MourningCloakRanch.com
Title
Mourning Cloak Ranch
Description
The Mourning Cloak Ranch and Botanical Gardens was founded over 30 years ago by Marian and Edward Sampson on the site of historical Williamsburg, the areas first settlement. In the time since their arrival the Sampsons have transformed their estate into an oasis of trees, shrubs and flowering perennials. Despite the difficult high altitude growing conditions, over 2600 species of plants thrive at Mourning Cloak, including about 500 species of California natives. Included are 300 varieties of Roses, 14 varieties of hardy Geraniums and 22 species of the genus Arctostaphylos or the Manzanita.
In 1990 the Mourning Cloak Ranch joined the American Association of Arboretums and Botanical Gardens and has offered public tours since that time. Each year the garden has been expanded and new features added. A striking addition has been the waterfall sculpture and Koi pond constructed in 1993. Created by Bakersfield sculptor Harley Voss, the area includes a waterfall, a bubbling stream and a 50-foot pond inhabited by colorful Koi.
Mourning Cloak Ranch and Botanical Gardens is open for public tours by appointment. The tour season extends from May through November 1st, however tours may be arranged year round by appointment. Mourning Cloak Ranch features a Gift Shop stocked with many truly unique items. The on-site Nursery stocks a full line of plants, many of which are to be found in the Gardens.
