Step into a lush paradise. Among the historic buildings and rows of vines on Spring Mountain is an oasis of green where swaying palms tower overhead and a tapestry of exotic plants cluster around well-marked paths. Embraced by the cool shade, you can meander through this verdant sanctuary in both body and mind, a combination of awe, inspiration and total tranquility.
This was the vision of our earlier owners - to create a luxurious garden escape that displayed the beauty of nature and a sense of prosperity and grace. For many years, this one-acre botanical garden served as a quiet retreat next to the Miravalle mansion, but over time, it had become neglected and overgrown. Recently, we decided to revive this enchanting entrance to our estate.
To do this, we partnered with Arcadia Studio, the renowned landscape architecture firm behind Montecito’s Lotusland, one of the world’s premiere botanical gardens. The goal was simple: improve diversity, create interest, and offer accessibility. Over several months, they meticulously drafted a design and curated a collection of plants perfectly suited for our unique space.
The transformation began in spring by cleaning up the understory and opening the canopy to bring in pockets of sunlight that would allow the existing plants to flourish. Many of the original plants were kept in place, including two magnificent Queen Palms (Syagrus romanzoffiana) that stand like sentinels over the lush landscape below.
In many places throughout the garden the composition was reconfigured to group plants horticulturally and ensure that they could be admired without getting lost. For example, several Kiepersol (Cussonia paniculata) were hidden throughout the garden. These twisty, Seuss-like trees from South Africa are known for their unusual shape and large, grey-green leaves. Each one was transplanted to more favorable locations along the pathway, surrounded by complementary textures and colors.
Arcadia also supplemented the garden with interesting species from around the world, including year-round deciduous trees as well as some that would add stunning seasonal color. At the entrance, we planted a Silk Floss Tree (celba speciosa). Native to the subtropical forests of South America, it stands over twenty-feet high with a thorn-covered trunk. In the fall, it blooms with spectacular pink and white flowers. Other notable additions include the Jurassic-era Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta), the elegant yet deadly Brugmansia, and the sculptural Australian Tea Tree (Leptospermum laevigatum), whose leaves are famously used for producing tea tree oil.
Beyond the botanical enhancements, the pathways were updated to ensure comfort, usability, and easy navigation. Modified edging gently guides visitors, creating inviting stopping points and small nooks that will soon become serene spots to relax with a glass of wine. Informative placards have also been installed for many species, offering the option for a self-guided tour.
This enchanting garden provides a winery experience unlike any other. A place where you can lose yourself in a vibrant palette of greens, surrounded by the chirping of birds and the gentle buzz of insects. Our knowledgeable ambassadors will guide you along the winding paths, identifying plants and sharing the rich narratives of each species. Through the seasons, the garden will evolve and change, promising new delights with every visit. Forever, it will be a place where you can find inspiration in the beauty of nature and feel connected to our history.
