Southern California is particularly blessed with a clear, dry, and balmy
climate. Quoting an authority in Santa Barbara: "There is practically no
frost in southern California; in the north there is some. There are
flowers in our gardens at all times of the year. Tulips bloom in
February and March; Daffodils, German Iris, and other hardies from
February to May; also Lilies-of-the-Valley, which latter are more scarce
on account of the dryness of the atmosphere. From March till autumn
there is bloom from Sweet William, Phlox, and many others of their kind,
while Geranium, the common Marguerite, and Heliotrope grow all the year
around and become large bushes. Roses cover the tops of some villas;
Cosmos, California Poppy, Zinnia, Nasturtium, and Stock are among the
favorite annuals; and all, whether hardy or tender, may be planted out
in March when the winter rains are over. Some of the favorite exotic
shrubs used for their bloom are the Acacias, Genista, etc., Solanums,
and Choisia Ternata." Quite common are the great Poinsetta plants and
the soft, trailing Bougainvillea, with its exquisite red matching in
tone the color of our autumn leaves. Boxwood is little used in this
climate. Toward San Francisco and northward it is found in greater
quantity. To the south it is replaced by Myrtus communis nanus, Myrtus
microphylla, Veronica Andersonii for low hedges; Monterey Cypress,
Eugenia myrtifolia, different species of Ligustrum (Privet), which are
all evergreen here, Duranta Plumerii, and others.
The highest temperature in Santa Barbara for a few days in fall is about
eighty-six degrees Fahrenheit and the lowest in winter is forty degrees
for a few days. The summers are very cool. The climate of Santa Barbara
is quite similar to Sorrento, Italy, only better. The farther north on
the coast the more rain. In Santa Barbara there is sunshine continually,
except for the brief period of rain in winter. The warmest months are
August, September, and October. From May to August there are fogs at
night along the coast which keep the temperature down during the day.
In this paradise of sunshine and flowers are found a bewildering number
of wonderful subjects for photography, some of which must give an idea
of the favored vegetation of California.
At Kimberly Crest, as in the other views, most conspicuous is the
brilliant clearness of the atmosphere. This beautiful country-seat is a
sample of many which are built more or less on a similar plan, and
especially noted for their profusion of choicest shrubs, trees, and
flowering plants.
At Glendessary is found one of California's favorite gardens, where the
strong sunshine is moderated by the plentiful use of trees so carefully
arranged that the shadows do not disturb the growths of flowers, which
bloom abundantly throughout this lovely place.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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