What is better on a warm hazy day of summer in the San Fernando Valley than a visit to botanical gardens? Nothing! Except the combination of flora and fauna and history. This irresistible mixture certainly enticed me away from newspaper, coffee drinking, and Sunday afternoon porch sitting.

The 200 acres estate of William Warren Orcutt and Mary Logan Orcutt known as Rancho Sombre del Robie, "ranch shaded by the oak," in the twenties, later became Orcutt Ranch Park in West Hills, California, when it was purchased by the Los Angeles City Recreation and Parks Department, in 1966.

When work on the Rancho began in 1929, Mr. Orcutt had planned to have citrus and walnut groves throughout the rolling hills with 450 acres dedicated to grapefruit, oranges, and walnuts. As the President of Union Oil Company, Mr. Orcutt was often occupied in town, tending to matters of the company and only occasionally able to visit his rancho. Consequently, a live-in gardener was hired to care for the property in his absence. Under the gardener's care and expertise, fine examples of Dogwood, purple lily Magnolias, Chinese Wisteria and Birch trees were planted and thrive today.

There are two entrances to the park, but only the main entrance on Roscoe Boulevard is open to the public. Be sure not to miss the 700-year-old Oak tree with a circumference of 33 feet at the back entrance on Justice Street near the Dayton Creek bed. Before Mr. Orcutt acquired the property there were beautiful Valley Oaks and Coastal Live Oaks growing tall and thriving among the native California wildlife along with a creek that runs through the property.

Scattered among the trees, citrus groves, and flowers are stone statues, brick walkways, grottos, urns, benches, and stone walls. Quiet contemplation is encouraged with rest areas to sit and admire the true beauty of the area. Adding a finishing touch to the aesthetic quality of the gardens is a graceful Italian marble group of three muses, the focal point of the pergola overlooking the rose garden, the site of many wedding ceremonies today.

It is not difficult to find details that make this park truly original, from the arrowheads embedded in the brick work of the house, a veranda decorated with handmade Mexican tile and Indian peace symbols, and a sundial in the front courtyard. The inscription on the dial reads Carpe Diem, meaning, "Seize the Day." The architect from New York and Mr. Orcutt spent several nights under the stars to set the arm of the dial to point directly at Polaris, the North Star.

Over the years the main house saw many additions. A new front entrance foyer and a sun room were early additions. In 1938 a solarium was built and then a second wing was added to the house. The wine cellar depicted frescoes of the Bavarian Alps with dwarfs gathering grapes and making wine.

Within the park there are outstanding varieties of indigenous trees and transplanted varieties including the California Sycamore; Tamarisk; Tabebuia (Golden Trumpet Tree); Coral Tree; Dogwood; Sago Palm; Birch; Box Elder; Purple Lily Magnolia; Chinese Wisteria; Incense Cedar; Rattan Palm, Lady Palm ; Fern Pine; Sweet Olive; Bunya; Cork Oak; Coast Live Oak; and Valley Oak or California White Oak.

Without regard to the season, flowers bloom year long, with excellent varieties of roses, bird of paradise, geraniums, azaleas, camellias, and gardenias. Giant sunflowers gently wave their tops and color abounds in every hue of the rainbow.

Today, garden plots are available to members of the community on the eastern side of the park. Tours of the house and gardens are conducted the last Sunday of the month (except during July and August) from 2:00pm to closing at 5:00pm. Special events during the year include public fruit picking, gardening classes, weddings, and garden shows.

The park tour is truly a visit to old California of yesterday, when grace and elegance prevailed. The value of quality is apparent in every turn of the path and every rest spot is a pleasant oasis.

Home -- About The Writer -- Travel Tales -- Garden Walk -- Life Lines -- Speaking of Animals -- Business and Career -- Building & Construction