Baja Beauty

Why don't we all grow an abundance of jasmine in our gardens?  I just got back from Rancho La Puerta, the oldest health spa in North America.....south of San Diego, just across the border in Tecate, Baja. Located at the foot of a mountain sacred to the native peoples, the Ranch gardens have been developed over 60 years as one of the great joys of the place. Right now jasmine is blooming on every arbor, draped over walls, climbing pergolas and the whole place is steeped in that warm, glorious perfume. The gardens are genius - drought-tolerant foliage plants mixed with hollyhocks and self-seeding annuals in a cottage garden tumble, with plenty of structures overhead, sculpture, stone walls for a hard edge, and destinations like hammocks and benches and gazebos. The effect is casual, fragrant, charming and because all is organic,it's intensely alive with the rustlings of birds, hummers, lizards......here are a few photos, taken by Debbie Loudon and me....

The top image is the organic vegetable garden that helps to feed the Ranch's guests, the second photo is Skull Rock, a hiking destination high on sacred Mt. Kuchumaa, and the rest are the Ranch grounds.....

Comments

[Tatyana]

Your description of the place made me want to visit it and plant jasmin in my garden. Thank you!

[Karen]

Oh, another garden destination to go on my life list! Our hardy jasmine (Jasminum x stephanense) is just knocking it out of the part at the moment, didn't seem to mind the hard winter and I am making excuses to be outside near it, especially in the evening.

[C. Gay McVey]

What a delight it was to revisit Rancho La Puerto thru your photos and comments. After I retired from the military in 1993, I treated myself to a week there to help me transition back to "normal civilian life". One morning very early after a refreshing hike, I stopped to eat breakfast by the pool, and visited with a delightful native looking woman breakfasting with her children and grand children. She inquired about my well-being and so knowlegably answered my questions about the native plants and we talked about my experience at The Ranch. She talked at length about her philosophy of life and how she believed each person must strive to fulfill their personal destiny but keep serenity at the core of their being.Weeks later, after reviewing the Rancho La Puerto brochure photos,I realised I'd had a close and intimate discussion with Deborah Szekely owner/creator of Green Door and Rancho La Puerto.Your photos brought back terrific memories of the great beauty, food,companionship and activities I experienced there. Thank you!

[roses philippines]

This is place so interesting! i really wanted to go there soon,i like it. Will certainly visit your site more often now.

vee