Eden By The Bay: McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Sunday, June 25, 2017

McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Garden

While on our way to Bend for the graduation, my husband and I stopped at the McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Garden, which is situated on the Sacramento River in Turtle Bay Exploration Park, located in Redding, California. Two years ago, we stopped to see the Sundial footbridge and the riparian forest in the same park (see Sundial Bridge in Redding).

Bridge Gate Entrance

Shady Oak Forest

The arboretum and botanical garden occupy 200 acres of land from which sand was quarried to build the Shasta Dam. From pictures, it looked like it was a wasteland afterward, but some forward-thinking folks planted trees and native plants and reclaimed the area. Now the arboretum supports a riparian forest of mature oaks that provide deep shade for its visitors.

Medicinal Garden

Chilean Garden, with Monkey Puzzle (Araucaria araucana) tree

The botanical garden is a series of "rooms", each with a different theme, interspersed throughout the arboretum along paths that wander in and out of sun and shade. Benches are everywhere and provide shady respite from the hot sun and bright light, and great views of the garden rooms.

Meadow

The main theme is Mediterranean, with gardens for each of the five zones: South Africa, Mediterranean, Chile, Australia, and California. Additional gardens include the Butterfly Garden, Children's Garden, Meadow, Sounds of Water, a wonderful native California Garden, and more.

Sounds of Water

California Coffeeberry

The plant collection is not extensive, but they have chosen wonderful examples for each region. The plants have room to grow and spread, and they thrive in the hot climate of Redding, tempered by proximity to the Sacramento River. Another feature is the presence of art throughout the garden. I enjoyed Earthstone by Colleen Barry, and the mosaic pyramids by ceramic artist Paul Rideout, both local artists. A mobile app and informative signage provide information.

Pyramid, by Paul Rideout

Earthstone, by Colleen Barry

I especially enjoyed the native plant garden with its healthy plants thriving in the Mediterranean microclimate; and the Chilean Garden, with its monkey puzzle tree and Chilean Palm tree. I also enjoyed the water garden, and its stone water structure and water ways, feeding several interconnected ponds where water plants, like lily, Iris, reeds, and grasses grow.

California Native Garden

I recommend this garden if you visit Redding, or just pass through on your way north or south. You can "do" most of the garden in an hour and a half (even pausing to relax under the shady oaks), but you might be tempted to linger longer. Be sure to look for the Italian Ice cart by the Bridge Gate Entrance for refreshment (we enjoyed the sugar-free cherry and pineapple on the day we visited).