We have passed this Encinitas oasis but have never stopped to savor it. Since this is its 7th anniversary, we thought, "Why not now?"
Here I am with local nice guy, Dave Dean, in the garden he’s been maintaining since 2015, called Dave’s Rock Garden, near Moonlight Beach.Dave Dean got fed up with the weeds and trash choking a vacant state-owned lot not far from his home (pictured above). But rather than leave the job in the hands of local or state officials, Dave grabbed some trash bags and tools and started the cleanup job himself on the property.
After a couple weeks, he started visiting nurseries and buying drought-tolerant succulents, bromeliads, ice plant and cactus to decorate the now-weed-free hillside. Six months in, he began carving meandering walking paths lined with large beach pebbles he hand-carried from the beach each day.Then one day that first summer an artist staying in a nearby hotel, painted one of the stones in the garden with a mandala and heart design to thank Dave for his one-man mission to beautify the community. That’s when he had the lightbulb moment that turned the lot into the unique tourist attraction it is today.Today, Dave’s Rock Garden is decorated with more than 7,000 rocks hand-painted by visitors from 113 countries and all 50 states. It also features thousands of plants, handmade statuary, meditation stumps for sitting and playing checkers, a flagpole and a self-service art station where anybody can paint rocks for Dave to add to the garden.My contribution was a little JOY, a gift from my friend, Marianne.As we strolled, many of the artwork made us smile.Some brought back childhood memories.Many made us say, "Darn right!"This one actually made me weep. Dated August 11, 2021 it reads, "Donated my kidney to my wife. She already had my heart!" So very, very special.This masterpiece was just installed as we stood there (it's large, ~9" X 5"). Who doesn't love Pooh?I so appreciate all Dave Dean has accomplished here in this lovely space. And as one who has dabbled in rock painting, I am very impressed with the talent on display. I will return another day with a contribution of my own.
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1 comments:
Looks interesting. Didn't know it was there. Next time! Went to see the houses made from boats. Saw an old episode of Huell Howser.
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