Horticulturist will discuss Rancho Los Cerritos

GARDEN CLUB

The Garden Club will meet Monday, March 17, at 1:30 p.m. in Clubhouse 2. Featured speaker Marie Barnidge-McIntyre, a horticulturist at Rancho Los Cerritos, will present a program on the history of the Rancho’s gardens.

The gardens were first planted over 180 years ago, and Barnidge-McIntyre will share a bit of history about the people involved, as well as how the gardens have evolved. Some of the trees date back to the first garden, but there are exotic fruits, native plants and glorious flowers to explore. For those unfamiliar with the historic site, it will open a portal to a hidden gem not far from Seal Beach that can be visited time and again as it changes seasonally. It is a space of tranquility that has endured over time and continues to inspire those who visit.

Barnidge-McIntyre grew up exploring the natural world provided by the foothills and meadows of the San Fernando Valley. Her first job in the field of horticulture was as a consultant for a nursery, identifying pests and problems and designing landscapes. Rancho Los Cerritos hired her in 1992 as the first horticulturist for the site. They had advertised for a horticulturist to research, restore and maintain gardens and grounds. The position has broadened in scope to include what Barnidge-McIntyre terms as “Resource Management.”

Nowadays her job includes harvesting products from the garden for unique crafts sold in the Rancho’s gift shop; capturing rainwater and allowing it to return to the aquifer; developing and training volunteers to lead garden tours; and working with and teaching interns and students. She also participates with the Audubon Society in surveying the birds in the area, and helps in leading monthly public bird walks. One of her great joys is sharing the history, background and stories she has discovered along the way, about the plants and the people associated with them.

The WE CARE table will be set up in the lobby for donations of non-perishable food items, gift cards and cash. Coffee, tea and cookies will be served after the meeting. All are welcome to attend.