Long before there was a garden, and long before this land came to be known as Big Springs it was a site of unbelievable natural beauty.

    For this special place to have been enhanced and developed as a naturalized garden seems almost pre-destined. There is a super abundance of water, a rich but rocky soil, and it is situated on a gentle sunny southern slope. From a 5,000 foot elevation and in less than three miles the majestic Sierra Buttes soar to 8,600 feet, thus providing the undisputed focal point of the garden. What more could a gardener wish for.

    The higher elevation of this 118 acre property is precipitous, but lower down on the mountain the slopes become gentler and inviting. It is in this area the 30 acre naturalized garden is to be found. The upper portion of this comprising some 23 acres is referred to as the Wild Garden. Here you will find well groomed and graveled trails, steps of indigenous stone and easy walking that takes into account the slope of the land and the opportunity to share exquisite vistas. Some 40 varieties of wild flowers can be enjoyed amid moss covered boulders, huge old growth trees, and a wild cascading spring fed stream. The trails were planned with an eye to providing the best views of these gardens rooms.

    Many of the most awe inspiring vistas are associated with water. The source of Big Springs originates in this area and is easily accessible. As it gushes out of the mountain in its cold pure form and then cascades toward a waterfall dropping in the fern grotto one feels at peace with nature. As the flow of water progresses down the side of the mountain more springs are added and by the time it reaches the North Fork of the Yuba River it has reached a flow of approximately 1,000 gallons per minute. There is a spectacular waterfall in the rest area adjoining the property and Highway 49 where it empties into the river.

    The heart of the Inner Garden is the water feature, a deep one acre body of water know as "Spirit Pond" with Its Japanese style "Bridge of Dreams".

    Its depth provides a mystic beauty and it is home to a large population of rainbow trout that beg to be fed as you approach the shore. Fishing privileges are the unique prerogative of an ample number of osprey and bald eagles that visit frequently. Many guests are treated to the sight of watching these magnificent birds swoop down, catch their prey and return to their nests to feed their offspring.

    The wild flowers seen on the trails in the wild garden also appear abundantly in this lower 7 acre portion known as the Inner Garden. It should be noted that even though there is reference to both the wild and inner gardens there is no clear line of demarcation between the two. There are no fences, no signs, and they flow seamlessly and naturally together, enjoying many of the same plants and all forming a part of the grand adventure.

    The pond is home to a host of water loving plants such as arrowhead, Marsh Marigold, Indian Rhubarb, and magnificent groupings of yellow and blue Water Iris which naturalize out from shore into as much as a foot of water. And then Water Lilies of all hues add their signal delight from locations out in the pond on specially built rock islands that provide the plants just the depth of water they like to produce the most profuse blooming.

    The source of water to supply the pond comes primarily from the rivulets that nourish the native meadow abutting the upper side of the pond. In this meadow can be found the scarce and wonderfully aromatic beautiful native Occidental Azaleas. Here too in this undisturbed wild meadow there is an abundance of wild flowers in a wide array of variety and color.

    Thousands of flowers, shrubs, and trees have been planted over the last 17 years, all with an eye and appreciation for fitting into the natural beauty of the site. No attempt is made to list the myriad of plants but among the favorites would be Japanese Maples, Mountain Ash, Birch, Aspen, Liquid Amber, Redbud, Golden Willows, the giant Ponderosa and Sugar Pines, Cedar, White and Red Fir, Ballerina and Sally Holmes roses, incredible Hostas, Astilbe, Monkeyflowers, Woodwardia, Sword and native ferns, Rhododendrons, Exbury Azaleas, Peonies, Shasta Daisies, Cosmos, Rudbekia and the list goes on and on.

    Nature is acknowledged as the teacher and as the Senior Partner. The role for all of us as junior partners is to fill in, to edit, to groom, and to love this incredible place of beauty that nature has given us  to enjoy.