John Medica Gardens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John Medica Gardens |
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| Location | Santa Rosa, Sonoma County |
| Official name: Twentieth Century Folk Art Environments - John Medica Gardens | |
| Reference no. | 939 |
The John Medica Gardens are a special collection of unique stone artworks and beautiful gardens. They were created by a man named John Medica in Santa Rosa, California, in the United States. These gardens are so important that they are listed as a California Historical Landmark. Even though they are amazing, the gardens are on private land and are not open to the public. John Medica spent 20 years building these incredible gardens!
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Building the Gardens: A Dream in Stone
John Medica was born in Slovenia. He later owned a turkey farm in Santa Rosa. This farm became the perfect spot for his artistic vision.
Starting with a Wall
In 1955, John Medica began his big project. He started by building a strong stone wall around his property. He used basalt rocks for the wall. These rocks came from an old quarry right on his farm.
Full-Time Artist
By 1957, Medica decided to focus completely on his gardens. He sold his turkey farm to dedicate all his time to building. He taught himself masonry, which is the skill of building with stone and brick. He worked on the gardens for many hours each day, sometimes up to 12 hours! He continued this work until 1967.
Amazing Creations
The gardens cover about 4 acres of land. John Medica didn't draw plans for his designs. He just started building and let his imagination guide him. He created many different structures.
In total, there are 28 stone buildings on the property. Many of these are over 3 and a half feet tall. Some towers even reach 7 feet high! The gardens also feature six bridges and three arches that are 8 feet tall. You can also find a small railroad, a pool, a grotto (a small cave-like area), and winding walkways. Lights and fountains added a magical feel to the gardens.
The Gardens Today
After John Medica passed away, the property went through a legal process. It was already recognized as a California Historical Landmark. Government officials tried to connect the property with the nearby Spring Lake Park. John Medica had actually donated land for that park earlier.
Challenges and Preservation Efforts
Sadly, the gardens began to face problems. Some parts of the castles were damaged, and decorations like abalone shells were taken. Today, the gardens are located in a neighborhood with homes. They are still on private land, so people cannot visit them. The stone castles are in need of repair and care. An organization called SPACES is working to raise money. Their goal is to help preserve this unique and historic folk art site.
