(as always, click the image above for a larger view)
"Alotta" years ago, like even before I (or my dad) was born, a bored bean farmer in central California by the name of Axel Erlandson figured out that he could shape trees into specific patterns by pruning, grafting and bending them.
He did this as a hobby for the amusement of himself and his family. Around 1925, he created the "Basket Tree" you see in the center of the picture, above. He did it by planting six sycamore trees in a circle, topping them all at one foot, then grafting them together -- one to another -- to form the diamond patterns. He created other really cool trees too.
A few years (and a few financial misfortunes and transplantations later) the trees he created were bought and sold and eventually ended up at Bonfonte Gardens in Gilroy. Recently, they renamed the location "Gilroy Gardens".
We're excited to say that our family is one of their newest Season Pass/Lotsa Card holders. The girls don't really notice the amazing trees but they love the rides (especially the firetruck). And we love the cool breezes that blow through the gorgeous lush green park! I think we'll see much more of this place in the months to come!
A few observations though: If you have more than one child, keep in mind that most of the rides don't accommodate and "odd" number of occupants. If one of your children isn't content to sit alone, you'll probably have to pass on that ride.
Also, you only need the season pass for ONE person in your family. Everyone else can get the much cheaper "Lotsa card" for exactly the same price as a one time admission to the park. If you have just ONE season pass, you get the free parking and the park discounts.
The park is geared towards young children but older kids can find some fun there too. We really thought our girls would be too young for Gilroy Gardens but they could have easily been enjoying it since age 2.
amazing tree! I bet it's a cool place to visit too.
Posted by: Robin | July 22, 2007 at 05:53 AM
We love it there! Maybe we can meet there!
Posted by: Lisa | July 22, 2007 at 07:58 AM
I LOVE this place!! It is so beautiful there. We went there about 5 years ago and were amazed at all the trees and flowers throughout the park. I just wish we lived closer to it!
Posted by: Jana | July 22, 2007 at 01:53 PM
Just wait until Christmas - their holiday lights special is soooo much fun!! (Just be sure to go on a dry night and not during a downpour like we did - but it was still fun!)
Posted by: Cindy | July 22, 2007 at 03:04 PM
That is beautiful...I gotta visit California.
Posted by: Yoli | July 22, 2007 at 04:23 PM
I'm glad you had a great time! We go there at least twice a week and maybe a Saturday or Sunday with Daddy. Emma was 19 months when we first went and she loved it! She likes the old fashioned cars and the hot balloon ride and all the toddler rides!!
Let's get together soon at Gilroy.
Posted by: Becky | July 22, 2007 at 04:53 PM
What a great place! I'll have to check it out the next time I'm up that way.
Posted by: Shelley | July 22, 2007 at 07:20 PM
We've driven by it many times, but never stopped by. I think the one time we considered it, it was closed. I guess we will have to plan on a visit there next time we come through.
Lori
Posted by: Lori Williamson | July 22, 2007 at 10:10 PM
Oh! That looks like lots of fun!!! I want to play!
Posted by: Sam | July 24, 2007 at 10:19 PM
We love "Bonfonte Gardens" (Always will be Bonfonte!)
Last time we went was when it was about 102 degrees!
Icky-Sticky! But the water area was fun!!
Cute pictures BTW!!!
Posted by: Jeff's Place | July 25, 2007 at 10:36 AM
I just have a quick question for you. I have a friend who was following your blog before I was. She is begging her parents to adopt from China. She is wanting to read your blog but of course does not have the password. I knew it wasn't fair to you to give the password out without your consent and of course I will not give it to her if you say no but she asked me to ask you if she could continue following the blog. I hope the girls are doing well,
Elena
ps. The girls get cuter everyday
Posted by: Elena Manubens | July 27, 2007 at 07:25 PM
Hi Elena
We really don't want strangers to read our blog anymore. I'm sure she's a nice person but we would appreciate it if the privacy on the blog was preserved and you not share the password.
Thanks!
Donna
Posted by: Donna | July 27, 2007 at 09:20 PM
You have inspired us - we are making plans to visit Gilroy Gardens this month - I had no idea they had toddler rides - melissa will love it! Stacy
Posted by: Stacy Lawson (Melissa & Bruce) | September 02, 2007 at 09:58 AM