1943, Mission Canyon with Blaksley Boulder in Foreground (Josef Muench) CULTURAL LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN FOR THE SANTA BARBARA BOTANIC GARDEN: The More You Know, The More You See OCTOBER 10, 2012 DRAFT Presented to The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden 1212 Mission Canyon Road Santa Barbara, California 93105 Prepared by Van Atta Associates, Inc. Landscape Architecture + Planning 235 Palm Avenue Santa Barbara, California 93101

Charles Birnbaum, FASLA, FAAR The Cultural Landscape Foundation 1909 Que Street NW Second Floor Washington, D.C. 20009

VAI VanAtta Associates Inc.

landscape architecture + planning SANTA BARBARA BOTANIC GARDEN CULTURAL LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN

Table of Contents I. OVERARCHING PRINCIPLES FOR THE SANTA 3 BARBARA BOTANIC GARDEN

II. GARDENWIDE GUIDELINES TO IMPLEMENT 21 THE OVERARCHING PRINCIPLES

III. SECTOR GUIDELINES AND TREATMENTS 1. GARDEN A. Arrival and Orientation Sector 50 B. Arroyo Sector 70 C. Manzanita Sector 74 D. Library Courtyard and Buildings Sector 76 E. Desert Sector 80 F. Meadow Oaks Sector 82 G. Meadow View Sector 87

2. CANYON 90 A. Woodland Trail Sector 91 B. Redwood Section Sector 92 C. Mission Dam Sector 94 D. Campbell Trail Sector 97 E. Rocky Trail Sector 99 F. Easton Trail Sector 100 G. Canyon Trail Sector 101 H. Pritchett Trail Sector 102

3. HILLSIDE 107 A. Olive Orchard Sector 108 B. Porter Trail Sector 110 C. Horticultural Services Sector 113

REFERENCE MATERIAL 114 Overarching Principles for the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Charles A. Birnbaum, FASLA, FAAR

Historic designed landscapes like the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden are composed of a collection of landscape features which are organized in space. They include small-scale features such as individual benches designed by Lockwood deForest as well as patterns of fields or large scale thematic plant groupings such as The Meadow or the Redwood Grove. When taken collectively, these organizing elements help to define the visual and spatial character of the historic designed landscape of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

Individual features – both built and natural -- in a consciously designed landscape composition such as the Garden, should never be viewed in isolation, but in relationship to the cultural landscape as a whole. As Beatrix Farrand stated in her Report to the Trustees of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden (December 20, 1946), “All who work in a garden realize that in pictorial composition design is relegated by the painter, whereas in landscape art control lies in the natural formation of the ground itself into which the plan should be harmonized without apparent difficulty…”

Although attractive, new features such as these wrought ornamental metal signs and railings detract from the naturalistic “pictorial composition” conceived by the original designers. (photo by Birnbaum 2011)

Although it has been sixty five years since Farrand made this revealing statement, her quest, which is both a design and management challenge for present day designers and stewards provides a framework for the master plan task at hand – to put forth comprehensive overarching principles to guide and manage change at the Garden. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 3 of 114

These principles which follow recognize that situations may vary from Sector to Sector, and some features may often be more important than others. For example, at a large scale, an historic viewshed to open pastoral lands that historically contributed to the setting of the garden may no longer be advantageous if the former field and forest patterns have been replaced with residential housing construction, while at the small scale, solar controllers or security cameras that have been inserted into the landscape without screening, thus diminishing both the historic character and the visitor’s experience.

In sum, it is the arrangement and the interrelationship of the Garden’s character-defining features -- as they existed during the established period of significance -- that is foundational to our understanding -- before critical planning and design recommendations can be put forth. As such, the Garden’s character-defining landscape features should always be assessed as they relate to the historic property as a whole. Thus, spatial organization, land patterns and their inherent visual and spatial relationships are presented first for both the overarching principles that follow and the individual treatment recommendations for each sector.

Organizational Elements For a historic designed landscape such as the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, its spatial organization (e.g. the visual and spatial relationship of the Meadow to the peak of La Cumbre) and land patterns (e.g. the “borrowed” scenery of the former olive orchards north east of Mission Canyon Road) collectively serve to define the overall visual experience. The spatial organization of the Garden, as it existed during its period of significance is defined by the landscape’s cultural and natural features, and it is the recommendation of this master plan that every effort should be made to preserve, protect and restore those seminal visual and spatial relationships that convey the Garden’s unique character during that time.

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The “borrowed scenery” from the framed view in the Kiosk designed by Lockwood de Forest still exists, yet other alterations to the kiosk should be eliminated to maintain integrity. (Joseph Muench, 1943)

Recognizing that when taken individually many of these character-defining features establish critical visual links both within and outside of the Garden’s property – from Lockwood deForest’s Kiosk which provides framed views to the Canyon beyond, to his Pritchett Bench which provides sweeping panoramic views of the Oak Woodlands, Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean – every effort should be made to preserve and restore these seminal visual relationships. For example, when the Kiosk was built, the garden committee (Helen Thorne, Lockwood deForest and Frederick Kellam) noted

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 5 of 114 in March 1937 that “it is far enough away from the group of office and nursery buildings to make the Kiosk entirely independent of that group, as the Committee believes it should be.” Today, this historic design intent has been diminished with the introduction of the ticket booth Entrance Kiosk, as well as other site embellishments in the Pond and Kiosk Sector which are constructed of highly ornamental wrought metals not found elsewhere in the Garden.

In toto, managing the garden’s visual and spatial relationships as they existed during the period of significance may include reinforcing character-defining visual linkages and connections (e.g. seminal axial relationships such as the Blaksley Bounder to its surrounds); accommodating barriers (e.g. fences that run along the Canyon’s crestline should not diminish the visual quality of the long view and should by design recede). In moving forward to achieve this goal, when articulating overarching principles for the Garden’s visual and spatial relationships we are fortunate that its historic design intent is clearly established in the writings of Farrand herself. In her November 1946 Garden Notes, she states: “The conditions at the Santa Barbara Garden are interesting perhaps because of their very variation and complexity in a small area. There are 4 main factors which must be considered. (1) The view of the mountain, implying a fine foreground; (2) Views of the sea and Islands to be achieved in vistas; (3) The canyons and its adjoining slopes; (4) The highroad (Mission Canyon) which runs through one part of the grounds and bounds (Tunnel Road) others. Under these conditions the design must be so integrated that the whole appears to be easily and naturally placed.”

This statement succinctly illustrates how the placement and arrangement of any proposed landscape feature was intended to define and contribute to the articulation and creation of the Garden’s overall spatial organization – not only of value for evaluating the design intent during the period of significance, but this clear and concise approach provides a critical framework for us to move forward today.

Another way of summarizing the “conditions” put forward by Farrand more than 65 years ago, one may view the Garden’s organizational framework today to include those contributing passages of scenery which are by design closely tied to those scenic advantages found both within the Garden as well as its greater setting. Hence, this would include functional and visual relationships from individual landscape features (e.g. Lutah Maria Riggs and Farrand’s intended view from the Blaksley Library to La Cumbre and Cathedral Peaks) and scenographic landscape passages (e.g. deForest’s intended panoramic viewing opportunities along both the Pritchett and Campbell trails).

Finally, in terms of stewardship implications for managing historic visual and spatial relationships today, it is important to recognize that changes over time are often due to a variety of factors, including: environmental impacts (e.g. drought, fire), plant growth and succession, and changes in land use. Therefore, it is recommended that all long term preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation treatments in regard to the Garden’s visual and spatial relationships recognize the potential for environmental and ecological events.

In regards to the Garden’s setting, those contiguous lands that are visible from the garden, those under Garden ownership should remain; while every effort should be made to protect the integrity of setting for those lands outside of Garden ownership. As Farrand herself noted in her February 1944

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 6 of 114 supplement to her plan, “From the point of view of design, it seems essential to recommend the acquisition of at least part of the land west of Tunnel Road in order to protect the Garden composition from the encroachment of small suburban dwellings.”

Figure 3: Contemporary fences such as this one dimish the integrity of the Garden’s setting and dimish the quality of the visual experience (photo by Birnbaum, 2011)

Finally, the Garden’s seminal historic visual and spatial relationships – as put forth by Farrand in her 1946 Garden Notes should become the standard litmus test for all interventions – and made visible through enhanced interpretation efforts so that all involved with the garden – staff, board and visitors place a value on the Garden’s character defining viewsheds and passages of scenery.

Character-Defining Features In addition to organizational elements, there is a diversity of character-defining features that collectively contribute to the Garden’s character during its period of significance. These are as follows:

Topography Topography can best be described as the shape of the ground plane and its height or depth. For the most part, the Garden’s topographic variation occurred naturally, and after the initial grading performed under the direction of the Bissells, was on limited occasions accentuated through the manipulation of its later designers and stewards. In fact, it can be argued that the principle approach displayed by the

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 7 of 114 design team was to lay lightly on the land. This is clearly articulated in Farrand’s December 1946 Report to the Board of Trustees where she puts forth her request for a survey, “In order to start structural design accurate information is needed regarding the topography of the area, therefore a survey has been authorized and is now being made of the portion into which the main plan must be integrated rather than imposed. Later a further survey will be needed for the rest of the property so that levels and boundaries may be accurately known. After the main design is made and tried on the ground to see if it will fit, and whether it needs alteration, the secondary plan may be made, but the heart plan is dominant and all roads and walks must be coordinated with the established lines and grades of the controlling design.”

During the period of significance, the existing topography established the point of departure for all work that would be done with every effort made to preserve existing topographic variation. As with the four main factors to consider when dealing with visual relationships (as previously noted under Organizational Elements discussion on page 2), an overarching approach to the Garden’s topographic variation is well established in Beatrix Farrand’s December 1946 Report which states: “The Present acreage of the Garden and its topography and the two highroads, (one cutting directly through the property, and the other marking its western boundary,) impose conditions to which any design for the area must conform. . . The limiting factors in this area are three levels which cannot be altered; the first is the established floor grade of the library; the second is the ground level at the foot of the memorial boulder, and the third is the level of Mission Canyon Road where the future pedestrian entrance will be placed. . .”

Farrand’s utilization of key landscape features – the library, the Blaksley boulder, and Canyon Road to establish the Garden’s grades still provide a useful framework today. In addition, when considering overarching principles for the site’s topography, perhaps most critical are those areas where stabilization and protection of topography is required – and undertaken in a manner that is appropriate to the historic character of the landform. For example, this would include the ridge line along the top at Meadow Oaks, the perimeter of the Administration Complex leading to the Manzanita, washouts along trails and stairs that lead into the Canyon.

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Historic topography should be preserved and stabilized along historic circulation features such as the Pritchett Trail (photo by Birnbaum, 2011)

In addition, for those areas where topography as it appeared during the period of significance has been unsympathetically altered, a rehabilitation solution should be employed where the design of introduced topographic features (as required by a new use) is done in such a way that it is as unobtrusive as possible, thus assuring the preservation, rehabilitation and/or restoration of the historic topographic features. For example, the substantial re-grading that occurred in the Arroyo Sector should be revisited with the idea of returning the topography of this Sector to the appearance and character that it displayed during the period of significance. Finally, as part of the Garden’s ongoing daily, seasonal and cyclical maintenance tasks, every effort should be made to protect and maintain historic topography using the most non-destructive methods possible.

Vegetation The vegetation features in the Garden may be composed of individual plants, such as a specimen oak in the Meadow Terrace, or groups of plantings such as the collection of drought tolerant plants in the Desert Garden which are among the Garden’s oldest. Recognizing that this is a Botanical Garden and that the vegetation is the primary dynamic component of the landscape’s character; the overarching principles that are prescribed regarding its treatment and management must recognize the continual process of germination, growth, seasonal change, aging, decay, and death of plants.

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The Live Oaks in and around the Meadow Terrace and and the Blakesley Boulder were carefully studied and an integral part of the design. These trees should be replaced in-kind when possible. (sketch by Beatrix Farrand, 1944)

In particular, because one of the primary function’s of the garden is education, as treatment considerations are weighed for specimen plants or plant groupings, it is worth referring back to the 1942 letter from Farrard to Mildred Bliss, where Farrand stated that [The Garden] “can teach the west coast about its plants and their wise use in horticulture just as Mr. Sargent told the eastern states and showed them what could be done with their native trees and shrubs as he used them at the Arnold Arboretum.”

With the site’s visual and spatial qualities well documented, it is the vegetation, perhaps more than any other contributing landscape feature that can convey the appearance of the Garden as it existed during its period of significance. Applying this framework, it is important that these overarching principles do not lose sight of the Garden’s origins to conceive of a variety of plantings – plant community displays, plant family groupings, genus groupings, experimental gardens, climatic gardens, and planting along roadways and driveways. This idea is reflected in the Garden’s mission as well as its origins, evidenced in the 1926 issue of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Leaflet that inaugurates Dr. Frederic Clement’s idea that the Garden be ‘composed of “a series of beautiful and significant units.”

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 10 of 114 Recognizing that the character of individual plants is derived from their habit, form, color, texture, bloom, fruit, fragrance, scale and context, there should be a spectrum of overarching principles developed for all vegetative features from individual specimen trees to broad plant collections.

Hence, when specimen trees are well documented in plans and photographs, care should be taken to preserve and restore those in the context of their overall setting – examples would include Meadow oaks, or specimen trees that were an integral part of a designed landscape composition, often associated with significant landscape feature such as a major canopy tree such as a Live Oak overhanging a kiosk or bench, softening a monumental boulder or framing a critical view. For plant collections by grouping, each of these should be evaluated based on their appearance during the period of significance and the integrity that they possess today. For example, the Redwood Grove and Desert Garden today possesses a high degree of integrity and have powerful interpretive associations with the period of significance while the vegetation associated with such Sectors as the Meadow View and Arroyo Garden have been significantly altered over time and thus possess diminished integrity. In situations such as these, where a management decision may be made to alter plantings through a rehabilitation solution, (e.g using new or substitute plant materials), the overarching principle associated with this intervention should be one that honors and reinforces the visual and spatial relationships associated with that Sector during the period of significance.

Olive trees cascading down west facing slopes. (photo by Richter, 1910s)

To illustrate this idea, consider the Olive Orchard Sector. For this vernacular landscape feature, what was historically important, as it cascaded down its west facing slopes was the geometry of the planting, and the blue-grey color palette of the vegetation. Illustrating the historic significance of this pre-existing feature, a December 1943 Memoranda for the Planning Committee prepared by Farrand and deForest is worth revisiting. Here the landscape architects target the “triangular-shaped area in the northeast

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 11 of 114 corner of the Garden, extending from the Meadow’s edge to the highest summit, be devoted to gray or grayish trees and shrubs.” This statement clearly confirms that during the period of significance that careful attention was paid to landscape composition in and within the viewshed of the Garden – including plant color and texture. Hence, the view to the Orchard, its unique color and geometry informed the design within the historic core of the Garden, and any rehabilitation effort for the Olive Orchard should acknowledge its historic geometry, color and texture.

Circulation The circulation features in the Garden include, roads, drives, trails, walks, paths, bridges, parking areas, nodal spaces (often in concert with a memorial bench) and small plazas. (For a detailed summary of paving treatments see the legend for the Existing Conditions plans.) This network, largely intact from the period of significance is well documented in terms of its alignment, width, surface and edge treatment, grade, and construction materials. It is worth noting that although the historic routes may survive, many historic materials have been lost, including such signature treatments as the occasional placement of rocks or small boulders along the edge of paths – see Figure 7)

Boulder placement along the Ceanothus Trail, ca. 1942 (photo by, Wilkes, 1942)

Regarding circulation, as with other landscape features, the historic design intent is well documented. For example, in December 1946, Farrand noted, “The heart and circulation system of a plan must be as closely interwoven into the whole design as the articulation of the human frame, which is built on the support of the spine and its allied bones for stability. The working center of the Garden lies in the area bounded on the south by the gardener’s dwelling, and on the north by the north end of the Meadow.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 12 of 114 The eastern limit is Mission Canyon Road and the western side is the brink of Mission Canyon itself . . . The design should carefully be considered and only altered in the future if changes occur which are now impossible to foresee . . .” With this background informing foundational principles today, it is the recommendation of this master plan that historic circulation networks dating from the period of significance should be preserved, and whenever possible, restored. In those situations where contemporary use and accessibility issues need to be balanced, the goal, as noted in the Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes (http://www.nps.gov/tps/standards/four-treatments/landscape-guidelines/index.htm), should be “to provide the highest level of access with the lowest level of impact on the integrity of the landscape.” (see Guidelines, Special Requirements)

The question of material and surface finish has always been, and continues to be a challenge for the Garden. As early as a December 1943 Memorandum for the Planning Committee, maintenance has been an issue. Specifically regarding trails, this report bemoaned that, “The present trails are in constant need of watering, raking and repair, due to dust in the summer and erosion in the winter. The percentage of Garden labor put into maintenance of trails is far too high. Transportation of red rock is expensive even in normal times; now it is out of the question. It is requested that the Committee offer suggestions for the ultimate treatment of trails.”

Contemporary “off-the-shelf” pavers that are architectural by design with should avoided in the Garden (photo by Birnbaum, 2010)

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Memorial Paving should be revisited with an alternative way to honor friends and patrons (photo by Birnbaum, 2011)

In more recent years a diversity of material choices were made that introduced an unfortunate diversity and range of incompatible materials to different Sectors of the Garden. Examples range from precast, off-the-shelf pavers laid like a carpet near the new entrance, to the pavers with the names of donors inscribed in recognition of individual donors splayed around the Meadow. These standardized, very contemporary, more “architectural” solutions are not appropriate for the naturalistic design intent of the Garden. Therefore, It is the recommendation of this master plan that the preservation and restoration of the historic circulation network does not introduce architectural joints or other formal geometries where they did not previously exist in the Garden.

This master plan is also fortunate to have as a reference, the approach to paving materials that was well established during the period of significance in a report dated March 1944. It notes the following regarding joints, workmanship and material selections for a variety of Sectors. This includes: 1. Casitas flagstone: a. Library ramp - cemented joints b. Caretaker cottage – soil joints with lippia. (also see floor of Information center, platform at Pritchett Bench and Bissell Bench.) 2. Garden flagstone – cut from native sandstone. a. Walks around Library – cemented joints. b. Ceanothus Section – soil joints with lippia.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 14 of 114 3. Garden field stone: a. Trail above Information Center – soil joints with lippia. (see steps to Information Center) 4. Bitumels mix with rough coating of red rock. Walk at tool shed. 5. Water-bound red rock, 2”-3” thick. a. Library driveway. b. Lower section of Library ramp.

Water Features Although limited in scale, scope in variety, the historic water features in the Garden are both aesthetic and functional. This includes the Mission Creek which is of course part of the site’s natural hydrologic system as well as such small-scale water features as the pond found north of the Kiosk which is fed artificially, or the bird bath later added by Farrand to the Pritchett Trail as a Memorial to Ada Pritchett in 1958.

Knowing that in February 1944 the Garden Committee recommended the removal of the pool at the upper end of the Meadow, no new designed water features should be introduced into the historic Sectors of the Garden.

Structures, Site Furnishings and Objects The Garden has a great diversity of structures from the historic period, not to mention a broad range of benches, fences, memorials and other site furnishings, some of which fall within the period of significance.

To be clear, the structures included here are those that are non-habitable, unlike buildings which have walls and roofs and are generally habitable. Some of these structures are significant individually (e.g. Kiosk) or others simply contribute to the historic character of the landscape. The placement and arrangement of these structures and smaller features are important to the character of the landscape, and as such, the overarching principles that follow emphasize the relationship between buildings, structures, and other features, which comprise the historic designed landscape of the Garden. Illustrating how significant such insertions into the Garden was, for the Garden Committee (Helen Thorne, Lockwood deForest and Frederick Kellam), a March 1937 note regarding the Kiosk stressed that . “This location has the following advantages: It is easily accessible, being nearly opposite the recommended new entrance, and also available to visitors around the S.W. of the boulder, while the present entrance parking space is in use. It commands a good view of the Canyon and the Garden to the South as well as to the northeast.”

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Incompatible structures such as the entrance gazebo should be phased out. (Birnbaum, 2010)

Today, when moving down in scale from structures, to furnishings and objects, these small-scale features can generally be categorized as functional, decorative, or both. At the Garden, these include benches, boulders, lights, signs, drinking fountains, trash receptacles, fences, sculpture, monuments, sundials, birdbaths and memorials. However, at the Garden the great majority of these small-scale features, which survive today, fall outside of the period of significance. Taking benches for example, over three dozen memorial benches are found in the garden today. Three designed by Lockwood de Forest are made of stone – the Elmer and Ervanna Bissell bench in The Meadow, the Henry Pritchett bench on the Pritchett Trail, and the Ina Theresa Campbell Bench on the Campbell and fall within the period of significance. Imitations of this bench built later compete with the originals and yet do not have the same strength of design and integrity of setting.

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Two of the many memorial benches added in recent years (photo by Birnbaum, 2011)

As with benches, in recent years a greater diversity of fences can be found throughout the Garden and based on the collection today there appears to be no overarching principle or design ethic. This includes, but is not limited to simple low fences of a single vertical and horizontal wooden post often found in the Canyon with taller variations on stairs leading down to the Canyon; much taller wooden double-rail posts on a larger scale, often impacting views to and near the Meadow and around the Kiosk; standard catalog fencing, often at the crest of the Canyon, constructed with round posts with close spacing between posts, and in all cases is visually disruptive; and, square wooden posts (with Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 17 of 114 and without green netting) along the parking lot that run in stepped sections marching up the grade. This list goes on but in all cases the fencing diminishes the historic integrity of the garden as well as the visitor experience. As with other furnishings, fencing requires a rehabilitation solution that is sympathetic with the historic design of the Garden while accommodating present day code requirements.

Almost as prevalent as benches and fencing, in recent years there has been much memorializing in the garden. During the period of significance there were four memorials sited in the garden all of a similar scale and design vocabulary in the form of four plaques; the Daughters of the American Revolution plaque at the dam overlook (1931); the Elmer and Ervanna Bissell and Henry Blaksley plaques on the Boulder in the Meadow (1941); and the General Lassiter plaque on the boulder on Mission Creek. Since these earlier features of stone and metal there have been eight plaques added between 1958 to 1981, in addition to a diversity of memorial benches, water features (a circular one from the Garden Club of Santa Barbara in 1991 and the King family in 1995); drinking fountains (Phillips in 1995 made of two stone slabs and a more rustic aggregate stone composition from the O’Connor family in 2002) not to mention the huge number of memorial pavers. This trend of everything being up for grabs for donor naming recognition must end, and as with fencing, a rehabilitation solution that can accommodate limited memorials in a way that is sympathetic with the historic design of the Garden should be put forth. Let’s remember that in the December 1943 Memoranda for the Planning Committee on the subject of sundials it was noted that “It has been suggested that the sundial at the south end of the Meadow be moved to a less conspicuous place.” Here again is the idea of subordination, and that these introduced features do not dominate the passages of scenery, not to mention the visual and spatial opportunities that visitors are afforded. Hence, a long term strategy for removing, relocating when necessary and limiting memorials through a rehabilitation solution are addressed in the Gardenwide Guidelines, as well as the Garden Sector Guidelines and Treatment, which follows this section of the Cultural Landscape Master Plan.

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Historic signage prototype posted along the Pritchett Trail, 1948

Finally, other site furnishings such as trash cans, moveable picnic benches, interpretive wayside stations and signage, solar irrigation controllers, and lighting fixtures should all be developed with a comprehensive approach. For example, signage in the Garden historically was wood, often with incised lettering, and often low to the ground so it would not compete with the landscape’s inherent visual and spatial qualities. Today, there is a great variety of signs of a diversity of styles, scale, materials and fonts. Here, as with other furnishings, care should be given to articulate a rehabilitation solution that draws upon the historic design intent while serving 21st century visitors.

Final Thoughts on Overarching Principles Although these principles are focused on the historic Garden, there is an opportunity today to apply these ideas beyond the historic core, where the quest is one that results in sympathetic treatment and management decisions.

These Overarching Principles can provide a launching off point that can forge a relationship with new construction inside and outside of the historic core – from small scale features such as fences and signs within the historic core – to those constructed in concert with new building campaigns outside of the boundary of the historic Garden which will have a different carrying capacity.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 19 of 114 The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is fortunate to have the depth of record that chronicles the foundational principles established by the Garden’s historic designers and stewards. Their design and stewardship goals and objectives, as conveyed in the Overarching Principles can and should translate beyond the historic garden boundary to forge a powerful conversation between the past and future garden, further enhancing this unique visitor experience.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 20 of 114 GUIDELINES AND TREATMENT THROUGHOUT THE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE

The Overarching Principles, described in the previous chapter of this Cultural Landscape Master Plan, introduces the idea of Cultural Landscapes as they apply to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. These principles are translated into Guidelines and Treatment in this portion of the Plan.

Guidelines, as proposed in Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan, are general statements and recommendations intended to guide current and unforeseeable future actions. Treatment refers to actions that may occur now, or be phased in over time, to carry out the recommendations in the guidelines.

The development of these guidelines and treatment respond to the integrity and significance of the garden. The first set of guidelines and treatment address the character defining features found throughout the garden. These character-defining features include view sheds, vegetation, paving, fences, benches, plaques/memorials, signage, and public art. The guidelines and treatment for these features apply to all of the sectors that fall within the Period of Significance as defined by the EIR, and shown on all of the plans, including the sector plan.

Each feature section describes the design intent from the Period of Significance, with visual references (in the form of photographs, plans and maps), and the original words of the designers. In this way, future management can adapt to changing circumstances, minimizing the extra layer of interpretation that inevitably occurs through the lens of current values.

Individual descriptions of the sectors, evaluation of their integrity, and guidelines and treatment, when specific only to a particular sector, follow this garden-wide discussion.

VIEWS In response to the great beauty of the setting, views greatly influenced design when developing the form of the garden, both within the Garden and from the Garden. One of the many examples of design meant to capitalize upon views includes the site planning of the library, which focused on the view from the interior of the library to La Cumbre Peak, as illustrated below:

The Library orientation captures an important view axis over the meadow to La Cumbre and Cathedral Peaks, (1944 Photo)

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Lutah Maria Riggs, Architect and Beatrix Farrand, Landscape Architect, emphasized the importance of view axis in their plans for the library courtyard.

In part because of the Jesusita fire in 2010, most of the historic views still exist. On the other hand, the fire has resulted in the loss of offsite vegetation that formerly softened the appearance of surrounding development. Tree Canopy Diagrams (see page ) illustrate these changes throughout the years. With effort and over time, most of the new development on the hillsides can be screened from viewpoints in the Central Garden and Canyon portions. Views from the Porter Trail and Horticultural Services Sectors are best directed to the Foothill peaks and Ocean, as the nearby hills are covered in large suburban homes.

Historically, concerns expressed about views from the Garden describe the intention to preserve the existing natural quality of the overall setting. For example, Farrand and de Forest noted that “buildings on this hillside would materially take away from the beauty and quiet of the Garden landscape.” Shortly thereafter, the entire Planning Committee expressed this concern in 1943, “A botanic garden is a continuing entity. Present studies should consider needs of the garden for the distant future. Previous studies have indicated the desirability of acquiring the hillside to the west, in full view of the Garden, before it is too late. If this hillside is eventually covered with cheap homes and chicken houses, it will materially detract from the beauty of the Garden. If acquired now, it could ultimately be planted to large trees to conform to the eastern hillside.” Although their predictions for impacts to the western slope did come into being, opportunities still exist to maintain or screen other portions of these altered viewsheds.

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This 1945 photo (by Hugh Deering) features the west slope covered in grasslands and chaparral prior to the construction of ‘suburban homes’.

1944: The east slope as it appeared prior to the development of homesites, This photo also features the former Forest Section prior to tree removal. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 23 of 114

Please refer to the Viewshed Plan and Historic View Photos on page , for view locations and appearance during the period of significance. The following Guidelines and Treatment support the preservation of historic views.

Guidelines Preserve, and where possible restore, historic views to maintain and safeguard the integrity of the garden setting. This includes: View Guideline 1: Maintain trees and other vegetation, as feasible, to keep historic vistas open. View Guideline 2: Locate and design new plantings and development within the garden to avoid impact on historic views. View Guideline 3: When they cannot be removed, or moved to less conspicuous locations, screen existing non-contributing elements within the garden such as weather stations and lighting. View Guideline 4: To the extent feasible, screen hillside homes and other manmade features outside of the garden that have been built since the garden was established. Treatment Treatment 1: Establish a maintenance program to protect and restore the important historic views illustrated on the Viewshed Plan. Treatment 2: Provide vegetative screening along the northwest property line as illustrated on the Viewshed Plan. See the individual sector descriptions for sector specific recommendations.

Vegetation

“Of all the places considered for the location of a series of experimental gardens for fundamental research, Santa Barbara is easily preeminent, not only because of its exceptional climate, but also on account of the varied habitats from strand to the ocean.” (Dr. Frederic Clements, 1926)

Planning documents for the Garden remain consistent over time. These include: Dr. Clement’s original concept for the Garden, Lockwood and Elizabeth deForest’s 1927 description of the future Garden in ‘Santa Barbara Gardener’, Ervanna Bowen Bissell’s overall Botanic Garden concept, and Van Rensselaer’s 1949 description of the Garden. The full text of all of these documents can be found in the historic planning document section of this report. All express the high ideals under which the botanic mission of the Garden was established. These goals received support from other prominent botanists:

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The first master plan submitted in March of 1937 to General William Lassiter, Chairman, developed by a committee including Helen S. Thorne, Lockwood de Forest, Frederick B. Kellam, and approved by M. Van Rensselaer, Director, included these goals for the landscape design: “To provide an attractive, artistically landscaped, and well-maintained exhibition garden of California native plants for the enjoyment of the people of Santa Barbara and visitors.

To carry on exhaustive experimental investigation in the culture of native plants and to demonstrate their adaptability to cultivation, to the end that nurserymen and gardeners may be supplied with adequate and accurate information about their propagation and care.

To provide accurate information relative to the identification, distribution and classification of native plants, to further a desire on the part of the general public to know more about them, and to create a greater interest in their horticultural use and in their preservation in the field.” (First Master Plan, March 1937) Consistently, the mission of the garden describes plants and planting, and their scientific, aesthetic, and horticultural values as most important. (See Mission Statements on page ) This basic mission, expressed through experimentation, naturally results in plantings that consistently evolve and change over time. For this reason, the Cultural Landscape Master Plan provides general guidelines that support this aspect of the Garden.

Planting Flexibility

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 25 of 114 Throughout the history of the garden, change, experimentation, and flexibility guided the design intent for planting. The Meadow Planting period photos illustrate the changes over time, and the following quotes establish this intent in the words of the planning committee and landscape architects:

“The Committee closes its report with the suggestion that conforming to its recommendations the Director decide upon the allotting of such planting space as he finds suitable to various groups or specimens of trees, shrubs and plants, and that the decisions be mapped for future reference in the development of the Garden.” (March 1937, ‘First Master Plan’)

“The Committee also makes the following general observations and recommendations with regard to the operation of the Garden: A certain flexibility in boundaries in the grouping of the plants is suggested, allowing adjustments to be made as planting and development proceed.”

“The professional advisers are in hearty sympathy with the suggestions that the Director decide upon such planting spaces as he thinks suitable.” (Farrand/ deForest, December 20, 1943)

And designers know that planting is inherently ephemeral and will change over time:

“It may not be generally realized that plants are really the ephemeral parts of even a garden design, since they require replacement, restoration and constant control. The progress of the youthful institution illustrates better than words how brief a time is needed for establishing plantations and of the need for constant renewal of subordinate groups….” (Beatrix Farrand, SBBG Trustee’s Report, December 20, 1946)

Planting Inspiration Much information exists regarding the garden plantings. The Garden’s wealth of information regarding the plantings in the garden include planting location records kept according to a grid system, planting plans and notes, as well as Lockwood and Elizabeth de Forest’s ‘Santa Barbara Gardener’. This data collection is important to the mission of the garden and is ongoing:

“It is standard Garden policy to keep accurate collection information for each individual plant or propagule that is received. This information is logged in an accession book that is organized by year, and materials are assigned an accession number in the order in which they are received. (SBBG Long-Range Conservation Plan for Three East Slope Woodland Communities, Late 1980’s)

Trees The idea that trees may be eliminated to achieve other goals found acceptance during the period of significance. “The principle should be accepted that the less good trees should be eliminated without hesitation where necessary to make permanent construction such as roads, walls, etc.” (Farrand/ deForest, December 20, 1943)

Guidelines Planting decisions are appropriately made by botanic and horticulture staff, and will always change over time: Vegetation Guideline 1: Embrace the Garden’s heritage and provide continuity by respecting theme gardens, while accommodating change. Plant selection is to be

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 26 of 114 harmonious with the established themes, yet need not be identical, as planting is the ephemeral part of garden design.

Vegetation Guideline 2: Even though planting themes and species may change over time, the form and feeling (spatial relationships) of the planting should remain visually compatible with the period of significance.

Vegetation Guideline 3: Refer to the horticultural and botanical records of the garden for Garden Section design inspiration when planning Garden plantings. This research may lead in many directions, from replanting original species, to deliberately planting different species for comparison purposes. While species selection may change from the Period of Significance, the original visual and spatial relationships must be retained.

Vegetation Guideline 4: Trees and vegetation may be removed when they begin to interfere with important visual and spatial relationships.

Treatment Treatment of vegetation to maintain spatial and visual relationships can be found within the guidelines for individual sectors.

Circulation Pathway and road system routes have changed little since the period of significance, and thus hold a high degree of integrity. Although a satisfactory solution for a maintenance-free paving surface was not found during the period of significance, materials that appear more natural to the Garden’s setting will greatly support the historic integrity of the site.

Path Structure In contrast to the ephemeral nature of planting, the structural lines resulting from the design and placement of paths, trails, and service roads serve as the permanent part of the designed landscape at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. This structure, put in place during the period of significance, remains intact today, and thus serves as a testament to its success. Beatrix Farrand advised the Garden regarding the importance of careful consideration of garden structure by expressing admiration for the results of the same endeavor by equally prominent landscape architects of their day at Harvard University:

“In working this summer at the older institution much was learned from the study of its design. The Olmsted design of the Arnold Arboretum made over 60 years ago, has not been changed, nor is any change necessary. Small alterations are constantly made, such as secondary paths, plantations, and alterations in tree masses. In short, all the growing material proved of temporary use in the design, but the structural lines of roads, service paths, etc., have proved themselves so correct in design that no change has been needed.” (Beatrix Farrand Notes, November 18, 1946)

She also suggests the idea of a hierarchy of trail uses, with wider paths in ‘the main block’ (central and more heavily used portions of the garden), transitioning into narrower trails outside of the core. “The first impression is important as many visitors will only see the main block easily reached on foot. Therefore the finer details may be left for the more remote parts of the grounds which may be reached by Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 27 of 114 narrower paths. These smaller units may be variable as time and growth dictate. The main lines of approach, access, service and circulation should be structural and only subject to alteration in case of changes of conditions now impossible to foresee.” (Beatrix Farrand Notes, November 18, 1946)

Circulation Function The practical aspects of circulation for Maintenance were always considered: “Access throughout the Garden is recommended by road-paths of truck width to reach all important centers of work. The road-paths will help to keep down the cost of manual labor and will make transportation of materials such as compost, gravel, and filling material by truck rather than wheel-barrow or hand labor. Specifically, it is recommended that one of the trails on the east side of the Meadow be widened and straightened for truck use to facilitate care of that portion of the Garden; also that the Arroyo Trail now of truck width in part be widened for the remainder of its length to give access to the floor of the Canyon and to the Richter land.” (Thorne, Farrand, de Forest, Kellam, February 28, 1944)

A pleasant experience for Pedestrians included criteria for ease, width, arrangement and function: “In considering the wise use of land to which the public is welcomed, certain other factors should be taken into account. Easy access for foot passengers and vehicles must be provided and graded walks of pleasant width arranged so the visitor will not only be attracted by his first impressions but also the casual sight seer may get an agreeable idea of whatever small portion of the grounds he may choose to visit.” (Farrand Report to the Board of Trustees, December 20, 1946)

It is thought that these road-paths should be approximately 10 feet or so wide, and as developments proceed wheel tracks of flagstone may be laid in these paths providing for use in muddy weather. It has been found that wide paths allow ease of planting on their borders. For groups of students it is also desirable to have wide paths which permit two or three to walk abreast.

Paving Materials Paving materials were undergoing experimentation during the period of significance. The use of natural and regional materials guided this effort: “Experimental paving materials for Garden paths (March 1944) 1. Casitas flagstone: a. Library ramp -cemented joints b. Caretaker cottage – soil joints with lippia. (also see floor of Information center, platform at Pritchett Bench and Bissell Bench.) 2. Garden flagstone – cut from native sandstone. a. Walks around Library – cemented joints. b. Ceanothus Section – soil joints with lippia. 3. Garden field stone: a. Trail above Information Center – soil joints with lippia. (see steps to Information Center) 4. Bitumels mix with rough coating of red rock. Walk at tool shed. 5. Water-bound red rock, 2”-3” thick. a. Library driveway. b. Lower section of Library ramp.” The 1944 budget priorities suggest more ideas for stabilizing path and service roads such as “Paved wheel tracks 4’ wide from Library to gate and Paved wheel tracks 3’ wide from gate to boulder” based upon this earlier recommendation, “wheel tracks of flagstone may be laid in these paths providing for

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 28 of 114 use in muddy weather. (Farrand/ deForest, December 20, 1943) Evidence that these paved wheel tracks were every constructed has not yet been found. These period photographs illustrate the original paving materials:

1938: Foothill Trail with rocky surface that is possibly red rock.

1938: Foothill Section with a narrow natural surface trail. (Wilkes)

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1942: The Ceanothus/now Manzanita Section has its original boulder lined natural surface.(Wilkes)

1944: The Campbell Section trail once had a natural surface with a rock and boulder edge.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 30 of 114 1950: The Library Courtyard had jointless paving. (Note also the lemonadeberry hedge and Prunus standards.) (Joe Littlefield)

1945: Prior to additions, the library entrance was very modest, and featured sandstone steps and borders, as well as a Casitas Flagstone ramp. (Josef Muench)

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 31 of 114 Guidelines Circulation Guideline 1: Preserve the original routes, and restore the original widths, of the pathway system existing during the period of significance.

Circulation Guideline 2: Preserve original pathway materials where they remain, and restore materials where they have eroded.

Circulation Guideline 3: Rehabilitate paths that have been paved with concrete pavers or other materials not appropriate to the period of significance. To address safety and functionality, this may be a different material than used during the period of significance, yet materials that appear more natural to the Garden’s setting should be explored. This material should be jointless and match the appearance in historic photos wherever possible, including restoring the informal sandstone rock and boulder borders.

Circulation Guideline 4: A consistent paving materials palette, inspired by nature and visual historic accuracy, is to be used throughout the historic garden boundaries. These materials include the Casitas flagstone, Garden flagstone (cut from native sandstone), and Garden fieldstone without cemented joints described above and shown in the historic photos.

Circulation Guideline 5: Red rock, originally quarried locally where exposed, such as Windy Gap along San Marcos Pass, is no longer available. Rehabilitation may include substituting rock with a similar color and texture, and more modern means of placement to achieve the original texture and color of red rock. Treatment See the treatment plan for existing path routes to be preserved, and paving materials that are to be restored or rehabilitated.

STRUCTURES, SITE FURNISHINGS AND OBJECTS Design of functional amenities such as fences, benches, signage, memorials and other site furnishings shall be carefully considered. Thought must be given to appearance, authenticity, views, and spatial relationships. Fences No fencing is mentioned in the historic record or featured in photos taken during the period of significance. Therefore, fencing is to be minimized to the maximum extent feasible.

Guidelines Fencing Guideline 1: Remove fencing not required for safety or security.

Fencing Guideline 2: Safety and security fencing is to be subordinate to the setting in placement and materials.

Fencing Guideline 3: Fencing is to be consistent throughout the Garden. The Vital Mission Plan conditions of approval mandate the materials, and the Master Plan should

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 32 of 114 address this need Garden-wide, especially since precedence does not exist from the period of significance.

Treatment Please refer to the Treatment plan for the fencing to be moved and railings to be accommodated.

Benches Many types of benches are found throughout the site, several of which were used during the period of significance. The most masterful benches, designed by Lockwood de Forest and constructed during the period of significance, were composed entirely of regional sandstone. Immersed in nature, the Bissell, Campbell and Pritchett benches possess dignity and strength, and were sited to create a special destination and take advantage of views. Importantly these benches commemorate individuals that made significant personal contributions to the garden over an extended period of time.

Integrated into existing boulders, the Bissel Bench overlooks the Meadow Oaks gathering area. (H. E. McAllister, 1940)

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This Campbell Bench, designed around an existing boulder in this sketch by Lockwood de Forest, lead to a masterful collaboration with Oswald daRos, who constructed the bench.

The Campbell bench provides a variety of viewpoints into the canyon. (Josef Muench, 1942)

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The Pritchett Bench, designed by Lockwood de Forest, included additional native stone paving recommended by Beatrix Farrand. This bench, nestled into a remote trail switchback, provides seated views downslope towards the ocean, and enframes a view from the trail while echoing the distant rock outcrops. (Josef Muench, 1941)

Another style of stone bench from the period of significance was found in period photographs, yet no longer are found onsite. These free-standing benches were located along trails, were simple and backless, and thus subordinate to the setting.

1930 Stone bench backed by Ceanothus. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 35 of 114

1937 stone bench located along the edge of the meadow.

Island Trail bench (Ward Holt, 1938)

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Portion of a 1943 postcard with simple stone bench in the background.

Wood benches found in the garden during the period of significance included contoured ‘Yosemite Bench”, ordinary slatted wood benches.

1945 “Yosemite” style redwood bench.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 37 of 114 Yosemite Redwood Prototype bench sketch, idea attributed to Maunsell Van Rensselaer, based upon his photograph taken in Yosemite:

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Traditional slatted wood benches were placed in the 1920’s and 30’s.

A backless slatted wood bench was placed along the Forest Trail in the 1940’s.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 39 of 114 The proliferation of benches (and memorials) that occurred subsequently to the period of significance was seriously considered in 1976. The survey and recommendations prepared then offers Garden bench background and history, as well as wise guidance for guidelines today: “Malcolm Campbell and Ralph (Philbrick, the director) felt that the garden was getting overloaded with memorial benches and was getting to look like Forest Lawn…. I later talked to Ralph who felt strongly the memorial idea had gotten out of hand. He did not know how many benches we had, or how many types there were and I offered to carry out a survey.” Campbell Grant, 1976 (The artist, author, and illustrator of the 1939 plan of the Garden for display in the Kiosk.) Mr. Grant completed and recorded a survey, during which he discovered the Garden contained 36 benches of 5 different types, 15 of which had memorial inscriptions: “Type 1-This earliest variety was of stone and three of these were in place when Kathryn Muller became director in 1950. All bear inscriptions- the Bissell Bench, the Campbell and Pritchett benches. Type 2-In the mid 1940’s, while Dr. Van Rensselaer was Director, there was an opportunity for the Garden to acquire, at a very reasonable price, a quantity of redwood slabs from down timber in the Sequoia area. From this redwood- 19 “contour” benches about 6 feet long were built at the garden and all are still in place but at least 10 of them are in a state of dilapidation through decay and vandalism (name carving). None of these bear any inscriptions. More than half of these are in the Meadow and Ceanothus sections. Type 3-recent. There are two of this type- made of a split log about 6 feet long, one half forming the seat and the other half, the back. One is the Porter bench and the other newer one the Wood bench, both on the Porter Trail. Type 4- Similar to type 3 but double see sketch about 12 feet long Type 5- There are made of heavy redwood planks 3 or more inches in thickness and 6 feet long. Most of the recent memorial benches are of this type, with carved inscriptions on the back rests. In numbers- Type 1 (stone) - 5 benches- three old and 2 recent Type 2 (contour wood)- 19 benches Type 3 (split log)- 2 benches Type 4 (double split log) 3 benches Type 5 (plank)* 7 benches”

Bench Type illustration by Campbell Grant, 1976

“The survey turned up a number of facts that should help in formulating a Garden policy. A number of the memorial benches bear the names of people whose connection with the Garden was minimal. A large number of the benches are dilapidated and should be replaced. Ralph Philbrick is correct in his alarm at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 40 of 114 growing number of memorial messages. The are becoming conspicuous especially as they tend to cluster in the most used parts of the Garden.”

His recommendations set the stage for appropriate guidelines and treatment for the Garden today: “Benches should be standardized and no more pretentious stone benches should be permitted. Redwood should be used for all. The recent experiment in cedar is not weathering well… No new locations should be made but gifts of benches should replace decrepit ones. Some can be eliminated as being too close together. Memorials should be limited to those who have made major contributions to the Garden through long membership or service in the operation of the Garden. Memorial inscriptions should be extremely inconspicuous with small lettering and carved on the back of the bench where they can be found and read by the curious but do not intrude on the Garden walker.” (Campbell Grant, Garden Bench Survey provided to Bert Thomas, Ralph Philbrick, Kathryn Muller, and Mike Wheelright, 9/27/76)

John Pitman, a former Santa Barbara Botanic Garden trustee, community leader and highly respected second generation Santa Barbara architect, designed the ‘Type 5 (plank benches)’ more than 40 years ago. Typical of John’s design work, they are mid-century design-inspired, subordinate in placement, and made of wood, a natural material. These benches are also well- built, therefore still in excellent condition, Based upon this description, the Pitman plank benches may be considered contributing to the integrity of the cultural landscape.

Guidelines Within the historic boundaries of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden:

Bench Guideline 1: Design and materials shall be standardized and be compatible with the benches used during the period of significance as described and shown by Campbell Grant. Benches shall be horizontal, subordinate to the setting, site specific in design, and of a common materials palette.

Bench Guideline 2: Memorials must be limited to those who have made major contributions to the Garden through long membership or service in the operation of the Garden. Memorial inscriptions must be inconspicuous and placed on the back of the bench. Future bench gifts may go towards the preservation or restoration of missing or deteriorated benches.

Bench Guideline 3: Benches shall provide an opportunity for respite and viewing and not dominate the scene in which they are inserted.

Treatment Bench Treatment 1: Preserve and protect the three Lockwood de Forest designed stone benches- the Bissell Bench, the Campbell Bench and the Pritchett Bench. Additional stone benches in this style shall be phased out, and no additional naturalistic stone benches shall be allowed.

Bench Treatment 2: To accommodate non-contributing stone benches before their contracts are up and they are removed, minimize their appearance to reflect the guidelines. This

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 41 of 114 may include removing the flagstone paving at their base and softening their appearance with planting.

Bench Treatment 3: Preserve the Pittman plank benches as contributing elements in the cultural landscape.

Bench Treatment 4: Proposed bench locations, based upon need, should be included in the Garden’s Master Plan. The location of benches shall respond to these considerations: When known, bench placement (with the original design and materials) from the period of significance shall be preserved or restored. Other benches, if determined in the Master plan to be unnecessary, shall be phased out.

Bench Treatment 5: Replace wood benches, when required by their condition, with the ‘Yosemite’ design from the period of significance. If redwoods are to be removed to maintain the historic views to La Cumbre and Cathedral Peaks, use their wood to create replacement benches. Alternatively, ‘Yosemite’ benches may be rehabilitated using longer lasting materials.

The memorial features of the benches are further addressed in the next section.

Plaques and Memorials Memorial plaques were taken very seriously during the period of significance, and only four were put in place by 1950, all to individuals making meaningful contributions to the garden over time.

The two plaques on the Blaksley boulder were from the donor who enabled the establishment of the Garden and commemorate her father, after whom the garden was founded and originally named, and Dr. and Mrs. Bissell, former directors that initially created the Garden.

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1944 Photo from the Botanic Garden Archives: The DAR plaque from 1931 serves as commemoration and interpretation.

This plaque marked the Campbell Trail in 1941 (MCMXLI).

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The Lassiter Boulder establishes an important landmark within the Garden, and provides information about a person important in the Garden’s history.

These plaques are contributing to the Garden’s history, as they inform the visitor about important features and people.

In the recent past, the Garden sold memorial opportunities without regard for the intrusion on the ‘Garden Walker’, personal contribution, or any planning on the part of the Garden regarding the need for associated features. This approach devalues the overall meaning of acknowledgement, can detract from the long-term prospects for meaningful personal and financial support to the Garden, and results in lost opportunities for the garden to receive gifts to meet actual Garden needs.

The current proliferation of modern memorials, including engraved pavers and plaques on benches and rocks, suggests to all visitors that such memorials are more than welcome. It serves the Garden in

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 44 of 114 many ways to develop other means of memorializing individuals that does not involve placing a name plaque or other conspicuous monument. An example is the birdbath purchased and placed by Beatrix Farrand along the Pritchett Trail in memory of Ada Pritchett. (See the Pritchett trail sector description for a photo). Notably, Beatrix did not require a name plaque to support her contribution. The birdbath alone provided satisfaction, and graces the trail in a subtle manner that contributes to the garden experience.

Other birdbaths are found throughout the garden, including the Manzanita section, Meadow, Porter Trail, and the Pritchett Trail. Some birdbaths feature plaques, which detract from their appearance.

Guidelines Memorial Guideline 1: Evaluate memorials placed since the period of significance such as the Pritzlaff bench. Establish criteria for meaningful personal contributions to the garden, and allow limited memorials to remain based upon this merit system.

Memorial Guideline 2: Memorials shall contribute to the natural appearance of the garden, and not detract from its natural quality. This may include inscriptions that are small, and placed such that they may be discovered with effort.

Memorial Guideline 3: The Garden can determine memorial opportunities that fit with the current strategic plan and goals. Means other than plaques and signage must be established to acknowledge these contributions.

Treatment Memorial Treatment: Create a beautiful and inspiring Memorial Garden outside of the historic boundaries. (add link to map.) All non-contributing plaques, pavers and other memorials may be moved to this Memorial Garden.

Signage The identity, directional, warning and interpretive signage creates a chaotic appearance in the Garden. The signage, in many styles and using many fonts, is made of all variety of materials including wood, plastic and metal. Plant identification labels and tags take different forms, and often are hard to match to the plant they are meant to identify.

During the period of significance, identity and directional signage was kept to a minimum, composed of hand carved wood with charming details: “The trail signboards are hand-carved and painted in colors. A brown-robed padre, staff in hand, points the way to the Mission Falls trail, while a little white sailboat entices one to a sea voyage down a path that shows a clear view of the ocean as one enter the Island Community. (Ervanna Bowen Bissell, Associate Director, Blaksley Botanic Garden, Museums, May 1930)

Interpretive signage was limited to plant labels and reference materials: ”The plant material in the Blaksley Garden is clearly and definitely labeled. For most specimens a 3 by 6 inch metal strip, painted green and supported by an iron rod, is used. On the green surface in black letters are the plant’s Latin name and the English one (common in its locality), the family name and the part of the west from which it comes. If a visitor desires detailed information it may be found in reference books housed in a weather- proof bookcase under an oak tree.”

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The importance of the native people and the mission period has been interpreted through time, but the development of the Garden has not been represented. The founding and evolution of this beautiful site as a Botanic Garden, and the people driving it, can be presented as an entertaining, as well as educational, story with lessons that are relevant for today. The Garden’s history also presents the Santa Barbara region in a positive light, as this history includes nationally prominent ecologists, botanists, educators, artists, and designers and more. This information can help staff, volunteers and visitors to better understand and appreciate all the Garden has to offer. “The more you know, the more you see” applies to culture, as well as to nature.

The entry sign in the 1940’s was rustic, with painted hand-carved lettering. (Josef Muench)

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The low profile of this 1948 carved wood trail signage makes it visually compatible. (Walter Douglas, 1948)

Guidelines Signage Guideline 1: The design and materials of the identity and directional signage within the historic garden boundary must be compatible with the signage from the period of significance.

Signage Guideline 2: The Identity and directional signage located outside of the historic boundaries should be distinctly different from historic signage. This will help the visitor intuitively know when they have entered the newer portions of the Garden.

Signage Guideline 3: Interpretation should anticipate more modern and updateable forms of communication that does not rely upon signage, such as the Garden’s website, touchscreens in the future library visitor center or existing historic Kiosk, and smart phone applications. Until this is practical for the Garden, inspiration can be taken from the historical approach of providing more information in reference materials in a centralized location.

Treatment Signage Treatment 1: Preserve identity and directional signage from the period of significance.

Signage Treatment 2: Restore missing identity and directional signage that existed at the end of the period of significance. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 47 of 114

Signage Treatment 3: Remove interpretive signage in the historic portion of the garden and replace it over time with subordinate means of interpretation.

Signage Treatment 4: Rehabilitate interpretative elements within the kiosk to maximize the amount of interpretation that can occur in this sheltered location. Visually compatible forms of new technologies should be explored.

Signage Treatment 5: Include interpretive programs on the Garden’s website, and provide a form (electronic or hard copies) of this information to visitors to the Garden. Examples include photos and background for historic features so they may be seen and understood onsite, as well as photos of plants that are currently in bloom, with tips for identification.

Signage Treatment 6: Prepare a modern interpretive plan to include significant cultural events and the people behind them.

Public Art The garden and its plantings are a work of art, as described by the daughter of Anna Dorinda Blaksley Bliss: “The cause of Art can be served to an appreciable degree by this Botanic Garden which can forcibly demonstrate the importance of design in landscaping: the suitability of this or that colour and texture in the planting of differing localities: the inappropriateness of exotics and the desirability of using native material. In other words, that imponderable we call “taste”, will improve, and with it, the standard of gardening throughout this whole region.” (Mrs. Robert Woods Bliss, September 1936, letter to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Board of Trustees)

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Conditional Use Permit and Development Plan, dated June 2010 specifically allows public art under these circumstances: “the Garden would periodically erect temporary installations, representing either seasonal displays or art exhibits. Seasonal displays would be in place for no more than 90 days and temporary art exhibits such as have occurred in the past would be in place for no more than two years. Temporary art exhibits would not exceed 1,200 square feet in size.” Temporary and reversible art exhibits are also supportable under the Secretary of the Interior’s guidelines for historic sites. However, other art forms must not detract from the beauty and mission of the Garden, therefore:

Guidelines Public Art Guideline 1: Public Art in the garden must be temporary and fully reversible.

Public Art Guideline 2: Public art should be planned for the less prominent and significant parts of the garden.

Public Art Guideline 3: Art should enhance the area in which it is created and respond to seasonality.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 48 of 114 Public Art Guideline 4: Just as landscape and planting design are art forms, and must honor the visual and spatial characteristics of the period of significance, so must public art.

Public Art Guideline 5: Honoring the visual and spatial relationships may include contrast. For example, the past ‘bugs’ exhibit altered the perception of the apparent scale of its setting.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 49 of 114 ARRIVAL AND ORIENTATION SECTOR

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, while composed of a series of inspiring and quintessentially central coast natural settings, is best known for the meadow. Located in the heart of the garden just off of the entrance, the meadow and foothill backdrop are the visitor’s first experience of the garden. The sublimity of this natural setting rarely exists in a botanic garden, and is the best introduction to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. (photo: Jack Wilkes, 1940’s)

The Garden’s Arrival and Orientation Sector includes the parking lot, entry steps, Blaksley boulder, Kiosk, pond, and the former service entry, now used as the main entry. The design of this area (as it existed towards the end of the Period of Significance) represented a one of a kind collaboration between Lockwood de Forest and Beatrix Farrand, two seminal landscape architects during the first half of the century, and reflected the interface of the vision and values that they each brought to the design.

The historic arrival experience, designed as a welcoming interweaving of the natural and manmade, heightened and intensified natural qualities, thus stimulating the visitor’s curiosity to experience more of the Garden. Broad welcoming native stone steps (with a carefully considered riser tread relationship), centers the visitor upon a view to an impressive boulder, offset by a peek to an information kiosk beyond to the right. After descending the stairs, the visitor’s eye may sweep to the right to take in the broad open

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 50 of 114 expanse of the meadow flanked by oak trees (see photo above), framing the most dramatic rock outcrops existing along the coastal foothills of Santa Barbara County.

Stone entry steps just after construction. Blaksley Boulder (1948, Lawrence Westbury) (1954, Vincent J. Mandese)

More than any other part of the Garden, the arrival and orientation sector has been filled with incompatible new features, memorials and pathway materials. Fortunately, these recent efforts can be reversed over time using the “Secretary of the Interior’s Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes”, 1996 for standards.

Guidelines and Treatment for the Arrival and Orientation Sector Most of the character-defining features in this sector remain in good condition and are eligible for Preservation. Impacts to this sector requiring Restoration and Rehabilitation result from additions or changes in materials. All of the character defining features described under ‘Garden-wide Guidelines and Treatment’: VIEWS, VEGETATION, CIRCULATION, STRUCTURES, SITE FURNISHINGS AND OBJECTS (including fences, benches, signage, and memorials) have been altered throughout this garden sector and require treatment to enhance and maintain the cultural integrity of the Garden’s landscape.

To guide the preservation, restoration and rehabilitation of this portion of the garden, the character defining features listed above, along with ORGANIZATIONAL ELEMENTS (Visual and Spatial Relationships), TOPOGRAPHY, AND WATER FEATURES, unique only to the Arrival and Orientation sector, are described in the following section. Design intention, expressed via the original plans, period photos and the words of the original designers serve as background and support for the proposed guidelines. These original materials are also reproduced here to guide the selection of the proposed treatments in this document, as well as for reference during implementation of the Cultural Landscape Master Plan over time. Please refer to the graphic treatment plan for the locations of the treatment recommendations that follow: Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 51 of 114

Organizational Elements (Visual and Spatial Relationships) Largely still intact in the form of the original topography and circulation routes, visual and spatial relationships were at the heart of design decisions in this garden sector. As noted previously in this plan, Beatrix Farrand reflects upon the importance of thoughtfully design circulation routes as permanent structure in this advice to the Garden, “A summer’s work on an allied institution has taught much in a renewed realization of the excellence of good design; the Olmsted plan for the Arnold Arboretum, made more than 60 years ago, has not needed change in any major line. In the plan for this Garden there should be considerable flexibility in the area outside the central plan, but service and circulation roads, public access and utilities should be placed permanently.” (Farrand Report to the Board of Trustees, December 20, 1946)

The organizational elements of this portion of the Garden began with the First Master Plan…. “The creation of parking space on the road should be accompanied by the opening of a new entrance to the Garden for pedestrians only, about 175 feet north of the present entrance, at a point on the County Road opposite the great boulder bearing the commemorative plate. This entrance, as visualized by the Committee, while accommodating those who park up the road, would at the same time add greatly to the dignity of the Garden approach and bring out at once the natural grandeur and beauty of the Garden setting.” (First Master Plan, March 1937)

….and continued with a collaborative effort between the Planning Committee and their two Landscape architect advisors. These advisors struggled to come into agreement over the form and feeling of the visual and spatial relationships. Beatrix Farrand advocated for formal organization featuring strong axis:

“A part of the survey will be a main north and south “base line”, which will run through the center of the library….It happens that the exact right angle taken through the center of the boulder comes out at a most opportune spot on the high road, and one likely to make a most attractive main entrance. This is a piece of good luck which none of us could have foreseen both” (Farrand to Mildred Bliss, March 9, 1943)

Yet, Lockwood de Forest felt quite strongly regarding the Garden’s informality: “The entrance of the garden from Mission Canyon Road, as suggested in the report submitted by Mrs. Thorne, Mr. Kellam and “self”, was conceived entirely as a way of leading the public the most direct and natural manner to the information center. This is undoubtedly what you have in mind and the word Axis just misled me. It suggests a straight path centered on the big boulder, which would act just like a train stop bumper to the eye.” (De Forest to Farrand, March 18, 1943)

“The botanic garden as originally conceived was planned in a naturalistic manner to keep it in the closest possible harmony with its setting. (I feel as badly as you do about much of the badly executed stone work). I have not complained too much over a little formal design around the new buildings, but after 6 months of intensive study of and living in natural terrains I have learned that: -- (1) The Axis definitely has no place in nature (2) Natural vistas have more appeal to the general public than any formal axis. (I base my premise on the opinions of the men in our Bn. which is composed of a cross-section from Kansas farmers to Hollywood interior decorators, movie directors and artists and designers.” (De Forest, March 18, 1943)

“I do not like the axis to the big boulder from the parking area. I again consider an axis out of place in our Botanic Garden which should be informal. I consider an axis ending in a large boulder unfortunate.

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Suggest an informal arrangement leading the eye to the information center to the north of the big boulder. Any visitor to the garden should be directed to the Information Center first and any entrance that makes the visitor hunt for the center does not function.”

“I did not complain overmuch when the buildings were rearranged to form the formal court in from of the Library because I was told this the formality would end at the gate and fence and be a self enclosed unit. I knew that such a plan could be laid in successfully with and not impinge too much on the informal charm of the rest of the Garden. I do feel that any continuance of this formality into the rest of the area is definitely bad and I want to register my disapproval.

In the end, Lockwood De Forest apparently compromised: “An approach (the main approach for foot visitors) to the Garden should be constructed from Mission Canyon Road by steps and ramps aimed directly at the boulder lying to the north of the library.” “It is thought desirable to suggest that the two walks centering on the boulder be emphasized, as it is thought they will be the main dramatic point of view for most visitors.” (Farrand/De Forest, December 22, 1943)

Two Walks centering on the Blaksley Boulder, (1945)

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 53 of 114 Dear Mr. de Forest, You will, I know, be rejoiced to hear that the Trustees at their meeting last Friday approved the main lines of the plan you and I worked over on the 22nd, at the Garden. While there is no likelihood of immediate construction, I think it will be as much a relief to your mind, as to mine, to know that certain things now seem fairly definitely settled. Among others, the need of a straight walk from the library gate to the boulder and a straight walk leading, with steps, to Mission Canyon Road. Tentative position on the path-road east side of the meadow was approved, and the parking space, also, tentatively approved, on the west side of the Mission Canyon Road, more or less, where we outlined it when we were working together at the Garden. (Beatrix Farrand to Lockwood de Forest, January 19, 1944)

Sketch Plan, Approved March 11, 1943, (George Miller, Surveyor, 1943)

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Amended Plan, Approved January 14, 1944, (Beatrix Farrand, 1944)

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 54 of 114 Organizational Elements (Visual and Spatial Relationship) Integrity Current impacts to the visual and spatial relationships in this sector include: • Relocation of the Visitor entry, once centered on the Blaksley Boulder, to the former service entry. • Construction of a new kiosk and amphitheatre seating located near the office and nursery buildings. • Placement of a variety of conspicuous fencing types where no fencing occurred during the Period of Significance. • Elimination of the ‘Indian Grave’ overlook with fencing. • Construction of ‘bump-outs’ in the Meadow along the pathways, and very minor changes to original pathways in the South Meadow and leading to the remnant of the Foothill Trail. • Loss of the two oak trees in the Meadow Terrace.

Organization Elements Guidelines and Treatment Guidelines A&O Organization Guideline 1: Restore the Visual and Spatial Relationships that occurred at the end of the Period of Significance. A&O Organization Guideline 2: Rehabilitate the entry by providing a means for greeting and assembling visitors compatible with the historic setting.

Treatment Visitor Entry A&O Organization Treatment 1: Preserve the steps, and Restore the entry to the location at the end of the Period of Significance. Restore the service entry to its original use. A&O Organization Treatment 2: Rehabilitate the entry to provide universal access with a subordinate ramp. New Kiosk and Amphitheatre A&O Organization Treatment 3: Restore the existing entry by removing the new kiosk.

Fencing A&O Organization Treatment 4: Rehabilitate the fencing per the Garden-wide Guidelines. Indian Grave A&O Organization Treatment 5: Restore the access to the Indian Grave overlook by moving the fence per the Garden-wide Guidelines and removing planting. Path Alignment A&O Organization Treatment 6: Restore the path alignment by the Foothill Trail and in the lower meadow. Minimize the bump-outs, and allow for space to serve as a turn out or rest area for wheelchair users. Oak Tree Loss A&O Organization Treatment 8: Restore original spatial relationships in the meadow by planting 2 new trees in their original locations flanking the west side of the meadow.

Views Views throughout the Garden are described and presented graphically in the Garden-wide discussion.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 55 of 114 View Integrity The view impacts specific to this sector include the proliferation of suburban homes on the adjacent slopes, and mature trees that affect the panoramic views to the foothill peaks. These trees include the Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) planted in the canyon just north of the meadow before 1936 and the Engelman Oak (Quercus engelmannii) planted on the east side of the meadow in the 1970’s.

Views Guidelines and Treatment Guidelines Refer to the General View guidelines that address the concerns in this sector. Treatment A&O View Treatment 1: Restore the original views from the entry steps by moving or removing the Engelmann Oak. If genetically suitable Quercus agrifolia cannot be found to replace the Meadow Oaks, transplant the Quercus engelmannii from the Meadow location as a replacement for one of the oak trees. A&O View Treatment 2: Restore the views to La Cumbre Peak by removing the Redwoods from the Redwood sector that now block these views. If feasible, use these trees to reconstruct the historic ‘Yosemite’ benches to replace those that have deteriorated.

Topography

(Topography of the Meadow as established by the Bissells, (Maunsell Van Rensselaer, 1940s)

Topography Integrity The topography of the Meadow still reflects the efforts and vision of the Bissells and appears completely natural. Since the time they supervised the grading efforts, resulting in the current form of

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 56 of 114 the Meadow and nearby areas, the most significant topographical change resulted from the creation of a parking lot, as described under the ‘A&O Sector Organizational Elements’.

These words from Beatrix Farrand reflect the efforts to understand and work with the existing topography during the final development of the Garden during the Period of Significance: “It was extremely lucky that a new survey was ordered, as the levels on the old one were most inaccurate, the trees wrongly placed, the big boulder shown nearly 10’ out of its proper position and the gardener’s cottage shown considerably smaller than its actual size. Also, the edge of the canyon wall was not correctly drawn.” Farrand to Mildred Bliss, December 27, 1941)

“In order to start structural design accurate information is needed regarding the topography of the area, therefore a survey has been authorized and is now being made of the portion into which the main plan must be integrated rather than imposed. Later a further survey will be needed for the rest of the property so that levels and boundaries may be accurately known. After the main design is made and tried on the ground to see if it will fit, and whether it needs alteration, the secondary plan may be made, but the heart plan is dominant and all roads and walks must be coordinated with the established lines and grades of the controlling design.” (Farrand Report to the Board of Trustees, December 20, 1946)

“Re-leveling and grading is thought necessary between the library gate and the boulder. This will mean a wall on the west side of this walk, keeping this portion of the Desert Section at its present level, and dropping the new walk-road to a level which will run smoothly in outline from the library to the boulder. There is now a rise in ground in this section which must be re-graded. The covering of this walk leading to the boulder is to be of red gravel or flagstone paving.” (Farrand/deForest, December 22, 1943)

Topography Guidelines A&O Topography Guideline: New development must be subordinate to or compatible with the existing topography.

Vegetation As noted in the Garden-wide Guidelines, the planting in the Garden responded to varying goals and opportunities to evolve and change over time. Goals remained consistent for the meadow however, to create a low growing, flowering meadow as a foreground to vistas. Photos of meadow changes over time, captioned by the words from the Garden, illustrate these changes on the following pages.

(refer to the ‘Meadow Planting Over Time)

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Poppies as a foreground to a Coreopsis planted meadow, (1946) Wildflower displays such as this one drew thousands of visitors in the past. Early guidance includes: “Immediately beyond lies one of the outstanding features of the Garden, the great meadow leading the eye up to the mountains beyond. This feature should be maintained. The planting of the meadow to Bermuda and other grasses, however, seems to the Committee not in harmony with the purposes of the Garden, and further, to keep in good condition entails considerable expense for labor and water. The Committee recommends a study be made of low growing native ground-covers, to find a substitute, not necessarily of a single species, which will remain green the year round, with the object of obtaining the appearance of a mountain meadow rather than that of a lawn.” (First Master Plan, March 1937)

“Eliminate Bermuda grass meadow. Replace temporarily with wild flowers (annuals and perennials). Should this experiment prove successful and not too costly in time involved for maintenance of wild flowers, it might be desirable to make this a permanent feature; otherwise the area could be planted to native strawberries. If the present parking space is eliminated and the new entrance developed, the wild flower area should be extended to the south increasing the length of the north and south axis which would tend to accentuate the view of La Cumbre Peak in the background.” (Farrand/ deForest, March 12, 1939)

“Remove Sages to less frequented location and replace with shrubs and plants likely to be attractive and less unornamental throughout the year. Suggest planting of Brodiaeas in variety around the Meadow.” (October 28, 1943, Frederick B. Kellam, Committee Chairman)

“The Committee makes the following recommendation with regard to the Meadow. To simplify its upkeep and at the same time to accentuate the view of the mountains, it is recommended that the Meadow be enlarged both in

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 58 of 114 breadth and length and that the plantations on its borders be restricted to somewhat narrow groups of shrubs and perennials perhaps 10 feet to 12 feet in width in order to allow ample open space in the center of the Meadow.” (Thorne, Farrand, de Forest, Kellam, February 28, 1944 and January 31, 1944)

View south to the ocean over a strawberry planted meadow, (1944 photo)

View south to the ocean over a Coreopsis planted meadow, described as too tall in an annual report. (1947 photo)

“several critical observers, studying the meadow as a part of the general Garden design, concluded that the plants were too tall for a large open area of this kind.” (SBBG Annual Report, 1946)

These suggestions for planting may prove useful when planning future displays in this sector:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 59 of 114 “The space bordering the meadow to the East out to the County Road and to the West to the edge of the Canyon, should be used for the display of California material suitable for domestic garden use and material in process of demonstration. Along the East line near the County Road there should be several groups of tall trees spaced irregularly, from 100 to 200 feet between each group. These trees and those similarly recommended for the Island Section are for the purpose of tieing together the Garden Area and the Hillside Area beyond.” (First Master Plan, March 1937)

“Perhaps the main foot path approach might be decorated with typical and lovely California plants. Plantations should be planned to be of interest at different seasons of the year so that after the spring glory of the Meadow is over there will be other sections of the Garden which can be easily reached.” (Beatrix Farrand Notes, November 18, 1946)

“Line of Rhus ovata making hedge of public roadside and plantation in boulder studded bank east of parking space.” Try to find space for small groups of materials suited for hedging – special planting. Possibly near the parking space. (Farrand Suggestions, April 6th, 1950)

“The boulder wall on the east of the parking space if possible to be built dry with pockets for planting. The top line of large boulders to act as a warning barrier on the County Road.” (Farrand, de Forest, Bullard and Van Rensselaer conference, January 20, 1948)

The following wise advise regarding neighborhood concerns about vegetation loss and change maintains relevance today: “The new parking space and entrance, wherever placed, will entail destruction of present plant material, but this should be recognized as inevitable and the friends of the Garden told why such a drastic move is necessary. If the public can be kept informed and told of the plans for the future, much misunderstanding and criticism will be forestalled. (Beatrix Farrand Notes, November 18, 1946)

Trees The first Master Plan requires that the meadow area remain open: The Committee’s recommendation is that this section be used much as at present for the assembling of plants, shrubs and small trees INDIGENOUS TO CALIFORNIA and for the display of California material which may be in process of demonstration or experimentation for domestic use. As the work grows, more and more space will be required for this feature and the Committee recommends that the planting of large trees, except where required for landscape or ornamental effect, be discontinued in this area.” (First Master Plan, March 1937)

Precedence exists for tree removal if necessary to achieve design goals and maintain views: “There are two (possibly three) Monterey pines near this point (note: north end of the meadow) which are becoming so large as to cut the sweep of the view northward. They should be removed.” (First Master Plan, March 1937)

“Should the Giant Sequoia on the west edge of the Meadow and the Douglas Fir at the Blaksley Boulder be removed? If so, when? One year, 5 years, or 10 years from now?” (Planning Committee, December 1943)

Vegetation Integrity While planting in the meadow traditionally changed over time, the current meadow planting schemes have become much more varied and complicated.

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Vegetation Guidelines A&O Vegetation Guideline 1: Preserve and protect the existing specimen Oak trees noted by the designers during the period of significance. A&O Vegetation Guideline 1: Restore the original form of the planting in the meadow to be low growing, ‘meadowlike’ and fairly uniform.

Water Features

Desert plantings originally surrounded the pond when it was first completed, (1928)

Created early in the development of the Garden by the Bissells, the pond and waterfall still exist in good condition. A small water-filled basin, designed to serve butterflies and wildlife, exists along the east side of the meadow.

Additional water features existed previously in the garden, yet were eliminated at the advice of the Committee:

“The pool at the upper end of the Meadow should be eliminated. It is recommended that when possible the other pools be removed from their present positions and placed in low ground rather than the higher levels, and that they be installed only after full provision has been made for water supply and drainage.” (Thorne, Farrand, de Forest, Kellam, February 28, 1944 and January 31, 1944)

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Later, the Desert Section was decreased in size with the area shown in the photo noted as ‘Chaparral’. This photo reveals water plants in the pond, with St. Catherine’s Lace, other Eriogonums and Fuchsia-flowering Gooseberry around the pond, (1945)

Water Feature Integrity A water feature on the south side of the kiosk competes with the historic water feature to the north of the kiosk. Water Feature Guidelines and Treatment Guideline A&O Feature Guideline 1: Water features from the period of significance shall be preserved. Treatment A&O Feature Treatment 1: Restore the integrity of the Kiosk setting and the existing pond by removing the competing pond.

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The original driveway to the interior parking lot, prior to construction of the entry and parking lot. (1940s)

Circulation features, such as paths, provide the foundation of the organization of the entire Garden, thus discussions on this topic occur throughout this CLMP. Pathway routes can be found under ‘Organizational Elements’ in this report section, and pathway materials are included under ‘Circulation’ in the Garden-wide Guidelines.

The parking lot maintains the original form and materials from the time it was constructed. Mention was often made of creating rock lined planted triangular areas in front of cars, including this recommendation: “The zig zags in the parking space to be made of small boulders in order to give triangular planting spaces. If cut stone is used for these zig-zags, it should be “planted out” as cut stone will look over formal.” (Beatrix Farrand and others, 1950)

At this time, evidence that the stone lined zig zags were ever created does not exist.

Circulation Integrity Paths remain mostly intact, yet in most instances the paving materials have been modernized.

Circulation Guidelines and Treatment A&O Circulation Guideline 1: Rehabilitate the paving in the Arrival and Orientation Sector to its historic appearance, while providing a reliable, all weather and universally accessible path of travel.

A&O Circulation Treatment 1: Restore the original form of the parking lot by planting the triangular spaces in front of the parking spaces. If evidence is found that rocks once were placed to protect these planting beds, restore this material as well. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 63 of 114

Refer to the ‘Organizational Elements’ in this report section, or under ‘Circulation’ in the Garden-wide Guidelines for additional Guidelines and Treatment.

Structures, Site Furnishings And Objects Originally, and consistently throughout time, the Garden emphasizes the display of plants in a natural appearing setting as the primary mission. Structures, site furnishings and objects were in service and subordinate to this central mission of the Garden. “… an exhibition garden: its aim is to grow attractive plants native to the Pacific Shore; its plan is to set these plants in communities, artistically arranged; its object is to show the beauty of native plants and their adaptability for use in private gardens…” (Ervanna Bowen Bissell, 1930)

Please refer to the Mission Statements found in the SBBG’s annual reports over time in this CLMP for broader context. As an example of the importance of vegetation and views over site furnishings and objects, ‘editing’ of these items occured such that they became subordinate to the natural setting: “It has been suggested that the sundial at the south end of the Meadow be moved to a less conspicuous place. (Planning Committee, December 1943)

Sundial at the south end of the meadow. (1940s) Meadow after sundial removal.(Hugh Dearing, 1950)

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The sundial at the upper end of the meadow did not interfere with views, and still exists. (1945)

Kiosk “The Committee was asked to consider a location for the Kiosk it is proposed to build for the display of information on material and points of interest in the Garden. It recommends a site about 35 feet N.W. of the great commemorative boulder, as shown on Plat No. 2.

The southeast side of the kiosk remains relatively unaltered and is sensitively placed in the landscape. (1938)

A proposed plan accompanies this report. Inside, the upper half of the four panels covered by glass doors, to be used for the display of changing collections of flowers, leaves, cones, etc., and as bulleting boards for printed matter about Garden material and activities.” (First Master Plan, 1937)

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Lockwood De Forest Plan for the kiosk.

Display case inside the kiosk, (1938)

“The value of the Information Center has exceeded the expectations of those who conceived and planned it. It’s unusual design and attractive setting are commented upon by all discerning visitors. The colored map of the Garden on the center table not only attracts great interest because of its artistic design but serves to orient the visitor immediately and to indicate in a general way what the Garden contains as well as the positions of the various plant communities. The map is laid out in designated squares, the sides of which represent and actual distance of about 60 feet in the Garden.” (SBMNH Annual Report, 1938)

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First center table garden map exhibit prepared by Campbell Grant (born 1909) known as an illustrator, painter and printmaker, Disney story director and animator, Cate School art teacher, and long time volunteer at the SBBG.

Structures, Site Furnishings and Objects Integrity The historic integrity of this sector suffers from many reversible additions and changes in structures, site furnishings and objects. In addition to the fencing, randomly sited benches, memorials and plaques, and other signage addressed in the Garden-wide Guidelines, the A&O sector features additional conspicuous incompatible infrastructure and new site furnishings.

Construction of additions around the Kiosk include attached storage, a new pond, benches, paving, and an orchid railing art piece that affect the integrity of the kiosk, as well as its setting.

Small structures clutter up the entry, including a new entry kiosk that detracts from the carefully considered placement of the Lockwood de Forest designed kiosk, as well as a remnant stone base for a sign case that replaced the original entry signage.

A restroom, vending machine enclosure, and amphitheatre also detract from the setting as originally designed to be simple, bold and composed of natural materials. Flags on poles are now needed to define the entrance for visitors, which was a service entrance at the end of the Period of Significance.

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The south side of the kiosk differs significantly from its original appearance shown here, with the addition of an attached shed and a pond., (1938, photo taken soon after construction)

Structures, Site Furnishings and Objects Treatment and Guidelines The orchid railing art piece falls under the guidelines for Public Art in the Garden-wide Guidelines.

A&O Structures Guideline 1: Preserve the site furnishings and objects present at the end of the period of significance, such as the sundial at the top of the meadow.

A&O Structures Guideline 2: Rehabilitate existing directional and interpretive signage with a program and design that is consistent and visually compatible in the historic core, yet unique from the non- historic portion of the garden.

A&O Structures Treatment 1: Restore the original entry by removing all non-contributing structures including the kiosk, amphitheatre, restrooms and vending machine enclosure. The restrooms may be accommodated in a subordinate manner, or as part of the new visitor center.

A&O Structures Treatment 2: Restore the Kiosk by removing the attached storage.

A&O Structures Treatment 3: Restore the Kiosk setting by removing the new pond to the south, benches, and incompatible modern concrete pavers, and reconstruct the original context.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 68 of 114 A&O Structures Treatment 4: Restore the historic appearance of the Garden by removing, moving or screening incompatible infrastructure such as security lighting and cameras, bollards and fire hydrants.

A&O Structures Treatment 5: Restore the historic appearance of the garden by placing and designing site furnishings, such as drinking fountains, trash cans, and lighting so as to not detract from the natural feeling of the setting.

A&O Structures Treatment 6: Restore signage at the historic entry by removing the remnant stone base and reconstructing signage compatible with the original entry signage.

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Built in 1926, the Arroyo Trail was one of the first trails in the Garden (photo by Richard T. Taylor, undated).

While the design of the Arroyo Section was not complete by 1950, the overall topography, trail routes and naturalistic themes were established:

Drainage

“Between the Island and Chaparral Sections lies the Arroyo, a narrow strip through which runs the drainage water of the Garden. This ribbon should continue to be used as at present for California water loving plants.” (SBBG Advisory Committee, March 1937)

Maintenance and Access

“The Committee recommends widening the path called Arroyo Trail leading S.W. from the present parking area, so that a service truck may be used over it. The path leading North is already sufficiently wide and the recommended change will permit truck service throughout the length of the Garden Area. The committee believes this to be essential to economic administration.” (March 1937, First Master Plan)

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Campbell Grant’s 1939 illustrative map shows the Arroyo Section’s original trail layout, which formed the foundation of the section. (map by Campbell Grant, 1939)

A 1963 guide map shows the Arroyo Section’s trail layout with the 1950 parking lot addition. The overall trail alignments remained intact with graceful adjustments made in response to the parking lot construction. (note: the map is upside down for comparison purposes) (map from SBBG Archive, 1963)

“In 1939, a Dudelya section was added to a sunny bank, the dripping rock was created and a maintenance road was constructed.” (Mary Carroll, 2003)

“Stream

“A living stream of greater proportions would enhance the attractiveness of the Garden. This would necessitate a pump and return pipe so that the same water could be used again and again. Perhaps the Arroyo would be the most advantageous location.” (Planning Committee, December 1943)

The above original sources provide guidance for assessing the Arroyo’s integrity, and framing it’s treatments and guidelines.

Topography Integrity The construction of decks, retaining walls and bridges alter the topography from the Period of Significance.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 71 of 114 Topography Guidelines Arroyo Topography Guideline 1: New development must be subordinate to or compatible with the naturalistic topography from the period of significance. Topography Treatment Arroyo Topography Treatment 1: Restore the naturalistic topography from the period of significance by eliminating decks, retaining walls, and new bridges

Circulation Integrity Based upon historic maps and illustrations, changes and additions to the original graceful and naturalistic trail routes alter the alignments from the period of significance.

Circulation Guidelines Arroyo Circulation Guideline 1: New pathways must be graceful and compatible with historic trail routes. Circulation Treatment Arroyo Circulation Treatment 1: Restore the original trail routes by eliminating modern path additions.

Water Feature Integrity The dripping rock and ‘ribbon’ for California water loving plants remain from the period of significance. The concept for the recently added, naturalistic, recirculating water feature came about in the period of significance, therefore it may be found compatible with the Arroyo landscape.

Water Feature Guidelines Arroyo Water Feature Guideline 1: Preserve the dripping rock and ‘ribbon’ for California water loving plants from the period of significance.

Arroyo Water Feature Guideline 2: The recirculating water feature may remain.

Structures, Site Furnishings and Objects Integrity The addition of the Japanese Tea House and its associated fencing visually detract from the Arroyo’s naturalistic setting.

Structures, Site Furnishings and Objects Treatment Arroyo Structures Treatment 1: Restore the historic appearance of the Arroyo by relocating the Japanese Tea House and it’s associated fencing outside of the Garden’s historic core.

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The addition of modern pavers and the proliferation of various signage visually detract from the Arroyo’s naturalistic setting. (photo by VAI, 2012)

Per the ‘Guidelines and Treatment Throughout the Cultural Landscape’ (add link), trail routes from the period of significance will be preserved, pathway materials will be rehabilitated, and non-historic benches, interpretive signage and additional features will be removed over time and replaced with compatible signage.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 73 of 114 MANZANITA SECTOR

The Manzanita Section looking north towards the Cottage. (photo, undated)

The present Manzanita Section, initially the Chaparral section and later, the Ceanothus Section, runs along a ridge, south of the Cottage. As described by the Garden Committee in 1937:

“The Chaparral Section lying to the West of the Arroyo, the Committee recommends be continued within its present boundary and devoted to the planting of material usually found in the California Chaparral.” (First Master Plan, March 1937)

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The Manzanita sector retains its original, natural character. (photo, 1959)

Integrity • The remaining four wood benches were likely placed during the period of significance. • The Manzanita Sector maintains its integrity.

Treatment for the Manzanita Sector Manzanita Treatment 1: Preserve and where needed, restore the wood benches in the ‘Yosemite’ style.

Per the Garden-wide Guidelines, fencing will be made subordinate, and non-historic benches, interpretive signage and additional features including path lighting, will be removed.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 75 of 114 LIBRARY COURTYARD AND BUILDING SECTOR The Library and Building Sector includes the Cottage, Herbarium, Blaksley Library and Courtyard, North Wing, Lath Houses and Patio Display. This report assesses the cultural landscape. For further information on the treatment of existing and future structures, refer to the 2008 Technical Report Historic Resources Assessment prepared by the Historic Resources Group for the 2009 Environmental Impact Report: the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Vital Mission Plan and the 2009 Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Historic Resources – Supplemental Report prepared by Kaplan Chen Kaplan.

Designed in collaboration by Beatrix Farrand and Lutah Maria Riggs, the library courtyard is the iconic space within the building sector.

The formal Lemonadeberry hedge, surrounding Catalina Cherry standards define the courtyard and frame the Library. (photo, 1950s)

Criteria for the site planning of the Library included:

“As the Library is the heart of any educational institution, it is obvious that the site for it must be in a key position. Also that it should be so placed that further expansion be possible. This building should house the present collections and should provide for an expansion of ten or more years. It should be a part of the working group, accessible to those engaged in the research work of the Garden, and yet somewhat removed from the interruptions of casual visitors. The site suggested seems to meet these various requirements and to fit into an ordered progression.” (Farrand, December 11, 1941)

The lemonadeberry hedge still provides structure for the courtyard. Other original ideas and goals for the Library landscape include:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 76 of 114 “Several native species are being tested experimentally in the semiformal planting around the new buildings. Lemonadeberry, Rhus integrifolia, has been planted as a formal hedge with a view to regular clipping; while two rows of Catalina Cherry, Prunus lyonii, are being trained as small formal trees of five-foot standards. Three climbers have been used to advantage, Clematis lasiantha, planted on the Library stone chimney, reached the top in one season; while the desert grape, Vitis girdiana, covered about half of the railing on the east side. A native honeysuckle, Lonicera subspicata, has grown successfully on the white fence at the entrance and as well as on the caretaker’s cottage. Forestiera neo-mexicana, Ceanothus impressus, Prunus lyonii and Rhus ovata hybrida are showing promise as trained wall shrubs…” (Farrand/Van Rensselaer, 1942)

“Beatrix felt strongly that rigid lines were needed to finish off the enclosure [of the courtyard] and give it cohesion, mirroring the lines of the buildings, and, after much discussion of walls and fences, settled on the hedge of lemonade berry.” (Mary Carroll, 2003)

In order to accommodate the placement of the library, the administrative cottage was moved to its present location. In recent years the landscape around the cottage became a home demonstration garden.

The administrative cottage after being relocated to its current location. (photo, 1944)

Integrity • The formal appearance of the courtyard has been diminished with the encroachment of nursery stock, furniture and garden equipment. • The Catalina Cherry standards have been removed.

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(photo, 1950s) (photo by VAI, 2012) The original courtyard garden consisted of a tidy ‘outdoor room’. The new uses have transformed it into a service area.

(photo, 1945) (photo by VAI, 2012) The simplicity of the original courtyard provided an attractive foreground for views from the library.

• The addition of the viewing decks and arbor along the canyon’s edge and their associated fencing and railings, visually detract from the sector’s setting and views.

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(Photo by VAI, 2012) Deck with arbor. (Photo by VAI, 2012) Non-naturalistic transition between the decking and planting areas.

Guidelines and Treatment for the Library Courtyard and Building Sector Guidelines LC&B Guideline 1: Rehabilitate the planting forms compatible with and inspired by the period of significance. LC&B Guideline 2: The placement of nursery stock for sale should be temporary. Carts and other equipment shall be placed in subordinate locations. LC&B Guideline 3: Make the decks subordinate by providing a naturalistic transition between decking and planting. Move railing to be made subordinate. Treatment LC&B Treatment 1: Restore canyon views by removing the arbor. LC&B Treatment 2: Replace the small trees on the east side of the courtyard. They may be rehabilitated with a new tree selection. LC&B Treatment 3: Replace lighting, if needed, with inconspicuous fixtures hidden in the landscape.

Per the Garden-wide Guidelines, pathway and courtyard materials will be rehabilitated. The interpretive signage and additional features including lighting, will be removed. Modern memorials will be removed or relocated to the future memorial garden.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 79 of 114 DESERT SECTOR

First named in 1926, the Desert Section was designed by Ervanna Bissel with input from Lockwood deForest, E.O. Orpet, and Peter Reidel. Note the original, granular paving. (photo, 1930s)

The Desert Section is located on the eastern rim of the canyon, south of the Blaksley Boulder. As Ervanna Bissell noted of the original design, the Desert Section contains:

“masses of gray rocks that form a bold background for mesquite and Palo Verde, clumps of flat and round-jointed opuntias, and decorative agaves… while desert wild-flowers and blooming cacti, in their seasons, give a colorful approach to the Garden.” (Ervanna Bissel, 1930)

The planting scheme continues today:

“The desert Section to be placed on the east side of the Canyon, over the top of the canon slope, and to extend westward as it is enlarged. The upper flat section of the desert planting to be placed immediately on a raised level. It is hoped that the attractive desert plants such as the parkinsonias, smoke trees, etc., may be planted on this upper conspicuous area, and that the cactus and opuntia tribe be placed on the steep hillside where they will be seen both from below in the canyon; from the opposite side of the canyon, and from the level above, on the east side of the canyon.” (Farrand/deForest, December 22, 1943)

Most of the non-native plantings have been removed:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 80 of 114 “… the Desert Section…. contains a considerable amount of non-California material which the committee feels should be eliminated.” (First Master Plan, March 1937)

Integrity • Views have been altered with the construction of hillside homes outside of the garden

(SBBG Archive, 1930s) (SBBG Archive, 1930s) Note the undeveloped backdrop compared to the intrusion of the ‘suburban hillside’ home.

• The Pritzlaff Bench recognizes the meaningful contributions of John Charles Pritlaff Jr. and is unique, yet naturalistic.

The Pritzlaff memorial bench recognizes John Charles Pritzlaff Jr., a garden trustee from 1991-2003. (VAI, 2012).

Guidelines and Treatment for the Desert Sector Per the Garden-wide Guidelines, vegetation that has developed over the years shall be maintained to screen the ‘new suburban’ hillside homes. The Pritzlaff Bench may be eligible to remain depending upon the memorial guidelines to be developed by the garden. Trail routes from the period of significance will be preserved, pathway materials will be rehabilitated, safety fencing will be made subordinate, and interpretive signage will be removed. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 81 of 114 MEADOW OAKS SECTOR

(photo, 1926)

(photo by Joseph Muench, 1944)

The meadow oaks were a prominent feature even before the garden was developed. After development, these oaks served as an important gathering space and provided a spatial definition for views of La Cumbre and Cathedral Peaks.

Early annual reports describe the quarry remnants in the Meadow Oaks as:

“Rocky mound under live oaks changed to a rock garden for shade loving plants.” (1929 Annual Report)

Ervanna Bissell describes her original design intent:

“ [A] rock garden for shade-loving plants. Weathered stone steps lead up to a level place from which one has a fine view of the canyon and the old Mission dam. Seats placed under the trees and beside the paths offer visitors a restful welcome.” (Ervanna Bissell, 1930)

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Framed view from the Mission Dam Overlook as noted by the Daughter of the American Revolution memorial plaque in 1931. (photo, 1939)

Historically, the Meadow Oaks provided a point of respite, with benches in the shade. Boulders, woodland plantings, and two unique oak trees defined the unplanted gathering space. (photo, undated)

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A 1943 approved sketch plan by George Miller shows the location of the lost oaks. Note the form of the gathering space under the trees. (sketch by George Miller, 1943)

Campbell Grant’s 1939 illustrative map shows the Meadow Oak’s with the inclusion of the Indian Grave overlook. (map by Campbell Grant, 1939)

Integrity The Meadow Oaks has suffered great change since the period of significance. Current impacts include: • Loss of two Oak trees flanking the west side of the meadow

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Historically, the unplanted gathering space was defined by two oak trees, which provided shade for respite and gathering. Note the multi-trunked and arching form of the tree in back, as well as the ‘Yosemite’ style bench. (photo, undated)

The higher grades around the trees result from the shale placement to support gatherings in the meadow oaks. This resulted in their eventual loss. (Gardens of Southern California, Melba Levick, 1990)

• Elimination of the ‘Indian Grave’ overlook with fencing • Elimination of the ‘Yosemite’ style redwood bench

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 85 of 114 Guidelines and Treatment for the Meadow Oaks Sector Guidelines Meadow Oaks Guideline 1: Replacement trees to be located based upon historical photography and the 1943 George Miller “Approved Sketch Plan.” Prior to selecting replacement trees, test the soils and provide appropriate treatment to support growth of replacement trees. If problems are present that cannot be treated and Coast Live Oaks will not be suitable, trees should be selected with similar form, size, texture, color and growth habits. Replacement trees must be selected for their character and form as seen in historical photography. One tree should be a larger, multi-trunked, with the potential for arching branches. The second tree should be a single trunk specimen. Size at planting should be as large as possible to restore the visual and spatial relationships more quickly. Treatment Meadow Oaks Treatment 1: Restore original spatial relationships in the meadow and meadow oaks by planting two new oak trees in their original locations flanking the west side of the meadow.

Meadow Oaks Treatment 2: Restore the original extent of the unplanted gathering space

Meadow Oaks Treatment 3: Restore the access to the Indian Grave overlook by moving the fence and removing the planting.

Meadow Oaks Treatment 4: Restore the ‘Yosemite’ style redwood bench at its historic location.

Per the Garden-wide Guidelines, trail routes from the period of significance will be restored, pathway materials will be rehabilitated, the Bissell Bench will be preserved and the DAR Mission Dam overlook sign will remain in place. Safety fencing and existing railings will be made subordinate, accommodated or replaced. The additional memorial, interpretive signage, and additional features will be removed or relocated.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 86 of 114 MEADOW VIEW SECTOR The Meadow View Sector is located northeast of the Meadow. During the period of significance, planting suggestions from the designers and Planning Committee remained consistent:

“A colony of gray foliage plants is suggested to run northeast from the meadow up toward the hills. It is thought that this gray planting will give perspective and added distance to this part of the Meadow. It is hoped that plants varying in tones of gray, from the slightly grayish Pinus Coulteri, to the almost white-leaved plants such as some of the salvias, may be used in fairly large groups. These plants to be set out where, botanically and horticulturally, they are likely to thrive and to be attractive.” (Farrand/deForest, December 22, 1943)

After the period of significance, landscape architect Ralph Cornell provided guidance for a new Home Demonstration Garden at this location. The garden staff guided the planting:

“…display various ornamental shrubs, ground cover plants, and a bed of flowering perennials and annuals. This is planned as a low maintenance garden and only species which have proved easy to grow will be used.” (SBBG Annual Report 1955)

The Home Demonstration Garden shown here in the 1950s, as designed by Ralph Cornell with plant selection done by SBBG staff, at the current Meadow View location. (photo, 1950s)

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A 1956 aerial shows the inclusion of the Home Demonstration Garden at the northeast corner of the Meadow. (Aerial from UCSB Map and Imagery Lab, 1956)

A 1963 Guide to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden shows the trail layout of the Home Demonstration Garden. (note: the map is upside down for comparison purposes) (photo, 1963)

Integrity

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 88 of 114 • While the planting goals of the Meadow View have evolved over time, the design intent from the period of significance can provide inspiration going forward. • The contributing Ralph Cornell pathways may be considered contributing as the design is greater than 50 years old, he is a significant designer, and the design is compatible with the period of significance.

Guidelines and Treatment for the Meadow View Sector Guidelines Meadow View Guideline 1: Rehabilitate the planting design and palette (gray leaved planting) as suggested by the designers of the period of significance. Treatment Meadow View Treatment 1: Restore the contributing Ralph Cornell trail by removing the recent trail additions.

Per the Garden-wide Guidelines, trail routes from the period of significance and contributing designers will be preserved, pathway materials will be rehabilitated, and the additional memorial will be relocated. The three non-historic stone benches will be made subordinate and removed at the end of their contract period.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 89 of 114 CANYON INTRODUCTION

The natural character of the canyon has been valued since the first planning efforts:

“The entire Canyon Area is of great natural beauty. By gradually increasing the Mission Canyon vegetation already found there and by improving the approaches, it should become a most attractive spot. All planting should be of Mission Canyon material and should be done in a naturalistic manner and all foreign material which has crept in over the years should be gradually eliminated. The general effect of the Canyon in its wild state should be the aim.” (First Master Plan, March 1937)

View from Dam Overlook to the Canyon (photo, 1942)

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1939 Trail Map showing the original Live Oak Trail, now referred to as the Woodland Trail. (map by Campbell Grant, 1939)

Located on the west-facing slope above the Indian Trail steps, the Woodland Trail Sector appears now much as it did when described in 1937:

“Beyond this triangular section the area takes on Canyon characteristics and is in fact the bed and East wall of Mission Creek above the Dam. Good trails have been laid out in this section but otherwise it is practically undeveloped; there has been but little planting. The Committee recommends the section be devoted to California canyon material generally (other than Mission Canyon). As has been recommended for the Canyon Area, the planting should be naturalistic and the appearance of the California mountain canyons in their wild state should be the aim. The section is more accessible than the Mission Canyon Section below the Dam and quite as beautiful in its setting.” (March 1937)

Integrity This sector has remained undeveloped and maintains a high degree of integrity.

Guidelines and Treatment for the Woodland Trail Sector Per Garden-wide Guidelines, the trails will be preserved.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 91 of 114 REDWOOD SECTOR

The Redwood Grove remains largely unchanged since the Period of Significance (photo, 1990).

Dr. Frederic E. Clements, renowned plant ecologist and first Garden director, was the first to propose a redwood planting in the Garden:

“Several new stations for acclimatization studies have been installed during the past two years. The most extensive of these is the Blaksley Botanic Garden at Santa Barbara. This is located in Mission Canyon where the stream has cut a deep gorge in an outlying ridge of the Santa Inez Range. The slopes are warm and frost-free, while the canyon is unique in having a perennial stream and a correspondingly marked cold-air drainage. The slopes are occupied by oak woodland and bunch-grass prairie, the rocky ridges by chaparral with a fringe of sagebrush, and the canyon by streamside trees such as Alnus, Platanus and Umbellularia. Since these are associates of Sequoia sempervirens, it seems probable that this community could be reconstructed in the gorge. This assumption later received strong support from the finding of fossil Sequoia in Pleistocene asphalt pools less than 15 miles distant at Carpinteria. Redwoods and associated shrubs have been planted and it is expected to develop the herbaceous layers as the shade increases. The lower portion of the canyon is devoted to a community group of Sequoia gigantea with its associates of the montane forest, while oakwoods, chaparral, sagebrush and prairie are being planted not only with species typical of them in California, but also with close relatives from other climates. These reconstructed and augmented communities are expected to contribute experimental results for building the foundation of paleo-ecology, as well as to yield direct values for acclimatization.” (Clements 1926-27)

Integrity Current impacts to this sector include: • Addition of rustic railing along the Indian steps. Often photographed throughout time, the Indian Steps are conspicuously located and important visually. The railing detracts significantly from the original visual and spatial relationships.

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(photo, undated) (photo, 1990) The original Indian Steps did not have a railing, but one has since been added.

• Addition of paved bump out and Wentink Bench (burned in fire) along the Indian Trail. • Removal of redwoods to restore views to La Cumbre and Cathedral Peaks from the Meadow.

Guidelines and Treatment for the Redwood Sector Guidelines Redwood Guideline 1: A Universal Access Plan should be included in the Garden’s Master Plan with a map designating trails according to level of accessibility. In this, the Indian Trail would be designated as a preferred route to the Indian Steps for less adventurous walkers. Treatment Redwood Treatment 1: Restore the Indian steps by removing the railing. A discrete safety warning sign may also be placed at the top of the steps in support of the Universal Access Plan.

Redwood Treatment 2: Rehabilitate the railing on the Indian Trail to be functional (continuous and smooth) and subordinate to the setting.

Redwood Treatment 3: Do not replace the Wentink bench, but incorporate the bump-out into the Universal Access Plan.

Redwood Treatment 4: Restore the Redwood grove by replacing the Redwoods removed to restore the views in the Arrival and Orientation Sector, when this occurs.

Per the Garden-wide Guidelines, the Indian Trail will be resurfaced, weather stations and solar panels will be screened or otherwise made subordinate to the setting. The Pittman benches are to be preserved.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 93 of 114 MISSION DAM SECTOR

Franciscan Fathers admiring water flow through their dam along Mission Creek, (photo, 1940)

The most significant cultural resource in this sector, the Mission Dam, existed prior to Garden ownership. Please refer to the period plan, “Pre-Garden History including the Age of Franciscans,” and text from the “Relief Model Showing Location Historic Water System” and the “Mission Waterworks System” archived exhibit, found in the Appendix for the sectors connections to the mission water system.

After garden ownership, early planning for the mission dam included:

“…the Dam itself, with a short movable bridge laid across the escape, would furnish a means of access to the Canyon floor. Should this be done a guide rail should be carried along the South edge of the Dam for the prevention of accidents.” (Helen S. Thorne, Lockwood de Forest, Frederick B. Kellam, March 1937, First Master Plan)

(photo, 1947) (photo, 1947) The photo on the left illustrates the floodgates in place and the bridge removed. The photo on the right illustrates the bridge that allows more direct access to the Canyon Section.

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Original fired red clay tile pavers, called ladrillos. (photo, February 1948)

Integrity • The movable bridge, from the Period of Significance, has been replaced with a more permanent bridge with a steel cable railing. • The guiderail was not constructed during the Period of Significance, but is just as necessary now as it was in 1937. The bridge and railings are now a continuous unit, and the new railing material is not visually compatible.

(photo, October 22, 1938) (photo by VAI, 2012) These photos illustrate the bridge’s change in character from the Period of Significance.

• The dam and original pavers remain. • Although overgrown, remnants of the aqueduct can still be found today.

Treatment for the Mission Dam Sector Mission Dam Treatment 1: Rehabilitate the bridge. The design the bridge shall take its inspiration from the historic images, while adding subordinate safety features such as netting on the railings.

Mission Dam Treatment 2: Rehabilitate the modern safety railings on the dam by providing a guide rail along the south edge of the dam. This railing shall be separate and distinct from the bridge, as well as subordinate to the setting.

Mission Dam Treatment 3: Preserve the dam and original pavers.

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Mission Dam Treatment 4: Preserve the original aqueduct by removing debris and plant growth to reveal its extent.

Per Garden-wide Guidelines, restore the sector’s visual character by moving the memorials and providing subordinate interpretive signage.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 96 of 114 CAMPBELL TRAIL SECTOR

The Campbell Trail and Bridge. (photo, undated)

The Campbell Trail sector includes the Campbell Bridge, the Campbell bench (see page 32 for a photo), an undevelopable steep hillside and the Campbell and Dell trails. The Campbell trail, completed in 1941 directly linked the woodland property on the west side of Mission Creek to the central part of the garden.

Integrity The character of the Campbell trail was altered by: • Addition of a railing to the steps from the Meadow Oaks to the Campbell Trail

(photo, June 14, 1935) (photo by VAI, 2011) Steps with and without railings.

• Boulders lining the path pushed aside • Replacement of the natural path surfaces with concrete pavers

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(Photo, 1944) (Photo by VAI, 2012) During the Period of Significance, the Campbell Trail was naturalistic, incorporating boulders along the edge.

• Addition of a picnic area, with picnic tables and a boulder clad drinking fountain

Treatment for the Campbell Trail Sector Campbell Trail Treatment 1: Restore the informal sandstone rocks and boulder borders along the paths. Campbell Trail Treatment 2: Restore the visual character of this sector by screening the picnic tables and drinking fountain to accommodate this modern use.

Per Garden-wide Guidelines, the fencing and railings in this sector will be moved or made subordinate and the trails will be resurfaced with a natural material incorporating the original boulders. The Campbell bench and Campbell Trail Memorial will be preserved. The memorial in the picnic area will be moved.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 98 of 114 ROCKY TRAIL SECTOR

This portion of the garden is very steep and as a result has not been developed beyond the trail shown on trail maps from the Period of Significance.

“The proposal of the Director that this area be devoted to trees and plants indigenous to Mission Canyon had the hearty approval of the Committee. An exception as to the extreme southern portion will be noted when the area is taken up in detail.” (First Master Plan, March 1937)

“Commencing at the south boundary, the first 200 feet (approximately) to be given over to an extension of Island Section which will swing around from East side of and across South end of Garden. This for accommodation of Island material for which Canyon conditions and soil are required. The planting of Italian Cypress as a screen along the South boundary line not being California material might well be replaced by screen planting of Island shrubs or trees.” (First Master Plan, March 1937)

The Holbrook Bench (designed by John Pitman), although put in place in 1974, is a contributing feature (photo, 1974).

Integrity • The original trail system still exists. • A water tank was added to the south outside of this sector, and can be seen from the trail.

Treatment for the Rocky Trail Sector Rocky Trail Treatment 1: Restore the visual character of the sector by screening the water tank with California native plants.

Per Garden-wide Guidelines, accommodate the railings for safety, move the memorials and preserve the original trail routes.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 99 of 114 EASTON TRAIL SECTOR

This garden area was not developed during the period of significance, with the exception of a ten-foot wide service road off of Tunnel Road to allow vehicle access to the floor of the canyon.

Integrity

• Remnants of the original Mission aqueduct exist throughout this sector.

(photo, 1940) (photo, undated) The photo on the left shows the original aqueduct. The photo on the right shows the current conditions with the aqueduct silted in.

• The Easton Aqueduct trail was added in 1989, after the period of significance.

Guidelines and Treatment for the Easton Trail Sector Guideline Easton Trail Guideline 1: Future development must be compatible with the historic, natural character.

Treatment Easton Trail Treatment 1: Preserve the original aqueduct. Remove debris and plant growth to reveal its extent.

Per Garden-wide Guidelines, preserve the service road, which is the only original route in this sector. The incompatible stone bench is to be made subordinate and removed at the end of the contract period. Conspicuous plaques on benches are to be moved. The non-historic black chain link fence along Tunnel Road is to be screened.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 100 of 114 CANYON TRAIL SECTOR

Along Mission Creek, the massive Lassiter Boulder is a character-defining feature near the Canyon Trail (photo by Josef Muench , March 02, 1944).

The original intent for the Canyon Trail was to emphasize its natural beauty:

“The purchase of the land west of the creek greatly enlarges this section. The suggestion is made that at a point, say 200 feet south of the Campbell Bench, plants indigenous to Mission Canyon gradually give way to California Canyon plants generally. That advantage be taken of this for a more or less extensive planting of lilies and other bulbs considered suitable for such a locality.” (Frederick Kellam to Van Renssalaer, October 28, 1943)

Integrity • The Canyon Trail follows its original route and is composed of natural materials. • Non-historic memorial plaques detract from the natural setting.

Guidelines for the Canyon Trail Sector Canyon Trail Guideline 1: Future development, including benches, must be in character with the period of significance.

Per Garden-wide Guidelines, the memorial plaque will be moved.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 101 of 114 PRITCHETT TRAIL SECTOR

Pritchett Bench (photo by Josef Muench, 1941)

Background

Mrs. Pritchett commissioned the construction of the Pritchett Trail in honor of her husband, Mr. Henry S. Pritchett. She stipulated that Lockwood de Forest design the Pritchett trail and bench.

In his Report on Newly Purchased West Addition to the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens (1940), Lockwood suggested a loop that commenced at the Dam, and ended just north of the Campbell Bridge, where a seat could be placed.

“This is one of the most beautiful views in the entire Garden and gives a comprehensive picture of the original Mission Canyon Flora to which this particular area is devoted.” He also mentions a “very fine stand of Scrub Oak (Quercus dumosa), and the luxurious natural growth along the loop, so that no extra planting need be done at this time.”

"The trail begins at the Old Mission Dam, gently ascends an oak-covered slope to the site of the bench, and then returns through a chaparral thicket ('elfin forest') to Mission Creek, where it joins the Campbell Trail. The handsome bench, designed by Mr. de Forest and built of native sandstone, is placed on a commanding vantage point, from which a magnificent view of Mission Canyon, the Santa Ynez Mountains, and the ocean may be seen. The bench is fittingly inscribed with a quotation from the writings of Dr. Henry Smith Pritchett, ‘The way of truth is along the path of intellectual sincerity.’”(SBBG Annual Report, 1941)

This recommendation was for the ‘Island View’, located north of the Pritchett bench:

“A suggestion is needed for the development of an attractive observation point on the high flat near the northwest corner of the Garden. It has been suggested that a permanent bench be placed here in a small shelter.” (Memo for Planning Committee, Observation Points, Dec. 1943)

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 102 of 114 Illustrative map showing a portion of the Pritchett Trail that follows the ‘Old Aqueduct’ and the original ‘Island View’ overlook (circled in red). (map by Campbell Grant, 1939)

Materials

“On some of the bare banks, Mr. Van Rensselaer suggested the use of the little chaparral fence pinned to the bank, through which plants might eventually grow and over which plants set out on the upper bank might trail downward. Mrs. Farrand was most enthusiastic about this suggestion, and hope it can be carried out. “ (Pritchett Trail February 28, 1944)

“Additions to the permanent planting along the Pritchett Trail have been made possible by a gift from Mrs. Pritchett. Poles of Ceanothus megacarpus have been pinned horizontally to some of the steep banks in order to reduce erosion and to provide planting pockets for ferns, succulents, and other small perennials. The result has produced a pleasing rustic effect. Another small stone bridge has been placed across the ravine at the southern end of the Trail.”

Ceanothus pole wall along the Pritchett Trail (photo by Josef Muench, April, 1945)

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 103 of 114 Planting

The Pritchett trail is the northwest section described here:

“The remaining portion of the Mission land, i.e. that lying between the line of the old aqueduct and Tunnel Road, it is recommended be left in its natural state or utilized for trees and plants indigenous to the region, excepting that an area lying in the northwest portion be set aside to be utilized as the Chaparral Section and that eventually the planting of the present Chaparral Section be transferred thereto.” (Thorne, Farrand, de Forest, Kellam, February 28, 1944)

This sector is unique in that Beatrix Farrand and Lockwood de Forest also collaborated on planting:

“Dear Mr. de Forest,

How nice of you to have taken my “interloping” so amiably as to planting questions on the Prtichett Trail. There is something so comic in my making planting suggestions in this part of the world that it is entertaining to me.

It is a relief to know that you think continuing the flagstone at the seat is an improvement and you may be very sure that the scrub oak which both Mr. Van Rensselaer, you and I think a delightful plant will be kept in spite of the possible objections on the part of our victim.

You will also like to know that three colonies of lilium humboldtii have already been planted a year ago, these of course will be skimpy for the immediate moment until they establish themselves, but there are more seeds coming on and they can be used in fairly large quantities as soon as they tell Mr. Van Rensselaer whether or not they are pleased.

Perhaps it would not be amiss to use some of the shrubs that are likely to grow well and perhaps even over ground on the two approaches to the bank; personally I am very fond of the California elder and suggested its use as a nursery plant and also the possibility of adding some more Mountain Mahogany to some of the hill slope parts of the bank. The victim seemed very much pleased with the suggestions and as long as you do not feel that I have done other than try to help you and the Garden along I am well pleased.

The Ceanothus on the hills is blooming and beginning to be quite spectacular – Are you not going to be in this neighborhood sometime in the next month before we must start eastward and homeward?

With best regards and many thanks for your helpful assent. I am

Yours very sincerely,

Beatrix Farrand” (March 17, 1944)

Other plant suggestions were made by the Committee in 1943. “The Committee suggests a group of Sycamores in the space between the steps leading to the Pritchett Trail and the West end of the bridge.”(Kellam to Van Renssalaer, Oct. 28, 1943)

Improvements Over Time

Many improvements were made to the Pritchett trail in 1945.

“Improvement work on the Pritchett Trail has been continued throughout the year by me. Under the direction of Mr. de Forest…Along the upper trail, three places which command sweeping views of the surrounding countryside have been widened to accommodate rustic benches. Pockets of good soil have been established on the rock slide; these have been planted with colonies of Hummingbird’s Trumpet, Zauschneria californica and Western Peony (Paeonia californica). An attractive fern bed has been developed in a glen near the south end of the Trail and a sprinkling system installed for its maintenance. Over 1500 plants, representing some 30 species, have been transplanted from nearby canyons to the Trail bank during the year.” (SBBG Annual Report, 1945)

There was also extensive work done to grade and widen the trail:

“Additional improvements completed on Pritchett Trail not on February 1945 list Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 104 of 114 1. Sign moved to new entrance 2. Large stones moved in to widen first switchback and protect from wash. Oak log also used. 3. Small oak logs used to cut off old entrance from wooden bridge near Lassiter Rock. 4. Bed of approximately 300 Lilium Humboldtii planted in canon floor near where wooden steps were removed. 5. Trail from first switchback to clapper bridge widened and filled in to cover protruding stones of old aqueduct. 6. New switchback created between the two bridges. Several cubic yards of soil moved from bank to make a four foot fill. Easier grade and better approach to second bridge resulted. 7. Three foot wide fill added to trail below rock slide and protected with Cercocarpus branches. 8. Entire area from Cercocarpus branches to curved bridge widened, banks sloped back and new diversion ditches put in trail. 9. Several Lonicera subspicata and ferns planted on curved bridge to soften lines. 10. Heavy flat stones placed in wash beyond bench to widen crossing and divert water. 11. Two – five natural stone wall built on lower side of trail between wash and next turn. Result: wider trail, better grade and new diversion ditch made possible so this section of trail will not wash out during winter. 12. From “point of view thru canyon” to next bridge, trail widened, upper bank sloped to grade and natural stones colonized in bank. 13. Trail below bridge filled to depth of 4’-5’ at deepest point. New wall built below up to trail level. 14. Pile of cut stone by large boulder eliminated. 15. Boulders to dam – unnatural stone removed, some replaced with natural stone, trail widened at one point. 16. Trail below dam widened to truck width and curved across new concrete bridge. 17. Natural oak logs placed on edges of new bridge. 18. Approximately twenty loads (20 cubic yards) of shale and oil used as fill across bridge and to bring trail to proper grade. 19. Natural stone wall constructed just below dam where trail widens to truck width. 20. New diversion ditches created throughout the trail where needed. 21. Seeds of Stipa, Melica, Agrostis, Ribes, Venegasia and Thalictrum collected and planted in various locations. 22. New concrete bridge to wooden bridge near entrance – protruding rocks and concrete removed."

“After Lockwood died, Elizabeth de Forest carried on his work at Eva Pritchett’s request.” (SBBG Board Minutes, August 12, 1949)

“Beatrix provided funding for the installation of a natural bird bath along the trail in Eva Pritchett’s memory.” (SBBG Board Minutes, September 18, 1958).

Natural bird bath contributed by Beatrix Farrand to honor Eva Pritchett (photo by VAI, 2012).

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 105 of 114

Integrity

• The trail route and associated natural stone walls, bridges and other improvements exist and require ongoing maintenance. • The ‘Island View’ and access no longer exist. • Although overgrown, remnants of the aqueduct can still be found today. • The three rustic benches that Lockwood de Forest located, no longer exist.

(photo, undated) (photo by VAI, 2012) The photo on the left shows the ‘Yosemite’ style bench placed along the Pritchett Trail. It is likely the location for one of the rustic stone benches placed by Lockwood deForest. The photo on the right shows the same location with the bench burned after the Jesusita Fire.

• Views that inspired the trail placement have been revealed as a result of the Jesusita Fire.

Treatment for the Meadow Oaks Sector Pritchett Trail Treatment 1: Preserve and protect the Pritchett trail and associated improvements including the natural bird bath.

Pritchett Trail Treatment 2: Restore the ‘Island View’ trail spur and overlook.

Pritchett Trail Treatment 3: Preserve the original aqueduct by removing debris and plant growth to reveal its extent.

Pritchett Trail Treatment 4: Restore the rustic benches along the trail at original locations.

Pritchett Trail Treatment 5: Preserve the historic views by maintaining the vegetation.

Pritchett Trail Treatment 6: Restore the planting in spirit of the original designers.

Per Garden-wide Guidelines, preserve the Pritchett Bench and stone and restore the visual charcater from the ‘Island View’ observation point by screening the view to Tunnel Road. Remove Pam’s Bench.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 106 of 114 HILLSIDE INTRODUCTION

Located above Mission Canyon Road and below the open grassy area in this photo, the Hillside was once the ‘Forest Section.’ This forest planting began the process of displacing the olive groves, one of which can still be seen on the right in this photo, (photo, 1944).

The original concept for the portion of the garden east of Mission Canyon road included:

THE HILLSIDE AREA. “The Committee recommends that this area be devoted to the planting of the larger trees of California, and in effect become a California Arboretum. The very steep grade of the land for the greater part makes it unsuited to the display and care of plants and shrubs, but the hillside, grown to a forest of great trees with suitable trails throughout its length, should prove a natural setting for them and provide a feature of unusual interest.” (March 1937, First Master Plan)

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 107 of 114 OLIVE ORCHARD SECTOR

Olive Grove on Mission Canyon slope with the Blaksley Boulder to the Upper Right/ Southwest (photo, 1910s)

Pre-dating the garden development, this vernacular landscape remains as a remnant of an Olive Orchard with Mission Canyon Road at its base.

This recommendation was made regarding the entire Hillside area:

“Remove remaining olive trees on hillside and complete planting of native trees.” (Farrand/deForest, March 12, 1939)

However, the olives still remain in this sector only.

Containing the only olive trees remaining in the Garden, the Olive Orchard Sector boundary is defined by the Garden’s property line and the road, which was constructed in 1940.

This planting design suggestion, which also applies to the Meadow View sector, could serve as guidance for this sector:

“Gray Planting It has been suggested that a large triangular-shaped area in the northeast corner of the Garden, extending from the Meadow’s edge to the highest summit, be devoted to gray or grayish trees and shrubs.” (1943 Memoranda for the Planning Committee prepared by Farrand and deForest)

Integrity • The Olive Orchard remains unchanged from the period of significance. Therefore, it has a high level of integrity.

Guidelines and Treatment for the Olive Orchard Sector Guidelines Olive Orchard Guideline 1: The character of the existing viewshed must be maintained.

Treatment Two different treatments could be appropriate: Olive Orchard Treatment 1: Preserve the vernacular landscape by leaving the olive trees in place. Or

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 108 of 114 Olive Orchard Treatment 2: If the Garden prefers to convert the olive orchard to native planting, then rehabilitation may be appropriate. In order to maintain the visual and spatial relationships of the orchard, consider replanting in a grid with gray-leaved California native plants.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 109 of 114 PORTER TRAIL SECTOR

View across the Meadow to Porter Trail Slope ‘Forest Section’ (photo by Hugh Dearing, April, 22, 1944)

This sector was first planted in 1932 as the Forest Section and rededicated as the Porter Trail in 1960 to honor Mr. and Mrs. William S. Porter (see Period Plans 1926-1936, 1950-1973). Mr. Porter was a Board Trustee and President.

The trail systems that were planned in 1937 were built by 1960.

“A trail or road connected with the road over the adjoining property runs along the ridge for about two-thirds of the area and this trail should be extended to the Northerly boundary of the property. Another trail should be built about half way down the slope along the contour line and the two trails connected up and down the slope at intervals of 400 or 500 feet, the lower trail to be connected with the pedestrians’ entrance up the bank opposite the present entrance to the Garden.” (First Master Plan, March 1937)

The suggested planting along the Porter Trail Sector is described below:

The Hillside Area “The Committee’s recommendation is that this Western slope be planted to groups of California forest trees. There are already several groups of California conifers on the slope which appear to be thriving.” (March 1937, First Master Plan)

“The Committee makes no recommendation for the present use of the 7 ½ acres lying on the East slope other than to suggest it be left undeveloped until the planting of the West slope is completed. It is aware of course that the West 8 acres, or for that matter the entire 15 ½ acres, does not afford sufficient space for a representative collection of all of the hundred species of California forest trees, but it believes that an interesting collection can be assembled, first on the West slope and later on the East slope, if deemed advisable.” (First Master Plan, March 1937)

“It is assumed that as the new planting attains sufficient growth to cover the hillside the olive trees now on the slope will be removed.” (First Master Plan, March 1937)

“The committee appointed to review the report on the development of the Garden made in March 1937, is not yet ready to submit a formal report to the Board but in view of the approach of the planting season we feel the following informal suggestions may be of value to you. It will be understood that these suggestions may be modified by the Committee in its completed report or by the Board when acting upon it. They are here set out only with the thought that they may help you in your plans for plant material this Fall. Forest Section Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 110 of 114 Continue tree planting with groups of some of the following: Pinus torreyana Pinus sabiniana Pinus muricata Pinus attenuata Cupressus guadalupensis and other Cypress, Aesculus californica” (October 28, 1943, letter to Mr. Van Rensselaer)

View of the ‘Forest Section’ above the SBBG on the Eastern Slope (photo by Josef Muench, 1943)

Spectacular observation points define this sector and were important considerations during the Period of Significance.

“Views of the islands from the newly acquired ridge were particularly stunning: The view of the mountains, the deep valley between them and Mission Ridge, and the sea beyond is well worth the climb to the top of the olive grove.” (SBBG Annual Report 1933). “Observation Points A study should also be made of the two observation points in the forest Section with a view to their ultimate development.” (Planning Committee, December 1943)

Integrity • Views were lost due to vegetation growth.

(photo, 1959) (photo by VAI, 2011)

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 111 of 114 View from the Porter Trail to the ocean (note that current views are obscured by vegetation); the stone Dabney bench replaced the earlier wood bench.

• The Forest section was destroyed in the Coyote Fire of 1964 and not yet replaced. • The Porter Bench, memorial and trail were added in 1959, yet contribute to the cultural landscape.

Guidelines and Treatment for the Porter Trail / Forest Sector Guidelines Porter Trail Guideline 1: New development, here and in the Horticultural Services sector, must maintain the important historic views. Treatment Porter Trail Treatment 1: Restore the historic visual and spatial relationships within this sector by re-establishing tree plantings, while maintaining views. Porter Trail Treatment 2: Preserve the Porter Bench, memorial, trail and bird bath as contributing elements.

Per Garden-wide Guidelines, preserve the spectacular views of the mountains and sea. Move memorials and remove interpretive signage. The non-contributing stone bench and various features, such as the picnic table and hose bib, are to be made subordinate.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 112 of 114 HORTICULTURAL SERVICES SECTOR

1939 Illustrative map showing a portion of the Horticultural Services Sector (map by Campbell Grant, 1939)

The presence of an observation point is evidence of the importance of views from this sector, even though it has long been a service area for the Garden.

Integrity

• Facilities to support the early service yard have been added over the years. • Newly planned construction may be visible from the rest of the garden.

Guidelines for the Horticultural Sector

Horticultural Services Guideline 1: New construction and planting should not hinder important views from this sector.

Horticultural Services Guideline 2: New construction should be sensitively designed and screened to not affect the views from other areas of the Garden.

Horticultural Services Guideline 3: Because this area was not developed during the Period of Significance, this sector could be the receiver site for features to be moved, such as the memorials and the tea garden.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 113 of 114 Reference Material to support the Cultural Landscape Master Plan Overarching Principles and Treatments and Guidelines Text and Plans

The following material has been previously prepared and reviewed, and will be included in the final report as supporting documentation to the written text.

Land Acquisition Sector Plan (Overall) Period Plans Pre-Garden History including the Age of Franciscans 1926 - 1936: Breaking Ground and Period of Cultural Significance 1936 - 1950: Period of Cultural Significance 1950 - 1973 1973 - Present

Vision Plan 2012 Vision Plan 1939 Illustrative Plan

Viewsheds Historical View Photographs Viewshed Diagram

Aerial Imagery 1928 Aerial Photograph 1938 Aerial Photograph 1948 Aerial Photograph 1956 Aerial Photograph 1964 Aerial Photograph 1975 Aerial Photograph 2010 Aerial Photograph

March 2012 Existing Conditions

Tree Coverage 1928 Tree Coverage 1938 Tree Coverage 2010 Tree Coverage

Appendix A: Period Reference

Appendix B: Selected Correspondence, Board Minutes, and Other DocumentS

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Cultural Landscape Master Plan October 10, 2012 REVIEW DRAFT Guidelines and Treatment Page 114 of 114 Glossary

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Period of Significance: “The period of significance for the Historic Garden extends from 1926, when property in Mission Canyon was first acquired for the establishment of a botanic garden, to 1950, when Maunsell Van Rensselaer resigned as the Garden’s director. This timeframe includes the Garden’s initial conception and establishment in Mission Canyon, its design and development under director Elmer J. Bissell and his wife Ervanna Bowen Bissell (1926-1936), its continued development under director Maunsell Van Rensselaer, and the major planning and design contributions of Lockwood de Forest, Beatrix Farrand, and Lutah Maria Riggs.

The resignation of Maunsell Van Rensselaer in June of 1950 roughly coincided with Beatrix Farrand’s resignation from the Board of Directors in January of the same year. By that time, the Garden had grown to over fifty acres, the Lutah Maria Riggs Library had been built, and the 1943 Master Plan was completed. In addition, key elements of the Master Plan, including the parking area and entrance steps, had been constructed.” Santa Barbara Botanic(al- sic) Garden Vital Mission Plan, Final EIR, July 2009

Preservation Planning and the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes The preservation planning process for cultural landscapes involves: historical research; inventory and documentation of existing conditions; site analysis and evaluation of integrity and significance; development of a cultural landscape preservation approach and treatment plan; development of a cultural landscape management plan and management philosophy; development of a strategy for ongoing maintenance; and, preparation of a record of treatment and future research recommendations.

Cultural Landscape Treatments Preservation: is defined as the act or process of applying measures necessary to sustain the existing form, integrity, and materials of an historic property. Work, including preliminary measures to protect and stabilize the property, generally focuses upon the ongoing maintenance and repair of historic materials and features rather than extensive replacement and new construction. New exterior additions are not within the scope of this treatment; however, the limited and sensitive upgrading of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and other code-required work to make properties functional is appropriate within a preservation project. Standards for Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation: is defined as the act or process of making possible a compatible use for a property through repair, alterations, and additions while preserving those portions or features which convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values.

Restoration: is defined as the act or process of accurately depicting the form, features, and character of a property as it appeared at a particular period of time by means of the removal of features from other periods in its history and reconstruction of missing features from the restoration period. The limited and sensitive upgrading of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and other code-required work to make properties functional is appropriate within a restoration project.

Definitions Character-defining feature: a prominent or distinctive aspect, quality, or characteristic of a cultural landscape that contributes significantly to its physical character. Land use patterns, vegetation, furnishings, decorative details and materials may be such features.

Cultural landscape: a geographic area (including both cultural and natural resources and the wildlife or domestic animals therein), associated with a historic event, activity, or person or exhibiting other cultural or aesthetic values. There are four general types of cultural landscapes, not mutually exclusive: historic sites, historic designed landscapes, historic vernacular landscapes, and ethnographic landscapes.

Ethnographic landscape: a landscape containing a variety of natural and cultural resources that associated people define as heritage resources. Examples are contemporary settlements, sacred religious sites, and massive geological structures. Small plant communities, animals, subsistence and ceremonial grounds are often components

Feature: The smallest element(s) of a landscape that contributes to the significance and that can be the subject of a treatment intervention. Examples include a woodlot, hedge, lawn, specimen plant, allee, house, meadow or open field, fence, wall, earthwork, pond of pool, bollard, orchard or agricultural terrace.

Historic character: the sum of all visual aspects, features, materials, and spaces associated with a cultural landscape’s history, i.e. the original configuration together with losses and later changes. These qualities are often referred to as character-defining.

Historic designed landscape: a landscape that was consciously designed or laid out by a landscape architect, master gardener, architect, engineer, or horticulturist according to design principles, or an amateur gardener working in a recognized style or tradition. The landscape may be associated with a significant person, trend, or even in landscape architecture; or illustrate an important development in the theory and practice of landscape architecture. Aesthetic values play a significant role in designed landscapes. Examples include parks, campuses, and estates.

Historic vernacular landscape: a landscape that evolved through use by the people whose activities or occupancy shaped it. Through social or cultural attitudes of an individual, a family, or a community, the landscape reflects the physical, biological, and cultural character of everyday lives. Function plays a significant role in vernacular landscapes. This can be a farm complex or a district of historic farmsteads along a river valley. Examples include rural historic districts and agricultural landscapes.

Historic site: a landscape significant for its association with a historic event, activity or person. Examples include battlefields and presidential homes and properties.

Integrity: the authenticity of a property’s historic identity, evinced by the survival of physical characteristics that existed during the property’s historic or prehistoric period. The seven qualities of integrity as defined by the National Register Program are location, setting, feeling, association, design, workmanship, and materials.

Significance: the meaning or value ascribed to a cultural landscape based on the National Register criteria for evaluation. It normally stems from a combination of association and integrity. Treatment – work carried out to achieve a particular historic preservation goal.

Factors to Consider When Selecting An Appropriate Treatment for a Cultural Landscape Change and Continuity. For, in spite of a landscape’s constant change (or perhaps because of it), a property can still exhibit continuity of form, order, use, features, or materials. Preservation and rehabilitation treatments seek to secure and emphasize continuity while acknowledging change.

Relative Significance in History. A cultural landscape may be a significant resource as a rare survivor or the work of an important landscape architect, horticulturist or designer. It may be the site of an important event or activity, reflect cultural traditions, or other patterns of settlement or land use. This significance may be derived from local, regional, or national importance. Cultural landscapes may be listed in the National Register of Historic Places individually or as contributing features in a historic district. In some instances, cultural landscapes may be designated National Historic Landmarks by the Secretary of the Interior for their exceptional significance in American history.

Archaeological Resources These resources not only have historical value, but can also reveal significant information about a cultural landscape. The appropriate treatment of a cultural landscape includes the identification and preservation of significant archeological resources.

Management and Maintenance. Management strategies are long-term and comprehensive. They can be one of the means for implementing a landscape preservation plan. Maintenance tasks can be day-to-day, seasonal, or cyclical, as determined by management strategies. Although routine horticultural activities, such as mowing and weeding, or general grounds maintenance, such as re-laying pavement or curbs, may appear routine, such activities can cumulatively alter the character of a landscape. In contrast, well-conceived management and maintenance activities can sustain character and integrity over an extending period. Therefore, both the management and maintenance of cultural landscapes should be considered when selecting a treatment.

Interpretation. Interpretation can help in understanding and “reading” the landscape. The tools and techniques of interpretation can include guided walks, self-guided brochures, computer-aided tours, exhibits, and wayside stations. Interpretive goals should compliment treatment selection, reflection the landscape’s significance and historic character. A cultural landscape may possess varying levels of integrity or even differing periods of significance, both of which can result in a multi-faceted approach to interpretation. In some cases, interpretation and a sound interpretive strategy can inform decisions about how to treat a landscape.