Broughton Quarterly - Fall 2007 - (Page 28) In short, her life was one of art, luxury, and largesse. pink quartz, and even an iron-rich rock that has taken on the magnetic force of the earth’s core were strewn over the landscape. Other bits of minerals and colored glass in shades of green, blue, and black formed borders to the delightfully meandering paths in many parts of the garden, catching the light and adding to the overall drama. A few of her collections are no longer at Lotusland, but the plants have grown and matured, creating an even more dramatic landscape. The amethyst boulders and green glass borders continue to complement the planting beds, and the shell pool challenges the senses. The grotesques in the theatre silently applaud the occasional performance, and the renovated topiary animals are rearing and leaping around the 25-foot diameter working clock whose face is planted with a variety of colorful succulents. The cycad garden has expanded to become world-class, and a new cactus garden (a gift from a friend of Madame Walska’s) continues the tradition of exotic plants displayed in unusual and fantastic settings. Sometime in the midst of her collecting and displaying these magnificent specimens, Madame Walska decided that her creation was worthy of preservation and that a wider audience could benefit from experiencing it. She created a nonprofit, educational foundation to continue her work when she was gone. After her death in 1984, the foundation became active. Today, Lotusland is open to the public for guided tours, which give visitors a glimpse Q into the mind of the incomparable Madame. LOTUSLAND - Guided tours by reservation only; Wednesday through Saturday, mid-February through mid-November. For more information, visit www.LotusLand.org, or call 805.969.9990 to make a reservation. WHERE TO STAY Inn of the Spanish Garden is Santa Barbara’s finest luxury boutique hotel. Rated #1 on www.TripAdvisor.com, it boasts a striking SpanishMediterranean design. This downtown hotel is walking distance to SB’s premier restaurants, shops, museums, and theaters. From $259, 805.564.4700, www.SpanishGardenInn.com. The Inn at East Beach is the best beachside value on the American Riviera. Located just steps from the sand, this mid-century gem has earned a reputation for fine personal service. Rooms and suites overlook the central pool and offer views from mountains to sea. From $89, 805.965.0546, www.InnAtEastBeach.com. 28 Broughton Quarterly Fall 2007 Photos: Ganna Walska Lotusland archive http://www.LotusLand.org http://www.TripAdvisor.com http://www.SpanishGardenInn.com http://www.InnAtEastBeach.com
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