The Heritage Garden: A Living Tribute to the Past

The creation of the Heritage Garden at North Star House was an endeavor far greater than anyone had imagined. What began as a dream of dedicated historians and volunteer gardeners became a journey of discovery—one that unearthed the rich horticultural legacy of the estate. After years of research, planning, and careful planting, the garden was officially opened to the public with a celebratory Ribbon Cutting on June 23, 2019.

Nestled against the backdrop of the historic North Star House, the garden’s design harmonizes perfectly with the Arts & Crafts architecture of Julia Morgan, embracing the Edwardian woodland landscape that Arthur De Wint Foote first envisioned in 1905. Today, a plaque at the garden’s entrance serves as both a welcome and a testament to its purpose:

"The Heritage Garden honors Arthur De Wint Foote’s horticultural skills and his affiliation with renowned horticulturists Luther Burbank and Felix Gillet. In 1905, A.D. Foote began designing the Edwardian woodland landscape surrounding The North Star House. This garden includes plants and trees that grew in the original landscape, including roses from the courtyard rose garden, a Felix Gillet heritage pear tree, and perennials inspired by Luther Burbank. The pond represents the original Julia Morgan-designed courtyard reflecting pond."

For over a decade, devoted volunteers carefully identified the remnants of North Star’s historic plantings, uncovering heirloom varieties that had persisted through the years. Their vision was clear: to create a garden that would not only honor the property’s past but ensure its botanical history thrived for generations to come.

The Heritage Garden now flourishes with roses, peonies, hydrangeas, boxwood, and fruit trees—many of which once graced the estate during the Footes' time. A Felix Gillet heritage pear tree stands as a direct link to Nevada City’s horticultural legacy, while grapevines recall the estate’s agricultural past. The tranquil pond, a central feature of the garden, reflects Julia Morgan’s original courtyard design, paying homage to the harmony between architecture and nature that defines North Star House.

More than a garden, this space is a living connection to history, where each bloom, vine, and tree whispers the story of those who came before. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers and historians, the Heritage Garden stands today as a tribute to Arthur De Wint Foote’s legacy—a testament to the enduring beauty of the land he cultivated over a century ago.