The Ruth Bancroft Garden

My friends and I are into succulents lately, so we decided to visit Ruth Bancroft Garden on the free weekend. It was quite a drive.
When we arrive, there was a plant sale. We visit the nursery.

Then we decided to go for the self guided tour.
Here is a little history of Ruth Bancroft Garden. This site was part of a 400 acre walnut and pear farm dating to the 1880's. In 1939, Ruth married Philip Bancroft, Mrs. Bancroft was an avid gardener, she created this English style garden around the main house. In 1950's she became fascinated by succulents and began to collect them. Mrs. Bancroft is 107 today and still doing well.
This site has been open to public since 1992.

The first thing you see in the tour is the dramatic blue-gray Agave from Mexico. Huge isn't it :)

As you continue to tour, you see something look like palm, but they are actually yuccas.  This Yucca is native to Texas and north eastern Mexico. There is white flower blooming at this time.

Then we saw a flower coming out of another species of yucca. Spring is here!

This form of Yucca is aka Joshua tree

Then I saw many cactus adjacent to the fence which is kind of cute.

As we continue to walk the garden. I see beautiful path.

Then we follow the path to a protective covering area where Mrs. Bancroft planted this bed as one might an English borders. Rather than flowers, this grouping depends on plant form, texture, and foliage color to provide interest throughout the year.

Then you turn around and see the pond. Beautiful!

As you look up, you see Palms. Mrs. Bancroft doesn't like to trim the palms, therefore you see the skirts.

Then a docent pulled us aside and said you have to see this, it's blooming now. Well, it's a green flower called puya. It is indeed beautiful!

Toward the end, we see a plant called Euphorbia, it's also call Medusoid. or medusa.

You can see why ...

At the end of the tour, we came out more appreciated of succulents than ever. Purchased some on sale and went to Tiff's house for some propagating lesson :)