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Sherman Gardens is a nonprofit garden and library spanning
one city block in Corona del Mar. The garden
contains over one thousand species and two hundred genera of rare cacti,
succulents and exotic vegetation. Many of the plant specimens are labeled
by origin, generic family and common names with plant directories available
for those who wish to study the plants in depth.
This special place was created in 1966 with the gardens
named in memory of educator and California pioneer, Moses H. Sherman, who
lived from 1853 to 1932. Principal founder Arnold D. Haskell established
the Library and Gardens to furnish the community with an educational and
cultural center. Programs include lectures on horticulture and arts,
group tours led by volunteers and docents, and something very special,
the Discovery Garden. Blind and wheelchair visitors find easy access and
enjoy plants chosen not for appearance, but for appeal to the senses of
smell and touch. The general public loves this section of the Garden, as
well. Wander the grounds to enjoy
several fountains and an indoor koi pond with colorful fish. There's also
an historical research center devoted to the study of the Pacific Southwest with
emphasis on transformation of the region over the past 100 years. Included are
over 15,000 books and pamphlets, a sizable collection of maps and photographs,
more than 2,000 reels of microfilm and about 200,000 papers and documents.
A small donation of several dollars is
requested as you enter the garden gate but don't hesitate to pay the modest
price for something you will appreciate. There is a gift shop with hundreds of floral themed gifts
such as cards, placemats, aprons and cottage plates similar to those sold
on nearby Balboa Island. A meeting room and the gardens are available for
special events such as weddings and receptions.
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