Our Story
Bear Paw Gardens lies at the base of the Sierra Nevada’s in Northern California. Spring fed waters off snow covered mountains add a magical ambience, as well as a functional quality in regards to sustaining plant life at this zone 5 location. We have approximately 115 days between frosts and a lot of vertical ground.
My husband enjoys working with heavy equipment, so defining space with dirt and rocks, removing dead trees, installing water lines and drains have been a significant contribution to the evolution of this site.
What began with a large population of evergreens and a few transplants from our home in town along the existing creek bed has evolved into 8800 linear feet of beautiful walking gardens filled with roses, lilacs, peonies, iris, allium, poppies and so much more. The plants announce the onset of Spring, in the most delightful way.
To date...my planting has been a whimsical tapestry of form and color woven into the landscape for the enjoyment of family and friends.
Our sweet Great Pyrenees roam freely and keep the foragers away.
Our seven children and their friends have contributed time, effort and antics to the various projects tackled. They have all added their fair share of blood, sweat and muscle to the various projects undertaken.
Together, we have created a lovely space that we have used for family get togethers, football team dinners, proms and a Boy Scout Court of Honor with 200 guests and other special occasions.
With the devastating loss of timber due the the Sheep Fire, in 2020, and Dixie fire on Diamond Mountain, the landscape changed. After clearing the burned timber, an area that was previously dense forest became a perfect area for 100’ x 50’ of field space. The stippled lighting was dramatically increased.
The explosion of color that the dahlias provide from late July to the first hard frost has been a wonderful addition to to the beauty of this space.
The learning process has been enjoyable... as I find sheer delight in playing in the dirt and everything about cultivating these captivating flowers.
Sincerely,
Rorie