The title of this blog post tells us we will soon see a “monumental Southern California cycad garden.” The title could have easily included “the pinnacle of Southern California cycad gardens” as well. I have heard about this private garden for many years now but have never had the opportunity to tour it. A good friend of mine was kind enough to ask the owner if he wouldn’t mind me coming along during his next visit. The owner is a private individual and tends to stay out of the arrogant and petty circles that run rampant in the world of cycads. So when I finally met him at his garden and just threw it out there that I would like to photograph his garden and post it online, I was so glad he said yes. Because of the plants involved, some things I saw could not be posted out of respect to the owner’s request. The location and name of the owner will also need to be excluded. But none of this should take away from the monumental Southern California cycad garden you will see.

And….cut.

So if you were one of the lucky people that read this blog post that once showed off the beautiful garden promised in the title, hopefully you took great mental notes. For those coming here to take the digital tour for the first time, bad news, the owner changed his mind and asked that I remove the blog post. This after getting told in front of myself and another that it would be OK to share such a post. After putting in over 6 hours going through photos, editing them and writing, I now can only give readers this:

While I thank the owner for the opportunity to tour his magnificent garden, a lesson has been learned. If a garden is too private for the owner to not want to share it’s beauty with the world, even in an anonymous manner like was done, I simply won’t find it worth my time to ever visit such a place. There are far too many amazing gardens around the world that owners are happy to share. Proud to share. Most people garden to bring joy into their lives and to share that joy with others. I will only focus on those type gardens in the future.

If you are still looking for a tour, check out one of my favorite palm gardens. Gregg Hamann want’s to share his masterpiece.  Want to see one of the best private collections of cycads found anywhere in the world, check out this cycad garden I toured in Johannesburg, South Africa, While not wanting to be named, he wanted to share the beauty with others anonymously. Also, be sure to check back in a few weeks as I am about to share the most impressive contemporary style garden I have ever been too. It is a 6 acre estate in Rancho Santa Fe that the owner asked me to come photograph and share with the world. Imagine a person with the finances to own their own private jet, but with a love for plants and a green thumb to boot. It is a lethal combination and I look forward to sharing the results soon.

June 8, 2017