Thistledown

About

Thistledown combines a formal English garden aesthetic composed of boxwoods, yews, and planting beds alongside a 1912 California Craftsman bungalow. A large formal koi pond centers the gardens. We began the gardens in 2003 when we purchased the home. Clearing much of the former scrub trees and invasive non-native species, we began with a clean slate. Formal plans were drawn up by John Linsday Mayer, the hardscape of decomposed granite paths and edging were installed, and we then began the task of planting hundreds of boxwood ourselves that have now reached maturity. Additionally, we planted weeping Alaskan cedars, hemlocks and ‘Techny’ arborvitae to frame the gardens. We knew the house restoration would take some time and great cost, so we started to plan and execute the gardens early on in order to enjoy the maturity as the house was restored. The gardens are a great passion of ours, and we enjoy sharing them with family and friends.

This garden’s estimated size is 1/2 acre.

2025 Open Day: Saturday, June 14 

Hours: 10-4