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June 2014 The Gardens at Heather Farm
Prepare for High Fire Danger
By Jody Morgan
More than a thousand roses bear blooming testimony to the success of the sustainable gardening principles practiced at the Gardens at Heather Farm (GHF). A Certified Wildlife Habitat and Certified Green Business, GHF is open free to the public daily during daylight hours. Although the 6-acre parcel that contains GHF remains the property of the City of Walnut Creek, GHF is a separate non-profit organization responsible not only for the design and maintenance of the gardens, but also for educating the public about preservation and protection of the environment. Visitors routinely ask docent Christy Wilson where the heather is. They are startled when she responds that heather doesn’t grow well in Walnut Creek. As a member of one of GHF’s founding families, the Howards, Wilson has lots of historical information to share. Heather Farm, she explains, is named
Perfecting the magic of the roses Susan Penn and Ned Soares pause to enjoy the moment. Photo provided by the Gardens at Heather Farm.
for Heather King, a champion stallion owned by John W. Marchbank who purchased Sulphur Springs Ranch in Walnut Creek in 1921 to breed thoroughbred race horses. Scenes for MGM’s 1931 release Sporting Blood, the first motion picture in which Clark Gable had a starring role, were filmed at Heather Farm. Marchbank arrived in California around 1906 already in possession of a fortune made as miner and gambler. His subsequent efforts gave gambling and horseracing a measure of respectability. He played Santa Claus at Christmas, distributing food and funds to widows and orphans. During the Depression of the 1930s, he is reputed to have saved several homes from foreclosure. Marchbank died in 1947 at the age of 78. His Spanish-style house is preserved as the rectory of St. John Vianney Catholic Church. Walnut Creek had only 447 residents when Marchbank established Heather Farm and a mere 2,420 in 1950. In 1951, the opening of 38 stores at the Broadway Shopping Center, Contra Costa’s first major retail center, initiated a steep increase in population. When Heather Farm Park officially opened on July 4, 1970, Walnut Creek boasted 39,844 inhabitants. The concept of creating a garden center for community members to learn and practice horticulture was first suggested by John Chamberlain, a Parks
See Gardens continued on page 24
Local Postal Customer
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit 263 Alamo CA
ECRWSS
Serving Danville
By San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District
California is experiencing elevated fire conditions due to drought. San Ramon Valley Firefighters would like to remind residents that creating and maintaining defensible space around their homes is critical. Firefighters urge property owners to not delay in preparing their family and home for wildfire. Take the following actions now: • Maintain 100 feet of defensible space around all structures. • Properties over an acre may require fuel breaks around the perimeter.
See Fire continued on page 22
A goat herd has been brought in to keep tall grasses at bay and help with fire-suppression of local hillsides. Photo by Ted and Barbara Shapas.
Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Day Program The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley has four pillars for its platform: patriotism, youth activities, community service, and its national project child abuse prevention. The Exchange Club has over 100 centers across the nation, providing families with information and counseling. Local chapters observed Child Abuse Prevention Day by providing families with helpful information ranging from behavior to computer security. Pictured above are local Exchange Club members and volunteers at the Club’s table at the Prevention Day event. Photo by Steve Mick.
Volume V - Number 8 3000F Danville Blvd. #117, Alamo, CA 94507 (925) 405-6397 Fax (925) 406-0547 Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher editor@ yourmonthlypaper.com The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of Danville Today News. Danville Today News is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.