Veterans Home of California, Ventura
Residential assisted-living for retired veterans — Ventura, CA
About the gardens
Veterans Home of California, Ventura is a residential assisted-living home for 60 retired veterans. The location offers veterans an opportunity for interesting and creative outdoor activities. There are several inviting gardens for enjoyment or opportunities for interested residents to try their hand at gardening.
Featured gardens
Memorial rose garden
The showcase garden is a memorial rose garden with over 100 roses. It is surrounded by a native garden planted as a habitat for migrating birds, bees, and butterflies. This pollinator garden is recognized and supported by the Xerces Society — an invertebrate conservation non-profit organization. There is also a Rosie the Riveter Memorial Rose Garden and an Honor Rose Garden.
Orchard
The large established orchard is home to citrus, stone, and other fruit trees.
“La Madonna” succulent garden
UC Master Gardeners in partnership with residents installed the original succulent garden, which was named by a resident “La Madonna” Succulent Garden. A statue of a native woman, La Madonna, sits in the garden overlooking the three Chumash grinding bowls that were found on the property. Master Gardeners have since expanded the use of succulents in other areas of the garden.
Phenology gardens and Chumash garden
A large section of the property, called the phenology gardens, is devoted to California native plants and various landscape trees that provide food and shelter for wildlife. A Chumash garden area also honors the site’s history as the former location of a Chumash village.
Volunteer support
Due to budget constraints, the gardens are generously supported by community donations and volunteers who love this site and the CalVet residents. Master Gardeners who choose to volunteer at this site are responsible for maintaining the gardens including weeding, trimming, and giving advice on proper care for trees, shrubs, and other plants. Master Gardeners continue to create new planting areas.
Objectives
- To support the vision and goals of the Ventura Veterans Home.
- To provide a comfortable and engaging setting for volunteers working with veterans.
- To promote and demonstrate UC science-based gardening practices.
- To support the goals of the UCCE Master Gardener program by hosting public workshops and continuing education trainings.
Activities
- Practice and maintain regular gardening practices, including weeding, cleaning, deadheading, and planting as needed.
- Interact with retired veterans — the first and foremost focus at this site.
- Have fun, and encourage veterans and volunteers at the site.
Volunteer workdays
Tuesdays and Fridays, 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
More information