Fall in Santa Barbara

We went to Santa Barbara last weekend. It was as beautiful as ever, except for the area that burned which was a dark grey monotone. We drove by the beach, then headed up to the Botanic Gardens which is spectacularly beautiful, even when not in bloom. The sandstone boulders and gnarly live oaks are as dramatic in their natural beauty as any landscaped garden. Perhaps more so.

The mountains behind Santa Barbara are made of Coldwater Sandstone which holds rain water in the pores between the sand grains and releases it slowly so the creeks have water most of the year.

The mountains have a unique appearance because they are covered in a blue/green sage and chapparral punctuated by huge outcroppings of tan sandstone.

The creeks are lined with boulders and are a child's paradise to play in.

This bench is made up entirely of large sandstone blocks carved from local boulders. Notice the graceful curve of the stone.

Although this pond is man-made, they did a good job of making it look natural. In the spring the gardens are bursting with blooms of California poppies, lupin, mimulus and many other indigenous flowers. It's breathtaking and worth another trip down.