I always enjoy conversation with garden enthusiasts who read this column who have more information about featured topics from past issues. Unfortunately, I acquire this horticultural trivia too late to include it. I recently received a telephone call from Tom, an arborist in Willow Glen, who thought I should add an important detail to the description of the century plant in one of my past articles. Not only is the century plant difficult to remove or trim because of the bulk and sharp spines; but it also exudes caustic sap when cut. Another reader from Cupertino thought that some might be interested to know that the reeds used in musical instruments are produced by the giant reed which was featured two weeks ago. Now, if anyone knows how the “Spruce Goose” got it’s name, please give me a call.

With the recent spring like weather, many garden enthusiasts feel compelled to visit their favorite nurseries. Some also enjoy visiting arboretums and botanical gardens; or attending garden tours. However, most do not commonly associate a theme park with horticultural interests. (If it worked for that rat in Anaheim, why not trees?)

Bonfante Gardens, a theme park which celebrates trees, is a beautiful garden theme park in Gilroy California. This park features everything one might expect from a theme park, as well as attractions of special horticultural interest. It is much more than a place to take the children for a day of rowdy fun. It is also an educational experience to be remembered.

I have actually seen much of the construction of the park as it used literally truckloads of our rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias. (Over the years, Mr. Bonfante’s cairn terrier has become a good friend of Privet Tomeo, the terrier.) I am always amazed by the collection of very rare and unusual trees which is being collected. I think I saw more species of palm trees there than when I was studying them in college! The greenhouses are what nurserymen dream of.

One of the most impressive attractions is the collection of ‘Circus Trees’ which has been moved to the park from the original home in Scotts Valley. The ‘Circus Trees’ were originally cultivated by Axel Erlandson, but have been in disrepair since his death in 1964. Santa Cruz architect, Mark Primack has managed to keep some of the 74 trees alive since the mid-1970’s and eventually brought them to the attention of Mr. Bonfante. Since then, 29 of the remaining trees have been dug, boxed and transported to the location of the new Bonfante Gardens.

Of course, the park also includes twenty eight acres of rides, attractions, theme gardens, food concessions, an event plaza and many other very unusual trees. More information about Bonfante Gardens or season passes may be obtained by telephoning 408 - 842 2121, by visiting the park at 3050 Hecker Pass Road, Gilroy, or on-line at www.bonfantegardens.com.