Explore the Maloof Garden Map
Discover the Unique Zones and Plant Life of the Garden
The Maloof Garden is divided into eight distinct regions, each showcasing a different theme and selection of plants that reflect the Southern California climate. Use the map to explore these areas, and click on the region names to learn more about the specific plants, design features, and sustainable practices in each zone. Every path leads to a new discovery, offering insights into water-wise gardening and native plant conservation.
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Hidden Farm Road
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Northwest
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Southwest Entry
Residence Entry
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Discover the Regions of the Maloof Garden
Explore Unique Landscapes, Art, and Plantings in Each Zone
The Maloof Garden is divided into distinct regions, each thoughtfully designed to reflect Southern California's natural beauty and climate. Click on the region below to learn more about the unique plantings, artwork, and design elements that make each area special.
1. Northwest Entry
Northwest entry, 2006
Art:
Bull - Paul Hart
Plantings:
A mixture of ground-covering shrubs, perennial grasses, succulents and flowering perennials create an interesting and exciting introduction to the overall planting theme of the site.
A shrub screen creates a buffer between adjacent residential areas while emphasizing the dramatic view of Cucamonga Peak.
A "desert oasis" water feature above the Mexican Weeping Bamboo and Japanese Maple was created in 2007 to recreate the pond retreat that existed on the original site near the guest house and wood shop office. This also provides water for local wildlife.
2. Southwest Entry
Image capture
Art:
Corona Voyager – Dan Romero
Child – Larry White
Wall Plaque – Stan Bitters
Plantings:
The southern entry area, which extends from the south gate up past the new residence features some beautiful trees; Chitalpa tree “Pink Dawn”, Coast Live Oak, Weeping Acacia, Western Redbud, and Silk Tassel Trees. The south entry garden plantings include many varieties of agaves, manzanita, buckwheat, flowering oregano and sagebrush. Featured in this area are low-growing ground covering shrubs, perennial grasses, succulents, and flowering perennials, which create a mosaic of colors and textures providing an open view to the Lemon Grove (to the East) and the Orchard Garden (to the West). Large specimen Oaks and an English Walnut tree were part of the original grove on this property. Under the Oak at the entry is Evergreen Current, a good example of plants that can be grown under oak trees because they do not need water in the summer while the oaks are dormant.
3. Alluvial Terrace
View of new home looking south from the alluvial terrace, 2007
Art:
In front of the Education Center, Lady of Found Objects - Christine Wiseman
Entrance:
The Alluvial Terrace begins at the Education Center which was completed in May 2007. It was designed by Sam to showcase the work of other artists and craftspeople and to provide a place for demonstrations and lectures.
Plantings:
This area uses chaparral plants that require little water. These plantings are intended to remind us of the vast alluvial outwash fans that are typical of the region, and rapidly becoming endangered due to extensive housing development. Near the old house and Avocado grove, there is a pallet of mostly native slope plants. These tolerate summer water from the Avocado grove runoff and contrast with the rocks and rock lined catch basins and swales in this area.
Design:
In the upper area, local rocks were saved by Sam during construction and used for landscaping and drainage swales. Around the education center, the original terrain is recreated in pots. In the middle level, chaparral alternates with rock lined swales and catch basins. On the East is the Eucalyptus windrow with the natural arroyo beyond it. To the West is the Museum (old residence) which is buffered by a small Avocado grove.
There is a young Avocado grove between the Alluvial Terrace and Old Residence. This is reminiscent of the original site where the home was surrounded by tall old trees and mature Avocados. Because of this, Sam never saw the roof line until the residence was moved to this site. From the lower area Sam saw the roof line for the first time and said “It doesn’t look like a house, it looks like a village!” The Avocados will eventually grow to block the museum from view, re-establishing the historical cove
4. Meadow Garden (part of Lemon Grove)
Meadow garden, 2006
Art:
Tanko (the artist's cat) – Barbara Beretich
Plantings:
Within the Lemon grove is a mixture of grasses, sedges, rush and broadleaf plants, including yarrow. The area struggled to establish itself against predation by the rabbits it attracts. Another feature in the Meadow Garden is a specimen-quality Scrub Oak that was retained from the original grove. It is a natural cross between a native that grows at a higher elevation and another that grows at a lower elevation. On the East side, between the meadow and the deck is a Liquid Amber Maple. It was rescued from a crack in the concrete by Sam whose attention was taken by the brilliant color.
Design:
It was designed to ultimately achieve a mosaic pattern and add a feeling of motion within the grove area. The California sycamores located in this zone are the same species that are located in front of the historic Sycamore Inn restaurant on Foothill Boulevard. North of this location are Japanese maple trees growing on the south side of the new residence. These are trees that were grown from seeds in coffee cans by Sam and Alfreda. They are thriving in this microclimate.
5. Orchard Garden
Orchard garden, 2005
Art:
Kiosk – Sam Maloof
St. Francis and the Birds – John Reyes
Plantings:
This area includes relic Tangerines, as well as other fruit trees relocated from or reminiscent of the original site. The Fuji Persimmon tree, with its underplanting of Douglas Iris, was a personal favorite of Alfreda. It is a legacy tree moved from the original site. The area was replanted with trees from the original site to restore the pre-existing Tangerine groves. The color palette in this area is vibrant with bold hues of reds, oranges, yellows, bronze and deep purples.
The towering specimen Canary Island Date Palm and a Pindo palm, are legacy trees relocated from the original site, most are over 50 years old. An olive tree on the western side of the path was originally grown as a bonsai by Sam’s mother (started from seed). It is about 65 years old and is very happy to have been released from its pot.
The northern part of this zone is dedicated to fruit trees of the Mediterranean area, including many of Sam’s personal favorites such as fig, olive, pomegranate, apricot, loquat, apple and peach. This area features a kiosk designed by Sam with information for visitors about water-wise gardening. Visitors can enjoy resting on the benches under the Oaks. A redwood deck between the Oaks and Olive Tree is occasionally used for meetings and classes.
Frost:
This area has been repeatedly damaged by frost, cold air naturally flows down from the mountains and through this low-lying channel. This is an instructive example of the micro-climate factors that affect a garden. Hardier plants are being introduced into this area.
6. Lemon Grove
Native Irises from Beverly's garden, 2006
Art:
Lady with Birds – Dan Romero
Plantings:
A relic grove of very old Lemon trees and other relocated trees including Kumquat and Hachiya Persimmon, reminiscent of the original site. These lemon trees were grafted on grapefruit stock and the stronger grapefruit stock has taken over in a few cases. Bearded Iris in the Lemon Grove came from Beverly’s former residence in Riverside. The color palette is pastel and intended to complement the cool yellows and yellow greens of the Lemon trees. The predominant plant shape in this traditional perimeter border display is a round "ball" or "lemon". The South perimeter border screen consists of slope-adapted plants.
7. Arroyo
Looking up the arroyo, 2007
Plantings:
This area is not currently open for walking but may be viewed from several benches in the Woodland garden. It is the natural path down for rainwater and a popular route for native wildlife. A predominantly California native plant pallet in this natural arroyo makes this cooler habitat. A windrow of Eucalyptus that were part of the original lemon orchard on this site protect the Arroyo's environment.