Last week, Wienskler Academy (aka online school) went on a field trip to Forestiere Underground Gardens. Christa's mom, Debbie, joined us as well.
Forestiere Gardens is a California State Landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, hand built by Baldassare Forestiere from 1906 to 1946. Basically it is a network of underground rooms, courtyards and passageways.
It's utterly fascinating. Mr. Forestiere built his underground home largely because the temperatures underground in summer range from 10 to 25 degrees cooler than ground level. He had many open skylights (covered with glass in the winter to maintain the heat) and grew many trees, shrubs and vines.
(Gabe and I took pictures of each other at the same time.)
Summer bedroom. Interesting story about the suitcases: our guide said that Mr. Forestiere stored his clothing in the suitcases. He had to go to the hospital for a medical emergency, thought he would only be there overnight and didn't take more than the clothes he was wearing. Unfortunately, he passed away while in the hospital. According to the guide, the suitcases have never been opened, being deemed too fragile.
Winter bedroom, with fireplace.
A graphic representation of an actual tree with seven different fruits grafted together.
Fish pond.
As often happens with iconic locations that are local, it's been many years since I have been to the underground gardens. It was fun to go with the kids.
On Sunday, we had our first rain since May 18!! It was awesome, but was not nearly enough. I love the rain and it just did not last long enough.