Mission's Earth Day Celebration Delights Kids of All Ages

They started lining up at the Mission's historic gate house early on Saturday, April 20th. Kids and families, retirees, tourists and enthusiastic local gardeners visited historic Mission San Juan Capistrano for its first ever celebration in recognition of Earth Day. The focus of the day was literally the earth -- the richly mulched earth tenderly cared for by the Mission's volunteer Gardening Angels, who were on hand to show off its yield -- the beautiful and incomparable Mission gardens.

One visitor, originally from Iran, spoke of the fragrant orange blossoms that greeted her the moment she entered the courtyard. "It smelled like home," she said, recalling the wonderful orange scented air of her youth. One of the Gardening angels explained that orange oil is known as a universal remedy for those needing a lift of spirit. The whole experience was uplifting, indeed. From the orchard garden tour where kids of all ages were encouraged to select and eat fresh-picked oranges, to the lively and informative butterfly presentations by local author and citizen scientist, Susie Vanderlip, to the Orange County Beekeepers' Association booth and native American displays of original basketweaving and native wares-- visitors were immersed in the joy and beauty of this iconic local treasure.

Families poured into the Mission's vegetable gardens where Gardening Angels led them through the plots, pointing out the culinary and medicinal uses of herbs like peppermint (iced tea/indigestion) and borage (soups/arthritis). The drying rack displayed dried herbs and peppers, plus beautiful water vessels and implements fashioned from dried gourds from last fall's harvest.

The sample tables were a huge hit. Guests let their palettes distinguish english, sugar snap and snow peas followed by a taste of sweet freshly picked strawberries. Many lucky visitors took home packets of poppy seeds, generously donated by Plant Depot. Garden angels were on hand as visitors strolled through the paths, helping them distinguish rhubarb from swiss chard or purple onions from scallions, garlic and chives. Noses were on alert as well. Many loved the chance to walk the herb garden to rub and smell a pineapple sage leaf and compare its scent to pungent rhue or soothing lavender.

Mission Executive Director, Mechelle Lawrence Adams, told Patch, "Mission San Juan Capistrano is committed to introducing its historic significance in a variety of ways. By offering Earth Day programming we were able to connect families and visitors to our rich history in a new way, and provide a connection to our natural environment that might go unappreciated. We are blessed to have truly committed volunteers who stepped up to make this new programming possible. We look forward to developing additional programming like this."

Judging from visitors' smiles, questions and rapt expressions, this may have a been the Mission's first Earth Day celebration, but it's doubtful it will be its last. Perhaps long time Gardening Angel volunteer, Jill McAlester, who designed and manned the butterfly sanctuary where visitors viewed monarchs from egg stage to chrysalis to maturity, said it best: "The Mission gardens are a delightful and essential aspect of this precious historic site. It's a joy to share its bounty with our visitors."