By TR Robertson
A cool Friday morning was the setting for a Red Ribbon Ceremony that was held for Alta Vista’s Botanical Gardens newest area that had been constructed for visitors to the Brengle Terrace location. Fashioned from a previously undeveloped area at the Botanical Gardens, visitors to Alta Vista Botanical Gardens can now enjoy the new area now known as the Magical Ponytail Palm Maze.
The Red Ribbon Ceremony featured an introduction by Rachel Beld, CEO of the Vista Chamber of Commerce, who introduced Rusti Dixon, General Manager of Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. Rusti said the project was an example of cooperation between businesses, community members and volunteers to continually improve Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. The next speaker was Naomi Stein, a landscape designer and board member of Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. Naomi explained that this lower area of the Gardens had long been ignored as they wondered what to do with it. She said there were around 40 Ponytail Palms at the Gardens that needed to be planted somewhere. Working with Matt Altman, owner of Altman Plants, designs were drawn up on what was needed to change this into something for people who visited the park. Naomi finished her presentation with a quote from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, when the Cheshire Cat says, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there”, an example of you never know where the help will come from to get something done.
Altman Plants donated all of the drought-tolerant plants, 100 yards of dirt, DG, mulch, boulders and countless hours in turning this area into something everyone would like. Altman Plants is located at 3742 Blue Bird Canyon Road in Vista. They are a family-owned business and the largest horticultural grower in the United States and have been in business for over 50 years. Matt spoke after Naomi and said they feel it is important as a business to give back to the community and loved working with Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. Many of the plants they raise are sold at Lowe’s, Home Depot, Walmart and other locations. Naomi couldn’t say enough about the Altman team and the work and material they provided as they incorporated the Ponytail Palms, the new plants, and unique designs for the new area. Elite Landscaping installed the retaining wall and irrigation throughout the project. Ralph Stein had all of the signage made for the area. Each of the plants has small signs telling the visitor the name of the plant they are looking at.
A “Make A Wish” Rainbow Bridge was constructed close to the retaining walls, and two large unicorn metal ponies were brought in. These sculptures were designed and built by Ricardo Breceda, who already has 9 of his metal designs scattered throughout the Garden. Breceda is famous for the numerous large metal sculptures in the Anza-Borrego Desert Park area, most specifically the 350-foot serpent. A much smaller version of this serpent can be found close to the Children’s Garden area of Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. Ricardo Brededa was at the Red Ribbon Ceremony. Colette Zaja Jones and Nancy and Don Jones helped in the purchase of one of the metal unicorns. Ricardo’s studio is located in Temecula. Go to www.ricardobreceda.com to see more of his sculptures.
After the speakers, a series of proclamations were given to General Manager Rusti Dixon, representing Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. Presenting Proclamations were representatives from 49th District Congressman Mike Levin, 38th District State Senator Catherine Blakespeare, 74th District California State Assembly Member Laurie Davies. 5th District County Supervisor Jim Desmond and Vista Chamber CEO Rachel Beld presented a Proclamation from the Vista City Council. Also receiving the various Proclamations was Alta Vista Botanical Garden Board President Ron Holloway, Naomi Stein, Matt Altman and Nancy and Don Jones, to name a few of those who played key roles in the implementation, designing and construction of the Magical Ponytail Palm Maze.
Alta Vista Botanical Gardens always has something going on at the Gardens. The next big event is on Saturday, November 7th, when the 12th Annual Novemberfest will be held, featuring numerous breweries, wineries and meaderies from throughout Southern California and a special feature this year, the musical sounds of the 80’s Resurrection band. For more information and tickets go to www.altavistabotanicalgardens.org
