Ralph Velez Garden

[ghar41]

On my recent trip to So Cal, Ralph Velez was so gracious in showing us his tremendous garden.  Thanks Ralph!  

He has painstakingly noted the species and the planting dates of his palms.  Some of them were planted in 1961!

[ghar41]

Side view.

[ghar41]

This view is looking from the corner....as you walk towards the front.

[ghar41]

View of the front of the house...(what house?)

[ghar41]

We caught his 'C. macrocarpa throwing a new leaf...

[ghar41]

We Nor Ca palm folks always marvel at the So Cal Roystonea's.... borinquenea

[SubTropicRay]

Nice garden.

[gavilan1]

Ralph is one of my palm heroes.  My wife fears that I might follow his land utilization / planting density model.  I hope that he's well.  How's the Cocos nucifera that he planted on Palm Island at Mile Square Park doing?  Has anyone checked recently?

[bgl]

Glenn,

Thanks for posting the photos. It's been a few years since I visited Ralph and I always enjoy seeing photos of his garden, and the street where he lives. One of the most unforgettable experiences is when you're approaching his property in this residential neighborhood, and about 5-6 blocks away all of a sudden you see this very compact grove of very tall palms sticking up from Ralph's city lot, towering over everything else. Definitely outstanding!

Bo-Göran

[Jeff Searle]

Glen,

   Thanks for sharing your pictures of Ralph's yard. I have always heard he has a great collection of some very old slow growing palms that you just don't see very often.

Jeff

[gavilan1]

This other guy with the orange crush avatar is the other palm hero on my very short list.

Jeff, a couple of years ago, the local L.A. PBS station (KCET) did a travel log (1/2 hour program) at Ralph's place ("Huell Howser's 'Visiting'", I believe, was the title of the series).  Ralph gave Huell and Louie, the cameraman, the grand tour out front, on the street, in the cul de sac, and in the greenhouse.  If I come across a copy, I'll send it to you.