Saturday, May 20, 2006
TWO PRIVATE GARDENS
in Camarillo, Ventura County
Within walking distance of each other.
The May meeting will have two gardens on tour in Camarillo, Ventura County. Both gardens have seen many changes and have flourished since our last visit 4 years ago. We will be having a potluck luncheon so don't forget to bring a favorite side dish (a main meat dish will be provided).
11:00 AM: Garden of Robert and Pam Solakian.
Address: 340 Valley Vista, Camarillo
The first garden is that of Robert and Pam Solakian which will begin at 11:00 a.m. Many small and medium-sized palms are growing well under an open tree canopy. Large Howea and Rhopalostylis now encircle the pool area and many new species rare to the Ventura/Santa Barbara area have been planted since our last visit. Robert is the owner of Santa Barbara Greenhouses in Oxnard and will certainly share some tips on greenhouse design, cost, and maintenance with members. Pam will also have her artwork on display.
11:45 AM: Garden of John Rees and Clarissa Dong.
Address: 75 Marine View Drive, Camarillo
Phone: (805) 482-2792
The second location is within walking distance of the Solakian's at our Area Chair's home, John Rees and Clarissa Dong. Prominent in the garden are many large palms and cycads moved from their former West Los Angeles residence. Large tree aloes, agaves, yuccas and flowering trees form the dry tropical area of the garden. See the garden first before the potluck luncheon at 12:30 p.m.
12:30 AM: Potluck luncheon followed by meeting and palm auction
Directions:
>From north or south, take the 101 Ventura Freeway to Camarillo, and exit at Los Posas. Coming from the south, turn right on Las Posas; from the north, turn left, cross the bridge over the freeway. Go north on Las Posas past 4 signals after exiting the freeway. Las Posas will fork off to the right but DO NOT FOLLOW LAS POSAS but proceed STRAIGHT up the hill, which turns into Crestview that curves left. At the first stop sign on Crestview, turn right on Valley Vista to the Solakian home at 340 Valley Vista. There is some parking in front of their home, but a better location is to park on Marine View Drive just up from the Solakian residence. The Rees residence is located at 75 Marine View Drive.
Please remember to bring something for the potluck, such as appetizer, chips/dips, bread, dessert, fruit salad. We will be serving a main dish and a salad. This is a great time to socialize and get to know other members of the Palm Society.
Please consider bringing plants for the 50/50 auction, the proceeds which are equally shared between the PSSC and the donor.
For more information, please contact John Rees, Ventura-Santa Barbara Area Chair. (805) 482-2792.