NEXT MEETING IN VISTA, CALIFORNIA
SATURDAY, JULY 18th, 2015
GARDEN OF DR. MARDI AND CHERI DARIAN
Many members have heard of the famous garden of Mardi Darian and have dreamed of some day visiting it. Exactly five years ago the PSSC did visit his garden and over 250 people attended. Well, now you have another chance to see it. Dr. Darian and his wife Cherie have agreed to host our next meeting. Realize that this opportunity has rarely come along over many decades since he introduced so many rare palms to California. The date is Saturday, July 18th at 11:30 AM. Note that only members of the PSSC will be allowed entrance. Wives and children ten and older can attend with their family Member at no charge. But, if you have let your membership lapse, renew immediately. Or, if you are not a member, join now. This can be done at the gate to the Darian garden the morning of the meeting or on the Net.
A roster of active members will be checked on everyone entering the garden. My suspicion is that, because of Mardi's advancing age, this may be the last time we tour his garden. And, to help him maintain his garden (he's retired on very limited income) we are soliciting totally voluntary donations at the gate and in any amount you wish. This would be used for water and routine garden maintenance and given in its total amount directly to Mardi Darian at the meetings adjournment. It would be each individual's way to thank him for his contributions over the years.
History of the Garden: As many of you are aware, Mardi Darian has been one of the most prominent pioneers of the palms of Madagascar. He has studied them for many decades and has taken numerous trips to Madagascar. Through his persistence and extensive efforts, Mardi has introduced countless species of Malagasy palms into cultivation. Many of these rare species are now growing on his estate and can be seen in their mature form. For approximately fifty years Dr. Darian has been transforming his near ideal location in Vista into one of the premiere tropical palm gardens in the world. The garden's beginning dates back to 1963. Mardi began with 8 months of dynamite and excavation just to get the site right for his garden. At one point, his garden hosted 131 different genera of palms. Not only does this garden feature rare species from Madagascar, but many other genera from around the world can be viewed. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to tour this garden for free!
Date/Time: Saturday, July 18th, general meeting starting at 11:30 AM
Address: 990 Quail Trail Rd, Vista, CA 92081
Attendance Restrictions: As above, only members of the PSSC will be allowed entrance. Spouses are permitted. Children of members who are ten and older will be allowed entrance with mandatory parental guidance and supervision. Younger children and strollers are not allowed. Membership will be checked. No guests allowed other than above without membership. New members may join at the gate: one year membership is $40 by cash or check. Or, to join easily on the Internet, go to: http://palmssc.org/pssc-membership/
Other Restrictions/Requirements: Attendees must stay on the designated pathways. There will be no walking into the planted areas. Seed collection or cuttings are STRICTLY PROHIBITED. The house is off limits to attendees and cannot be entered. A Porta-Pottie will be outside the entrance gates. Please do not drop garbage or refuge in the garden. All members must exit the garden at the end of the meeting. Attendees must wear appropriate shoes for this tour as there are sloped areas and steps. Do not leave designated paths for viewing the garden. We are counting on the integrity of members to follow or enforce these rules of attendance.
Tours: Dr. Darian will be available for talking to Members. Also, plans are to have several guided tours during the meeting.
Meal: Note that there will be NO potluck or food served at this meeting. You should eat prior to your arrival.
Plant Auction: Only Desirable and Unusual Items Please! Members are encouraged to bring smaller palms or unusual plants in the one gallon to maximum five gallon size. An individual or entity is allowed to bring a MAXIMUM OF SIX PLANTS. Larger plants and larger numbers will be turned away at the gate.
Parking: There is limited parking on approaching streets to the estate. Attendees should park outside of the gate to the Darian garden or in any nearby location on the street.
Join the PSSC Right Now! Regular membership is $40 per year and this includes our famous Palm Journal mailed right to your door. Here is the link: http://palmssc.org/pssc-membership/
Itinerary:
10:00 AM; Board of Directors Meeting
11:30 AM: General Meeting begins, garden tours
2:00 PM: Introduction of our hosts, Mardi and Cherie Darian
2:15 PM: General meeting and plant auction
3:15 PM: Meeting adjournment
Directions:
From the West: Take Freeway 5 to Freeway 78 east. Exit at Mar Vista, turning right. Make an immediate left on Thibodo. Turn right on Rolling Hills Rd, then right on Quail Trail to the end of the road.
From the East: Take Freeway 15 to Freeway 78 west. Exit on Sycamore, following signs to Sycamore and turn left on Sycamore. Turn right on Thibodo, left on Rolling Hills Rd, right on Quail Trail.
Questions? Please address all questions to Phil Bergman, phone: 619 291 4605 or email phil@junglemusic.net
Event details
