Horticultural society spotlights moraeas
The Western Horticultural Society is scheduled to meet 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Garden House at Shoup Park, 400 University Ave., Los Altos.
Speakers Michael Mace and Garry Knipe will deliver a presentation titled “Fun with Moraeas, the ‘Peacock Flowers’ of South Africa.” For more than a decade, Mace and Knipe have run a moraea breeding program, producing thousands of flowers with bright and contrasting colors, intense eyes, freckles, streaks, rainbow rings, smoky eyebrows and other features.
Mace and Knipe will introduce the “Peacock” species and its offspring, share cultural information and distribute free seeds. Knipe will also offer a look at his Pacific Coast Iris hybrids and discuss his quest for a turquoise hybrid.
The “Peacocks” of South Africa are a group of spring-blooming bulbs known for their colors and elaborate markings. According to Western Horticultural Society reps, they are relatively unknown in the U.S. but fairly easy to grow in California’s Mediterranean climate. They are also easy to hybridize.
Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is free for members, $10 for nonmembers.
For more information, visit westernhort.org.
Hidden Villa subject of exhibition
The Los Altos History Museum pays tribute to Hidden Villa and founders Josephine and Frank Duveneck in the exhibition “Rooted in Time: Journey through Hidden Villa,” on display in the Museum’s Main Gallery through March 9, 2025.
In 1923, Josephine and Frank Duveneck were on their way home from one of their local excursions. On a chance, they took a new route via Moody Road and happened to find the entrance to a green valley they had seen many times before from the heights of Page Mill Road.
Josephine later wrote, “We drove by a green iron gate which was slung between tall redwood posts and surmounted by white metal flags, … labeled ‘Hidden Villa,’ and a sign on the gate announced the sale of 1,000 acres for clearance of the mortgage.”
Not only would they buy the property, but they would adapt it to their needs and causes. Duvenecks’ vision of social justice led them to share their land, time and energy with a number of causes throughout their lives.
Frank and Josephine Duveneck established the Hidden Villa Trust in 1960 to carry on their ambitious mission. They left 1,600 acres under the care of their newly formed nonprofit.
To learn more about the Rooted in Time exhibition, visit losaltoshistory.org/RootedInTime.
‘Project Bloom Challenge’ slated
Challenge Hidden Villa announces a “Project Bloom Challenge” competition designed to inspire and showcase good work happening in local neighborhoods that is aligned with Los Altos Hills’ environmental farm and education center’s mission to foster educational experiences that build connections and inspire a deeper appreciation and respect for nature, food and one another.
“We encourage you to use your creativity and passion to show how you are addressing a challenge in our community,” according to the nonprofit organization. “Through essays, videos, artwork, or other creative means, show us how you are cultivating positive change that inspires a deeper appreciation and respect for nature, food and one another.”
The Project Bloom community competition question: What specific steps have you taken to make a tangible difference right here at home? How are you seeding change in your community?
First prize is $250, second is $150 and third is $100. Prizes also include an annual access pass to Hidden Villa.
Submissions are due by Nov. 1.
For more information, visit hiddenvilla.org/project-bloom/.
