PSSC Next Meeting, Garden of Mardi Darian, Saturday, July 18th

[Phil 96]

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

[Dypsisdean 855]

For those of you who may have missed this when it was first published several years ago - or for those unable to visit - here is a link to a Virtual 3D-360º Tour of Mardy Darian's garden.
Don't forget to explore around the property via the pathways by using the flashing embedded links.
http://www.palmpedia.net/Video/DarianRed/tour.html

[Hammer 640]

Good thing I renewed my membership! Looking forward to it Phil. Thanks for helping to organize.

[DoomsDave 6,286]

Hooray for Dr. Phil!

[BS Man about Palms 2,176]

I plan on being there again...

[DoomsDave 6,286]

Here's an example of the kind of Palm Mardy has at his place.

I also use it as my screen-saver . . . .

Dypsis manajarensis, mealy bug.

[DoomsDave 6,286]

Ravenea monticola.

[Josh-O 2,560]

Here's an example of the kind of Palm Mardy has at his place.

I also use it as my screen-saver . . . .

Dypsis manajarensis, mealy bug.

Dypsis manajarensis Mealy Bug (2).JPG

[Josh-O 2,560]

its gonna be a great meeting

[akamu 162]

Thanks Phil this going to be awesome

[Jeff Searle 955]

I flew out there for the first tour 5 years ago and it was awesome to say the least. I might try and do it again!

[BS Man about Palms 2,176]

I flew out there for the first tour 5 years ago and it was awesome to say the least. I might try and do it again!

Uprated accommodations can be provided here..

[Jeff Searle 955]

UGH!!! Just found out that my brother will be in Italy for two weeks and at the same dates as the tour. Therefore I will have to stay back at the nursery. With a combine age of 149 years between my other brother and Pops, I just can't leave them here together. Lol. I hate to come back and half the "farm" is gone!

But I thank you Len and Bill for the offers you made to me for your hospitality.

[Central Floridave 37]

Just missing this. I'll be staying in La Jolla July 23rd. What are the odds it gets rained out and pushed to the following weekend? LOL.

[BS Man about Palms 2,176]

UGH!!! Just found out that my brother will be in Italy for two weeks and at the same dates as the tour. Therefore I will have to stay back at the nursery. With a combine age of 149 years between my other brother and Pops, I just can't leave them here together. Lol. I hate to come back and half the "farm" is gone!

But I thank you Len and Bill for the offers you made to me for your hospitality.

Dang!!

[Phil 96]

Group,

Len Geiger and Bill Sanford will be assisting with tours.

Mardi will be there and available for discussions.

It'll be a great meeting.

Phil

[DoomsDave 6,286]

Yes!

[George Sparkman 251]

Group,

Len Geiger and Bill Sanford will be assisting with tours.

Mardi will be there and available for discussions.

It'll be a great meeting.

Phil

Just got back from Mardy's and it was a great meeting including a lot of free water which is great for us in Southern California.

Thanks to everyone that made this happen and special thanks to Mardy & Cherie !

[Phil 96]

Group,

I want to thank all of you who attended the meeting. It was an excellent meeting, what with the tropical rain,

the warm weather and lightning! This was totally unexpected. And, the garden, as always, was absolutely beautiful.

We had an estimated #150 attendees, although a formal count is pending.

Announcements were made at the meeting including an upcoming late Fall election of new officers, nice donations to our Society and new members.

A fun auction of rare palms drew a big audience.

Hopefully I'll post some pictures tomorrow.

So Please return.

Phil

[Phil 96]

I promised a few photos. Too see more, click on my blog - Banner Above at this page for Jungle Music. Lots of pictures posted yesterday.

Phil

[Phil 96]

More pictures of Mardi's garden.

Phil

[Phil 96]

[Phil 96]

In group photo, Mardi has on black T Shirt. I wish to thank Bill Sanford and Len Geiger for being tour guides at the meeting.

[Phil 96]

[Phil 96]

In this first photo below please note the catwalk among the treetops.

[Phil 96]

[SubTropicRay 98]

Catwalks? Wow, it's like a mini Nong Nooch.

[Pando 4,519]

Thanks Phil, Dave, and others for organizing and making this possible. This was a rare event, and who knows if there will ever be another such opportunity.

There has been a ton of pictures posted in the main forum from the event, below are the threads:

• http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/46482-pics-from-the-darian-gardenrainforest-vista-ca-71815/ (by OverGrown)
  
• http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/46489-more-pics-from-dr-darians-garden/ (by azurebird)
  
• http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/46495-the-darian-garden-image-gallery-july-18-2015-vista-ca/ (by Pando)
  
• http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/46501-a-few-more-pics-from-darians-rainforest/ (by displaced_floridian)

Edited July 23, 2015 by Pando

[DoomsDave 6,286]

Thanks Phil, Dave, and others for organizing and making this possible. This was a rare event, and who knows if there will ever be another such opportunity.

There has been a ton of pictures posted in the main forum from the event, below are the threads:

• http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/46482-pics-from-the-darian-gardenrainforest-vista-ca-71815/ (by OverGrown)

• http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/46489-more-pics-from-dr-darians-garden/ (by azurebird)

• http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/46495-the-darian-garden-image-gallery-july-18-2015-vista-ca/ (by Pando)

• http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/46501-a-few-more-pics-from-darians-rainforest/ (by displaced_floridian)

That's me in the middle (plaid shirt) Phil on the left, and Bill Sanford to the right.

[Hammer 640]

Thanks Phil, Dave, and others for organizing and making this possible. This was a rare event, and who knows if there will ever be another such opportunity.

There has been a ton of pictures posted in the main forum from the event, below are the threads:

• http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/46482-pics-from-the-darian-gardenrainforest-vista-ca-71815/ (by OverGrown)

• http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/46489-more-pics-from-dr-darians-garden/ (by azurebird)

• http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/46495-the-darian-garden-image-gallery-july-18-2015-vista-ca/ (by Pando)

• http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/46501-a-few-more-pics-from-darians-rainforest/ (by displaced_floridian)

That's me in the middle (plaid shirt) Phil on the left, and Bill Sanford to the right.

and that is me in the green shirt behind Phil, standing next to Brett and Jastin

[John Case 165]

Thanks Phil, Dave, and others for organizing and making this possible. This was a rare event, and who knows if there will ever be another such opportunity.

There has been a ton of pictures posted in the main forum from the event, below are the threads:

• http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/46482-pics-from-the-darian-gardenrainforest-vista-ca-71815/ (by OverGrown)

• http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/46489-more-pics-from-dr-darians-garden/ (by azurebird)

• http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/46495-the-darian-garden-image-gallery-july-18-2015-vista-ca/ (by Pando)

• http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/46501-a-few-more-pics-from-darians-rainforest/ (by displaced_floridian)

That's me in the middle (plaid shirt) Phil on the left, and Bill Sanford to the right.

and that is me in the green shirt behind Phil, standing next to Brett and Jastin

Caption: Motley Crew