The historic water source of Descanso Gardens, once owned by Manchester Boddy, and designed to carry water beneath the streets of La Canada was completely destroyed during the flood and mudslides of the February storms in California.
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The pipes, which carried water from Hall Beckley Canyon beneath Alta Canada Road, across the Valley below Foothill Boulevard to Descanso Gardens remain. But, the equipment that collected water from the canyon have been buried and rendered inoperable. Hall Beckley Canyon is located at the top of Palm Drive and Alta Canyada Road in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. Descanso Gardens is situated in the foothills of the San Rafael Mountains.
It is yet unknown what, if anything, will be able to be done to repair the damage. After the Station Fire of 2009, 200 feet of PVC pipe had melted, and had to be repaired in order to restore Descanso’s alternate water source, which is used to water the plantings at the famous botanical gardens. Now, the equipment has been buried so deeply, it may be impossible to retrieve the remains.
As all non-profit organizations have been struggling to survive during this economic downturn, Descanso Gardens is also hit with another very difficult situation. Will it find the means to repair the water system, or will it have to abandon it, and use public water? Since Manchester Boddy put the system in, it has been used to water the grounds and fill the ponds and streams in the gardens.
The absence of this essential water system could dramatically change what will grow in several areas of the gardens. The prized Rosarium, for example, could be effected, as roses are known to be quite thirsty. The streams and fountains, which meander through the rose sections may need to go dry. The lawns have been controversial for years, as the amount of water they require is unhealthy for the oak forest, which is indigenous to the area. Will these water-thirsty areas need to adjust to the climate changes along with the rest of Southern California?
Descanso Gardens has survived many changes through the years. It has been a resilient refuge for many visitors from all over the world. Maybe this is yet another time to change. Maybe it is time for Descanso Gardens to be a role model and showcase for a new kind of Southern California gardening that is best suited to the surrounding environmental milieu. Will it be Mediterranean, or California indigenous? Or will it be something else altogether and visionary?
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