California Missions Mission Gardens

Posted by webisimo on October 29th, 2014

California is a State where man-made and natural beauty combines to prepare a visual feast for anyone who comes here. The area is renowned for the different types of gardens being maintained. However, history records that the region is indebted to the Spaniards for the unique style of these gardens.

Just explore any of the Missions. You would come across the contrasts of life being pictured in the environment. In the chapel, a serene atmosphere reigns. The cross stands there representing the sufferings of life. Outside, the beautiful row of flowers; bougainvillea rose and many other plants symbolize its vitality. According to historians, this did not happen naturally. The Missionaries became agriculturists in an attempt to sustain themselves and the Indians living with them.

Apparent misrepresentation

It is true that the gardens decorating the Mission surroundings are beautiful. But, anthropologists say that they misrepresent an ugly past. According to them, these were work-space allotted for the Indian laborers. It was only when necessity forced them to sustain themselves on what were available in the locality that they became horticulturists. The exciting thing was that a majority of these attempts were grand success. The plants cultivated in every Mission depended on the climate of the region.

Renovating California Missions gardens

Upon secularization of the Missions, the Indians were allowed to either work under the Missionaries or to go back to their native villages. However, after a few years, the Mexican Government ordered the priests to transfer the lands to the Government. This resulted in the Mexican emigrants acquiring large portions of land. They converted them to private ranches. The Mission buildings began to be ignored. As a result, they started getting eroded.

After a few years, in 1860’s, people began efforts to renovate the Mission buildings. But, the guiding principle behind the attempts was not to bring back originality; but to improve on what exists. Thus these ornamented gardens came into existence. The good news is that the earlier style is not completely lost. They are designed in such a way as to remind visitors of the Spanish interaction with the nation.

Old Mission San Luis Rey

If you are someone interested in enjoying the original beauty of time past, you have to come to this retreat center. Book the behind-the-scene tours offered therein. You will get an opportunity to explore the private gardens. This is a spectacular sight which remains close to the public. You can also learn about the Mission medicine and get a glimpse of the history in the museum the center maintains.

The institution also offers retreats of varying time durations; you can opt for the one ideal for you. If getting acquainted with the Mexican cuisine is what you want, you can attend the cooking class being offered here at regular intervals. Welcome to Mission San Luis Rey. The eighteen among the California Missions, this would let you experience the excitement of being spiritual.

If you are looking for San Diego Retreats don’t look further. Visit Old Mission Retreat center and choose one according to your interests. Welcome!

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webisimo
Joined: July 11th, 2014
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