Raul Zumba’s stunning Oakland garden, Part I

This impressive and unique garden is another I visited during my December trip to the Bay Area. It's owner and creator, Raul Zumba, generously hosted a social gathering for the Pacific Horticulture Society.

While the above photos seem to show the main entrance, we actually entered here...

Through the Mark Bulwinkle gate...

Wow...

Keep in mind, this was December. To my eyes this garden looks super lush now, imagine what it must look like in the summer time!

I wanted to explore that pathway, but we were headed to the house. I'll come back and see where it leads a bit later...

Loropetalum chinense looking smashing.

Check out that tall Cussonia paniculata!

Another path left unexplored, for now...

Ah, heading around the back of the house...

The entrance we took into the home is to my right as I stand here. Ahead is the bedroom. Wouldn't you love to have french doors opening off your bedroom to a private garden patio?

The bedroom is now to my back, and I'm looking at where I'd just been standing.

Fabulous fountain and small pond.

Have you noticed all the decorative rock-work done with those dark Mexican pebbles? It started as we entered the gate and is a feature in the hardscape throughout the garden. The rock-work carries over to inside the house too, with an amazing rock wall in the bathroom. Raul is an artist.

I was a little startled when I realized we were being watched over by a giant bird.

Let's go explore...

That's a pond at the bottom of the photo.

I believe the garden is just over an acre in size. There were many pathways and places to relax.

I am not a tall person. I have no idea how I pulled this one off.

Walking on...

Do you suppose water spurts and cascades during the summer?

I met the lady who lives in the guest house, I refrained from asking if she realized how lucky she was.

Check out the built-in sofa...

Banksia alert!

Turning around now and taking another pathway rather than walking across the lawn.

And finally heading down the pathway by the front entrance, the one I didn't take upon our arrival.

Bottle retaining wall anyone?

Wow...

This garden just keeps throwing surprise after surprise at you.

Here's where I end this long post. There will be more tomorrow...



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