea in the nursery, which was a lovely thing.
best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 9. January 2009 @ 23:17
Hi Steve!
It is grea to hear from you!
I would love to see your post on Penstemon. I love the blue penstemon. That is awesome in bloom. I was just thinking about buying this, and you have prompted me!
Thank you so much for your comment,
Philip
Comment by admin — 9. January 2009 @ 23:19
I find these photos disconcerting - this close association between nature and contraint makes me cross-eyed. (Though I find the single tree surrounded by the yew hedge impressive.)
The potting shed! The potting shed! Would happily sit in there without bothering to pot.
I’ve always thought stores which sell washing machines should have places where you could bring your washing and try them out so you make sure to buy the washing machine with the right settings for your sort of clothes.
Having fully grown plants in the nearby gardens is brilliant. From now on, I will think that, as well as places to try-out-the-washing-machines, every garden centre should have a garden attached where you can see what the little things they sell will turn out to be when they’ve grown. It’d be useful for customers and shops alike (the customers being inspired to buy more).
I’m always impressed by well grown fruit bushes. Miracles. (By which I mean I have never managed to grow them like that.)
. . . And the potting shed!
Lucy
Comment by Lucy Corrander — 10. January 2009 @ 00:46
Lucy!
What a pleasure to get your comment!
Now this peoccupation with washing machines must be a Dorset thing. You neighbor, Esther of http://estherinthegarden.blogspot.com
had this to say on washing machines:
Never travel in a washing machine drum if you can avoid it.
and…
Never be sick in a washing machine while it spins.
Ah yes, the potting shed! I love that,too. Now I recall you have a shed, but it is filled with a birgage and whatnot as you showed on Loose and leafy!
http://looseandleafy.blogspot.com/
Thanks for visiting, Lucy!
Philip
Comment by admin — 10. January 2009 @ 01:19
Hi Philip,
The manzanita tree is to die for! I’m searching for one right now to complete one of my biggest projects. When I saw the photo, I though, “If I could only get my hands on that tree, I’d be finished.”
You have the gift of “tour-giving.” Are you trained as a docent somewhere? If not, you should be.
I always enjoy when you go on a trip because you share.
Shirley
Comment by Shirley Bovshow "EdenMaker" — 10. January 2009 @ 06:44
Hi, Philip–What a fabulous tribute to Green Gulch Gardens! I will be sure to pass the url along to locals who will so appreciate this–and this will surely spur me to get in my car and go south and visit. I so love the meditations there and of course the lunches are divine. Thank you for rekindling my love for Green Gulch. The photographs are spectacular. Thanks for all you do.
Fondly, Kathryn xoxo
Comment by Kathry/plantwhateverbringsyoujoy.com — 10. January 2009 @ 19:09
Hi Shirley!
Thank you so much for your comment!
The Manzanita tree…don’t you just love the color of the bark and the sculptural shape? The canopy reminds me of the California native oaks, Quercus latifolia.
That is such a sweet comment about tours. I love travelling about, visiting a garden, or a spot in nature, a natural garden. Alpine meadows,a desert oasis… all are so special. The great thing about posting this is the comments from people like you. I feel like I take the walk with a friend. It is so interesting what people take from a place. Everyone has a unique perspective, and all are true.
It is all so much fun!
Philip
Comment by admin — 10. January 2009 @ 21:20
Hi Kathryn!
I loved your field trip to the Grace Hudson museum. I also enyed the preferential shapes test on your earlier post. We took the test( and I like that it is not a “test exactly, more of a tool for self discovery)
Your blog is always so thought provoking, and a joy:
http://plantwhateverbringsyoujoy.com/
Warm regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 11. January 2009 @ 19:33
It was really very nice to see Green Gulch gardens written about and photographed so beautifully.
I thought the center was closed for the first 2 weeks this January for the winter practice period.
I had planned on going to Sangha on Sunday but heard they were closed.
Glad that you had a chance to walk the grounds.
Metta,
Michelle in Marin.
Comment by Michelle — 12. January 2009 @ 05:15
Hi Michelle, We went the week before New years, but I did call ahead to be sure I could come by.
I looked at your website. I admire your design work. It was a pleasure to look at, and to receive your comment!
Philip
Comment by admin — 12. January 2009 @ 23:59
Hi Philip, I am so sorry to be so late reading this post, and it is so chock full of wonder and delight too. I know viewing wonderful public gardens is a thrill, but the thought of seeing the plants grown there for sale in rows of pots is just as big a thrill too, acquisitiveness is not always a bad thing, is it? I loved seeing the wildness just outside of the formal garden, perfect for meditation and contemplation. Everything about the gulch gardens seems well done and thought out. Beautifully grown food, the espalliered tree is magnificent, for eyes and tummies! Another excellent travelogue, Philip, thanks.
Frances
Comment by Frances — 13. January 2009 @ 23:21
Hi Frances!
Yes, I love the nursery here as I find plants which are not the usual thing you see in some commercial nurseries. Besides the Angelica archangelica, I purchased campanula persifoila. I am looking forward to both.
I thought of you in the formal garden. The borders with winter interst reminded me of your beautiful garden in the winter (and in every season)
Best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 13. January 2009 @ 23:47
Philip, what I wonderful tour you have just taken me on. I have to say, I enjoyed the image of the “Tibetan cherry tree, prunus serrula, festooned with mementos as a path for healing”. And the potting shed - just wonderful
K
Comment by Karen - An Artists Garden — 14. January 2009 @ 20:22
Hi Karen,
i am so pleased by your comment!
The Tibetan Cherry tree spoke to me. I am glad you saw that.
I am working on two more posts. Hopefully, I will have one up soon.
Philip
Comment by admin — 14. January 2009 @ 20:33
What a wonderful oasis this garden is! One could easily lose themselves in all that beauty. The color of that cherry tree is spectacular, but I also loved that Japanese snowbell. Thanks, once again, for the lovely stroll.
Comment by Nancy Bond — 14. January 2009 @ 22:07
Hi Nancy,
Thank you so much Nancy for taking the stroll!
Warm regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 15. January 2009 @ 00:31
Philip,
Your descriptive post and tour was so enlightening and makes me wish I lived out that way! I wanted to comment on several photos or things you mentioned, right at the time I was reading them. Then, something new came up and I wanted to comment on that. Well, by the time I got to the end, there were so many things to comment on that I realized I’d just leave you with this! It’s a lovely post and the entire place looks so inviting. I enjoyed it!
Jan
Comment by Jan(ThanksFor2Day) — 15. January 2009 @ 05:19
Jan!
I am so honored by your comment!
I have been working on posts right now,not yet posted, and I feel I have neglected my friends such as you. Hopefully I will post soon, and I want to say how much I appreciate your kindness in all that you do. You raise all of our spirit.
Yes, thanks for the day as you say in your blog.
I am thankful for you and your words.
Philip
Comment by admin — 15. January 2009 @ 05:26
Hi Phili
I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the fact that you answer all the reader comments, What sweet fans you have! I find look forward to your blog everyday to check for new posts, wander through past posts and to look for new comments and your always perfect response. Thank you for all the effort. I appreciate it immensely.
Jerry
Comment by Jerry Burt — 15. January 2009 @ 19:18
Hi jerry!
Thank you so much!
I am feeling very guilty as I have not had time in the last few days to check out peoples posts! I hope to get to reading blogs soon. Hopefully my next post will be up tomorrow.
Thank you so much, Jerry for your support!
Philip
Comment by admin — 16. January 2009 @ 00:33
Very wonderful, and amazing photos. I hope everyone knows that Wendy Johnson has written an amazing book about living and gardening at Green Gulch. It’s called Gardening at the Dragon’s Gate, and is beautifully illustrated with pencil drawings. Highly recommended.
Comment by Renate — 16. January 2009 @ 04:13
Hi Renate,
yes, I knew I had forgotton something. thank you for that reminder of that excellent book!
Best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 16. January 2009 @ 20:27
That’s it…no more field trips for me unless I speak to you first. You go the greatest and most beautiful places I have ever seen on our coast. You just aren’t that much south of me. I am going to tell hubby we have to go on a garden tour and go to all the places Phillip goes. He will look at my like “huh?”, lol!
thanks so very much for sharing!!! Kim
Comment by inadvertentfarmer — 17. January 2009 @ 02:40
wow what photos. The boots were favored until I got the the veggie beds, but that is just envy as I hope to get one day this week above freezing. The boots are a great shot.
Comment by Wayne Stratz — 17. January 2009 @ 06:29
What a beautiful garden. I love virtual garden tours, and you sure made this one look inviting. That top photo is particularly nice. I’d love to see it all in person one day.
Comment by Pam/Digging — 20. January 2009 @ 06:48
Hi Phillip!! great post, as always! brought back lovely memories of visiting green gulch years ago. its a jewel tucked into those misty hills, isn’t it!
Comment by anne — 21. June 2009 @ 17:40
Once I lived there, worked in that garden & in those fields. now I don’t. But your photos take me back! Thank you for doing such a thorough and beautiful rendering.
Comment by hut dweller — 28. August 2009 @ 01:43
Oh Wow!!! I haven’t seen your blog yet… I LOVE IT!
What great coverage of the Green Gulch Gardens/ Green Temple and Farm!
xoxoxoMH
Comment by Michelle H — 29. June 2010 @ 06:30
Tenger parti nyaralas Victoria…
Hi there and also many thanks for this brilliant post. I am constantly trying to find travel ideas to advise to my own personal visitors. It’s exactly what I had been looking out for….
Trackback by Tenger parti nyaralas Victoria — 13. December 2010 @ 08:42