It started with atmospheric rivers. One after another. Paths eroded and as 77 inches of rain fell so did three giant specimen trees. It continued with book releases, BAGNet (Bay Area Garden Network) membership meetings, and bridge repairs. The launch of programs – Sashiko, Color Theory, Collage, Cyanotype…. And the purchase of the adjacent three-acre property, which opens up many exciting opportunities.

We built important relationships with Sonoma County Tourism, local schools, philanthropists, people who have invested time and energy and love into this place. Betsy Flack, Antonia Adezio, Sean Hogan, Anthony Garza, Richard Turner, Jim Salyards, Stephanie Linder, Saxon Holt, Marion Brenner, Lew and Mary Reid, and many others. The long list is impressive and humbling.

We continued learning about the garden collection. Seeing it through its second set of seasons. Connecting with garden clubs and visitors. Hearing their stories. Observing their reactions. Leaning on our volunteers and small staff to help us manage, operate, and settle more deeply into this place. Our first-year honeymoon evolved into a deeper commitment toward plans for long-term sustainability.

It was messy and full. A college senior and a high school senior. College applications and future planning both for our family and for the garden.

Despite the world’s dissonance, despair, and disappointment, we have hope. We feel the land, the history, and the powerful pull of something more positive.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support, your advice, your wisdom. And your belief in the possibility of linking people, plants, and place. Here at Western Hills Garden.

One of our generous donors has promised to match all donations up to $10k through December 31st. If you are thinking of making a gift to help us preserve and program this special place, now is the time to increase your impact. All gifts, no matter the size, make a huge difference as we close out 2023.

New beginnings were a major theme this past year. In the fall, we invited two young men, Oliver Nelson and Nikko Mechanic to live and work here – helping us make improvements to the property. They are both on a gap year from college, taking a break from school to share their physical and creative energy. If you’ve visited the garden in the last few months you’ve likely met them at the kiosk, where sometimes they leave cool drawings on the bulletin board (like the illustration below).

We also met Adrian Chang and Chris Lewis of Morihouse. This new friendship led to an incredible, sold-out Solstice Celebration on December 16th with nourishing food, music, garden tours, art installations, tarot, and winter rituals. Over 80 people attended, and we have plans for seasonal partnership activations moving forward. Stay tuned for details on 2024 events.

We wish you peace and good health as we close out the tumultuous 2023. While there is much work ahead, we believe places like Western Hills will be an increasingly important way for us to breathe, discover, heal, find strength, and fuel inspiration. We hope you come visit soon.

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