Capitol Park in Sacramento

Recently my husband and I visited Sacramento – he was attending a conference for therapists and psychologists, and I saw an opportunity for exploring winter gardens! We have passed Sacramento many times on our way up and down Interstate 5 between Southern California and Seattle to visit family and friends, but never stopped (our son did travel to the State Capitol with his fourth grade class many years ago)! The conference was held at a hotel within walking distance of Old Town on the Sacramento River, and near Capitol Park.

California State Capitol - palm trees grace the wide walking path,
characteristic of Victorian era (1837 - 1901) planting

Capitol Park covers 40 acres and spans 12 city blocks, providing a beautiful setting for the State Capitol building. Landscaping efforts began in 1870, four years before the Capitol’s completion. The land was graded, and enriched with river silt and soil. Eight hundred trees, shrubs, and flowers were planted, both native and non-native. Native plants were collected from each of the State’s 58 counties. Non-native plants were collected from climate zones all over the world. Many of the non-native trees thrive in Sacramento’s mild climate, over 100 years after planting.

 

Mature cedar trees

Grove of oak and magnolia trees 

 

I had heard about some of the beautiful heritage trees in Sacramento, while attending landscape horticulture classes at Merritt College in Oakland. It was a pleasure to see so many mature trees, such as olive, sequoia, redwood, magnolia, Deodar cedar, orange, palm, oak, bunya-bunya, and many others. I also enjoyed Capitol Park’s theme gardens, including the famous Camellia Grove; the World Peace Rose Garden; a Civil War Memorial Grove planted with trees from every major battle; and an oak and grinding stone tribute to California Native Indians. I definitely need to return for more exploration, possibly in another season to experience the landscape more fully. I'm encouraging my husband to register for a fall conference in Sacramento! Learn more: http://capitolmuseum.ca.gov/VirtualTour.aspx?Content1=1416&Content2=1414&Content3=508

 

Mature olive tree in Capitol Park