Casa del Oro Garden

Casa del Oro Garden. Nature and History in Old Monterey. , Welcome to the Casa del Oro Garden , The name of this garden means "House of Gold" and reflects the history of Old Monterey. The Joseph Boston Store, which anchors the garden, served as a storehouse for gold brought back by miners during the mid-19th century Gold Rush. There were no banks in Monterey at that time, so the miners arranged to store their gold dust in Mr. Boston's safe - the first one in Monterey., In 2001, the Historic Garden League led an effort to remove paved areas surrounding the Joseph Boston Store and create a garden gateway to the Monterey State Historic Park., Key to its design was providing an open view from the historic First Theater on Pacific Street, through the Casa del Oro Garden to the Sensory Garden, and on to the walled Memory Garden and Pacific House to the east. The flowing design is enhanced by the upper terrace complete with fountain and surrounding benches, a lawn, perfect for laying down with a blanket and a good book, an herb garden, and a variety of plants that delight the senses throughout the seasons., Casa del Oro Garden Through the Year , The Monterey Peninsula is known for its mild Mediterranean climate with moderate temperatures year-round. Average temperatures range from the high 50s to the high 60s with about 267 sunny days a year. Subtle seasonal changes alter the landscape of the Casa del Oro garden with sights and smells to enjoy. , Winter: December-February , With temperatures varying from 58-60 degrees, sometimes dipping to the mid-40s, these are the coldest months with occasional rain showers. You can view the vibrant, cheery Daffodils and bright red berries of the Toyon, also known as the California Holly., Spring: March-May , A rise in temperatures accompanied by early seasonal showers are a catalyst to an array of beauty in the garden. Blooms of Daylilies, Babiana, Narcissus, and Pacific Coast Iris, showcase the garden in dramatic colors., Summer: June-August , Summer days often start with morning fog and cool temperatures, burning off with afternoon sun. the Montanoa Daisy tree, Salvia, Shasta daisies and Bidens aristosa thrive here and deliver golden yellow and white colors., Fall: September-November , Early fall delivers its sunniest days of the year, with temperatures averaging in the 70s. Visitors enjoy Heliotrope with its violet blossoms and Gallardia with its richly colored orange, daisy-like flowers., Garden Showstoppers , The Snowball Viburnum is a showy shrub that blooms in spring. The white flower clusters take on a pink cast as they age., The Coast Silk Tassel bush adds visual drama in the winter garden. This large, vigorous shrub is native to the coastal ranges of California and southern Oregon., The Matilija Poppy, also known as the Fried Egg Flower, has the largest flower of any poppy, measuring more than 6 inches across. This flower attracts numerous bees., Hailing from the regions of the Mediterranean and North Africa, Echiums are true sun-lovers and deliver a floral splendor with towering flower spikes.