Alcatraz has undergone a bit of a transformation since we were last there. A group of gardening volunteers have transformed a barren wasteland into a place of quiet beauty (although it was likely quiet because the rain had kept the tourists at bay).
For more than a century, gardens were an important part of everyday life for officers, families, and prisoners confined to Alcatraz by sentence or duty. Many of the plants selected by these unheralded gardeners proved to be excellent choices for the harsh and barren environment, flourishing through the four decades of neglect that followed the prison’s closing.
Alcatraz’s current visitors experience an island that is alive with colorful plants gathered decades ago from around the world, and complemented by newly introduced plants. These historic gardens not only illustrate the importance of gardens to the human spirit, but also the ecological benefits and aesthetic possibilities of sustainable gardening.
In 2003, the Garden Conservancy and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy formed a partnership with the National Park Service to restore and maintain key gardens on Alcatraz. Through the Alcatraz Historic Gardens Project, the partner organizations preserve, rebuild, and maintain the gardens created by those who lived on the island during its military and prison eras, and interpret their history, horticulture, and cultural significance for visitors.
I loved the beauty of the gardens set against the harsh rocks of the island the the ruins of the prison buildings. Here are some shots from yesterday:
I have never been to Alcatraz but I would love to take a night tour:D
Posted by: bellini | March 24, 2011 at 11:21 AM
Thanks Jerry!
I had no idea Alcatraz had any gardens at all.
Some of the areas with balustrades and terraces could almost be in Italy!
Posted by: Shelagh (SJ) | March 24, 2011 at 08:10 PM
Amazing transformation. How beautiful. Thank you.
Posted by: Barb Cabot | March 25, 2011 at 09:40 AM
They looks so beautiful even on the overcast day. It is amazing all the hard work that has gone into making this such a beautiful garden. Thanks for posting more pictures.
Posted by: Marta | March 28, 2011 at 10:18 PM
I would love to do the night tour too bellini - if for no other reason than the brilliant views of the city.
You're right SJ - the style is very 'lake cuomo'! LOL
The power of nature (and a group of dedicated volunteers) is amazing isn't it Barb.
It's had to believe that the island has no natura;l soil at all Marta - they had to bring it all over or 'make' it. That sure must have been a gardening challenge.
Posted by: JDeQ | April 03, 2011 at 04:36 PM