Source Guide 130

Tough but Beautiful Garden in an unlikely place: The Gardens of Alcatraz; In the zone: micro-climates with Sunset; Dave's Favs: Dicentra, Heucherella; Elk

Tough but Beautiful Garden in an unlikely place: The Gardens of Alcatraz

The gardens of Alcatraz can be traced back to the early military fort days on "The Rock." Later, influential wardens, officers and their families helped make the windswept island more beautiful with the help of talented inmates. The Gardens of Alcatraz flourished until 1963 when the island was abandoned as a federal prison. In the following years, the roses, bulbs and perennials of the island had to fend for themselves against drought, salt spray, drying winds and invasive weeds.
Today, the Garden Conservancy is working in partnership with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and the National Park Service to restore, replant and recreate the floral glory that once made The Rock a more livable place for inmates and officers alike. A recent recipient of a Save America's Treasure Grant, the continuing work of the Garden Conservancy needs your help to keep the gardens blooming.

The Garden Conservancy

PO Box 219
Cold Spring, NY 10516
845 265-2029
www.GardenConservancy.org

Learn more about visiting Alcatraz and the other incredible parks and open spaces in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, please visit the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, www.ParksConservancy.org

Special thanks to the Garden Conservancy, the National Parks Service and
Dawn Stranne and Associates
415-893-1780
dawn@pr-dsa.com
Transportation to Alcatraz Island brought to you exclusively by Alcatraz Cruises, Pier 33, San Francisco.
415-981-ROCK
www.AlcatrazCruises.com

In the Zone, micro-climates with Sunset Book's Kathy Brenzel

Knowing the most you can about your climate and micro climate can make all the difference in making your garden a big success! Local conditions in your neighborhood from slope and sun exposure to winds and cold pockets can allow you to grow plants that your friends down the street might not be able to.
Kathy Brenzel is a garden expert, author and editor of the Sunset Western Garden Book, 2007 edition. The Zone Maps in the Sunset Western Garden Book and Sunset Northeastern Garden Book are valuable tools to help you understand your climate better. Learn more by picking up a copy of these fine Sunset books at your local bookstore or home improvement center, or online at www.Sunset.com.

Dave's Favs

Plants seen on today's show are available at independent garden retailers throughout the country and from select sources listed below:

Dicentra spectabilis 'Gold Heart'

X Heucherella 'Stoplight'

Monrovia Growers

Please visit the Monrovia website to find a local retailer that offers fine handcrafted Monrovia plants.

Our specimens courtesy of Terra Nova Nurseries, www.TerraNovaNurseries.com

Mt. Rainier Greenhouse by Sunshine Garden House

Water Feature Design by:
Aquascape, Inc.
www.AquaScapeInc.com
Constructed by:
Alliance Land and WaterScapes
2173 San Miguel Canyon Rd.
Prunedale, CA 93907
1-888-MY-USA-POND
www.AllianceWaterScapes.com
Rock and gravel used for this project provided by:
Graniterock, Monterey Peninsula Concrete and Building Supplies
1755 Del Monte Blvd.
Seaside, CA 93955
831-392-3700
www.GraniteRock.com

Dave's Levi Brand Denim Shirt courtesy of Heritage House www.BoysSuits.com
Dave's Big Sur Jade Maori Punamu Necklace by Justis Daniels.
Available at Big Sur Local Color Gallery, www.bigsurlocalcolor.com