Most of the pictures of John Medica's garden, including this one, were taken in 1990. This was taken through a rough wire fence put up by the developer that had bought the garden. (Frank Riggs was the first to own it, then Michael Sass of Young America Homes). I had just discovered John Medica's garden and strained to see through the fence, taking this picture and a few others.

The next time I came I was emboldened by the obvious neglect of the property and entered the garden. I was absolutely awed by what I fouind there....the juxtposition of the large rocks, immense cactus and delicate castles, fountains, arches and little bridges, was truly magical.

I felt this incredible place must be saved and during the next several years talked to many people, including the developer, but all to no avail. It was during this time I learned that being a historical monument afforded no promise of preserving the garden.

In response to the economic vandalism of the contractor bulldozing sculptures, decorated gateways, part of the surrounding rock wall and Medica's house, people began entering the garden and hurting or removing parts of the rock creations. I stumbled on a piece of a little tower from one of the castles during a party in someone's garden. It was heartbreaking to hear that their intention had been to "save" whatever they could because it looked to them, and to most people, that the developer was planning on simply destroying the garden.

BACK TO PREVIOUS PAGE

BACK TO HOMEPAGE

MORE ABOUT MEDICA'S GARDEN