Botanical Garden Shows Its Growth for Arbor Day

Arbor Day is one of the most overlooked and uncelebrated holidays on the calendar, but that didn’t stop scores of Thousand Oaks residents from celebrating it at the Conejo Valley Botanical Garden on Sunday.

The garden’s Arbor Day Open House featured numerous activities that highlighted the garden’s botanical diversity, including seminars on rare fruit trees, a tour of the garden and a dedication ceremony for the newest attraction--a Japanese Tranquillity Garden.

“I came here mainly to learn about the rare fruits, but there’s so much to see,” said Larry Filaski, who grows plants such as tobacco and strawberry guavas as a hobby. “It’s nice to be able to hear about the trees and see them too. It’s a lot different than reading about them.”

The Simi Valley resident, along with 30 others, attended a seminar by Dr. Edward Hager of California Rare Fruit Growers Inc. In addition to describing the rare trees in the grove, Hager explained the difference between types of cherry trees, and gave tips for cultivating exotic fruits.

Other visitors munched on sushi and cracked open fortune cookies at the dedication of the Japanese garden. The ceremony began with a 15-minute demonstration of taiko drumming performed by members of the Buddhist Church of Oxnard. The event also included a ribbon-cutting and poetry readings.

“I hope everyone enjoys this,” said Rita Basu, who designed and helped build the tranquillity garden. “But I’m glad the work is done.”

Visitors could also take advantage of the garden’s plant sale, which featured native species--donated by Matilija Nursery--ranging from juncus to purple sage to California golden currant. Profits from the sale will support the garden.

Started in 1973, the Conejo Valley Botanical Garden has grown dramatically from a scrubby hilltop dominated by weeds to a lush preserve of seven specialty gardens.

The garden has hosted an Arbor Day celebration for the past eight years, and garden supporters said it is becoming increasingly popular.

“This is one of our most successful events and it keeps getting bigger every year,” said Amani Fliers, an open house volunteer. “It’s nice just getting people out to see all the gardens here.”