Shasta Lake Garden Project

“Enhancing the community through gardening . . .”

How the Shasta Lake Garden Project began . . .

by Susana Luzier


Looking out the window of her office, Lynni Miller mused about what it would be like to look at a beautiful site. Her idea went on to become a reality when Betty Head and Rose Mary Walter joined her over a cup of tea and discussed the idea. These three industrious dreamers took their idea and made their dream come true. Together with Linda Roelofs they planted flowers and arranged the first English Tea and Tour in 1997.

You will find your donation for the authentic English Tea delightful while you listen to local musicians playing soft background music in a lovely garden setting served by costumed “English servants” in a gracious respite from modern everyday life—a truly enjoyable experience. Save the first Sunday in June for the 9th Annual English Tea and Garden Tour!

The Shasta Lake Garden Project is now in its ninth year and going strong. We meet once a month for a regular business / planning meeting on the third Tuesday of the month at 12 noon, at the Twin Lakes Estates Mobil Home Park on Shasta Dam Blvd, City of Shasta Lake, California.

We have also met socially and explored ideas about how to promote beautiful gardens and learned what works in our soil and climate. We have learned garden design, planning, volunteer coordination, arts and crafts, and recipes for our teas.

A float is entered in the Shasta Damboree Parade, and volunteers promote gardening with a booth at the Shasta Damboree Celebration on the first weekend in May, as well as a booth in the Friday-Nite-in-the-Park event. The Yard-of-the Month project keeps members busy eight months of the year as each section of the city is considered in turn.We find and choose outstanding “curb appeal” gardens for the honor of best garden. Local merchants contribute with sponsorships and gift certificates to winners.

The Garden Project itself works hard to plan, develop, and maintain gardens, including the landscaped meridians on Shasta Dam Boulevard, Veterans’ Memorial, and the Shasta Dam Workers Park at Rose and Hill Streets near Lake Boulevard. Currently under con-struction is a Memorial Park for the whole community directly west of the Veterans’ Memorial Park Fountain. A sizeable donation from McConnell Foundation allowed us to do the initial development. Another visible project is the landscaped entrance to the City of Shasta Lake, a replica of Shasta Dam with a mural of a panoramic view of the mountains surrounding Shasta Lake. Erected by the City, it gives the effect of the actual dam with its cascading waterfall and mists.

“The Garden Gate” is a two-to four-page newsletter published monthly to members, prospective members, and businesses in the area.

Every member is a volunteer and does what they do best—everything from digging in the dirt to mowing and weeding the gardens to publicity to secretarial skills. Many do all of these and do them well!

The Shasta Lake Garden Project is sponsored by volunteers for the purpose of providing showcase gardens in the City of Shasta Lake. We encourage you to be a part of this fast-growing “hands on, can do” group now beautifying Shasta Lake. Call 275.1209 or 275.3360.

“Enhancing the community through gardening . . . ”