Bernice's Family Garden

About

The origin of this three generation garden starts in 1912, in the Portola district when eight lots were acquired and a family compound was proposed. A family home and a cottage for the mothers-in-law were built by the De Martini brothers. The vacant lots were used as vegetable and orchard plots and play grounds for the family. As lots were gifted to family, they raised their children. Time reduced the compound lots to three, then one. The garden you see now was laid out in 1955 when my parents moved in to their newly built home. This garden once corresponded with the family home in the rear and the cottage in the vacant lot. Planted with flowering and deciduous magnolia camelia and azalea and a center green lawn, it was a typical San Francisco period garden. Over a lifetime it evolved to provide memories, allow sheltered and calm and support serenity for my parents as they aged. Once it joined a family together and allowed us to visit, converse and play. It ten evolved to shelter and screen views, so from every window something green and lovely was visible, an urban oasis, providing armchair travels when other forms were less often possible. Gardens often provide for the future, but, require time and patience to achieve a certain outcome. This garden has been in place and evolved for almost 65 years.

2025 Open Day: Saturday, September 6th

Hours: 10-4