SATURDAY
September 17, 2005
The Palm Gardens of Greg
Haines and John Cressey
Haines and John Cressey
2170 Mendocino Ln, Altadena, California 91001
It’s been 7 years since we last visited the beautiful home of Greg Haines and John Cressey in Altadena.
These long-time PSSC supporters were originally from Oakland,
California, making the move to Altadena some fourteen years ago. They have based their landscaping
and planting on an “against all odds” philosophy with the experiences of the colder north, and
having lived through the Oakland firestorm, which claimed their home and extensive palm garden.
Today, their new one acre
Altadena foothills paradise consists of about 130 palm species, a pool, open-air longhouse,
garden Teahouse, tennis court and paved jungle paths.
Greg graduated from Stanford in Computer Engineering, working in this field for 25 years. He switched careers a couple years ago and is now a SAG member in acting. John’s Ph.D. is from U.C. Berkeley and he works in special
Greg graduated from Stanford in Computer Engineering, working in this field for 25 years. He switched careers a couple years ago and is now a SAG member in acting. John’s Ph.D. is from U.C. Berkeley and he works in special
Click on photos to enlarge. Photos by Leland Lai.
education for the State of California. He also served 2½ years in the Peace Corps in Afghanistan.
They lived in Oakland for 18 years and got interested in palms from
a neighbor, Warren Dolby who started the Northern California Palm Society.
Only half a dozen palms were saved from the firestorm and were the first plantings at their
1300 foot elevation garden site. The entire property was cleared with the exception of two
Washingtonia robustas. These last 14 years have seen not only a lifestyle and geographic
change, but has incorporated all facets of landscaping, irrigation,
selection, and the horticulture learning curve of this microclimate in upper Altadena.
The temperature range of this location spans a low of 32 degrees and a high of 106 degrees F.
Rainfall average is 30 inches per year, and last year’s record was 68 inches!
There will be two speakers for this meeting, Greg Haines and Tim Philips, Superintendent of the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden. Greg will be speaking on “Fire, Flood, and Plague: Designing a Palm Garden Against All Odds”. Tim will be get us caught up with the new palm habitat developments at the Arboretum.
Itinerary:
It’s a Garden POTLUCK, so bring a dish to share. Garden tour starts at 11:00 a.m. Bring hats and dress lightly. Lunch will begin at noon with the meeting starting at 1:15pm. Bring a new member.
Directions to 2170 Mendocino Ln, Altadena, California 91001:
From Westside and South using 110 Fwy: Altadena is adjacent to Pasadena and can be reached by taking the 110 Fwy north until it ends then turns into Arroyo Parkway and proceed north, turn right on Colorado Blvd. Then left on Allen Ave. Head north pass the 210 Fwy, pass New York Dr. and about 7 blks later turn right on Mendocino Ln. If you are using the 210 Fwy from the west, exit Hill Street, go 3 blocks then left on Allen, then proceed north to Mendocino Ln.
From East and South using 605 Fwy: Head north on 605 passing the 10 Fwy and get on the 210 Fwy going west. Exit Allen Ave. and turn right. Head north pass New York Dr. and about 7 blks later turn right on Mendocino Ln.
There will be two speakers for this meeting, Greg Haines and Tim Philips, Superintendent of the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden. Greg will be speaking on “Fire, Flood, and Plague: Designing a Palm Garden Against All Odds”. Tim will be get us caught up with the new palm habitat developments at the Arboretum.
Itinerary:
It’s a Garden POTLUCK, so bring a dish to share. Garden tour starts at 11:00 a.m. Bring hats and dress lightly. Lunch will begin at noon with the meeting starting at 1:15pm. Bring a new member.
Directions to 2170 Mendocino Ln, Altadena, California 91001:
From Westside and South using 110 Fwy: Altadena is adjacent to Pasadena and can be reached by taking the 110 Fwy north until it ends then turns into Arroyo Parkway and proceed north, turn right on Colorado Blvd. Then left on Allen Ave. Head north pass the 210 Fwy, pass New York Dr. and about 7 blks later turn right on Mendocino Ln. If you are using the 210 Fwy from the west, exit Hill Street, go 3 blocks then left on Allen, then proceed north to Mendocino Ln.
From East and South using 605 Fwy: Head north on 605 passing the 10 Fwy and get on the 210 Fwy going west. Exit Allen Ave. and turn right. Head north pass New York Dr. and about 7 blks later turn right on Mendocino Ln.