Over 100 historic plant specimens have been identified and are being preserved on the 14 acre NSHC property. These deciduous trees, fruit and nut trees, shrubs and roses were planted in a Victorian/Edwardian period landscape designed and developed by AD Foote, who was a horticulturalist as well as a mining engineer.
In the Edwardian style of gardening, starting in 1903, inspiration is taken from nature in the form of woodland planting schemes as seen on the north side of the house. Herbaceous flower gardens, pergolas, paths, lawns and ponds were highlighted. The Victorian style, started in 1850, featured a more formal landscape.
Research has confirmed that our Colossal chestnut tree is a variety sold by Barren Hill Nursery of Nevada City, owned by Felix Gillet from the 1870s to the 1920s. Two of our heritage roses, Baronne Provost and Catherine Mermet, are listed in his early 1900s catalogs.
It is known that AD Foote, who himself was a hybridizer, was in correspondence with Luther Burbank. A Foote great granddaughter has said that AD purchased many of Burbank’s hybrids. The thornless blackberry still growing on the property is the Burbank hybrid “Sebastopol” developed by Burbank in 1920.
A team of dedicated volunteers works weekly on the property to maintain these plants.
If you would like to join the Rose Team please contact us.
Horticultural Tours
Walking horticultural tours of the North Star grounds take place periodically. Current tours are listed under Events. A horticultural tour or a non-walking lecture and slide show can be arranged for your group or special event.
