The original vision for the garden was summarized in an essay entitled “Native Garden Rejuvenation at the Interagency Visitor Center,” (authored by anonymous), as follows:
- To help visitors discover the unique flora and different plant communities that call the Eastern Sierra home. A sampling of what they might see as they travel through the region.
- To enable visitors to connect physically and emotionally with the gardens using their senses. A space to relax in for a short time before resuming the journey.
- To create a simple understanding of the ecology of the garden; the relationships that exist between these plants and other living organisms.
- To educate visitors to the benefits derived from incorporating native plantings into their ornamental landscape in respect to water and resource conservation, also luring birds, insects, and wildlife into the garden.
- To grow links between the garden and the community of Lone Pine. The garden becomes a source of pride, education, and inspiration for the community.
Although it has been several years since this vision was articulated, the vision remains a vibrant and appropriate one. The garden was planted in three distinct zones, representing the areas attracting visitors to the ESVC: (1) the Mojave Desert, (2) the Owens Valley, and (3) the Sierra Foothills.
The garden contains benches, inviting visitors to spend time in the garden and to learn about its ecology and benefits of a water-conserving landscape.
As the involvement of the Master Gardeners grows and becomes systematic, we hope to provide some of the education and inspiration envisioned for the local community.