Like Botany on Mars: Ruth Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek

Agave americana v. medio-picta

In the 1950's, Ruth Bancroft began creating a garden of succulents and other drought-tolerant plants that store water in their leaves and stems. Today, her creation is one of the oldest dry gardens in North America and an inspiration for botanists, water conservationists and gardeners.

Every July, the garden becomes an outdoor art gallery where sculptures complement and contrast the plants.

Read about centenarian Ruth Bancroft and the history of her garden here:
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2008/09/04/garden/04bancroft.html?pagewanted=all&referrer=

'A Moment of Zen', manzanita wood, ceramic and steel