Morning in the Garden

Garden Archives: Summer Color

From the Garden Archives: We are bringing back this perennial favorite episode, originally published on August 7, 2024. Whether you missed it the first time or want a refresher, enjoy these timeless tips on summer color!
Late summer delivers a rainbow burst of blooms. Jia Nocon invites her non-Horticulture coworkers to make their own bouquets from the Cutting Garden. Jackie Salas showcases the vibrant hues of Filoli's new Dahlia Garden, and Gillian Johnson talks color-changing hydrangeas.

Creating Home

Summer kicks off with a new exhibit about the people, plants, and animals that call Filoli home. Artist Jayson Fann shares how his childhood gathering wood on the riverbanks shapes the sculptural nests he has installed along the trails. Curator Rowan Smith highlights the immigration stories of Filoli’s historic staff through the years.

The Domoto Legacy

Stroll through the garden on a misty morning to uncover a piece of Filoli’s history. Writer Eric Hsu shares the story of the Domoto family – pioneering Japanese American nurserymen who revolutionized the West Coast cut flower industry. Discover how their lasting horticultural legacy still blooms across the estate today, from historic tree peonies to rare maples.

Seventeen Syllables

A restless wind moves through the oaks as we explore the art of haiku and its kinship with the garden. Aileen Cassinetto, the former Poet Laureate of San Mateo County, notes that both crafts demand the same thing: patience, precision, and a willingness to notice what others walk past. This year’s Haiku Contest winner Cindy Lutz shares how writing one poem a day for 25 years has taught her to find the miraculous in the overlooked.

Garden in Motion

A breezy morning brings the moving colors and textures of the Perennial Border to life. Jim Salyards shares the history of the Arts & Crafts garden style and recommends his favorite plants to add vertical drama. A new woven trellis sculpture by artist Jungil Hong rises and falls through the perennials, soon to be covered in intertwining vines.

Wonder in the Woods

Meet Rose Wonders, the monumental troll who has taken up residence in Filoli’s forest. Sonia Capitant recounts the arrival of the 30-foot giant, while artist Thomas Dambo explains how his recycled wood sculptures are designed to change our perspective on nature. Katie Kenna reflects on how that same spirit of wonder helps local students connect with the land, one "burrito tree" at a time.

Garden Showstoppers

Spring takes center stage as a heat wave puts the garden in the spotlight. Director of Horticulture Brendan Dellerba shares the creative tricks his team uses to stagger the blooms of our 100,000-bulb display – and hints at his even bigger plans for next year. In the Rose Garden, Regina Carter takes inspiration from classic English estates by experimenting with new understory companion plantings and dramatic “rose bending” techniques.

The Shape of Spring

Revel in a rainy walk through the garden. Jackie Salas and Haley O’Connor highlight the winter work that goes into creating Filoli’s glorious spring show. From the careful pruning of fruit trees to the precise edging of formal parterre beds, discover how the season’s beauty is thoughtfully shaped long before it blooms.

Indigenous Landscapes

In this season finale episode, Willa sits down with Gregg Castro, Culture Director of the Association of Ramaytush Ohlone, to discuss Indigenous relationships with the land; perspectives and practices passed down through generations. Together, they explore the newly refurbished mural in the Lamchin Interpretive Center, created by Amy Hosa in partnership with the ARO. The mural depicts Ssupichom, a thriving village that stood here long before Filoli was built. John Chau, Filoli’s Plant Curator, also joins the conversation to share insights on the restoration of native plants surrounding the center, from the practical dogbane to the showstopping matilija poppies.

Fall Q&A Special

For this special episode; guest host Katie Kenna interviews some of Filoli’s horticulturists to answer your budding questions. Chats with the team reveal their favorite critters at Filoli, some expert growing tips, and what makes this place special to them.