FLOWERS FROM THE GARDENS

 Planted in the gardens of the San Fernando Mission are many varieties of exotic plants from all over the world.   The green "Chorisia" trees from South America, studded with lethal-looking thorns on their trunks; are one example.

Interspersed among this eclectic collection of plant life are many colorful flowers.   In the "East Garden," parallel to the long chapel at the north end, is a row of cultivated rose bushes.   White, yellow, pink and red flowers add to the already scenic atmosphere of the mission grounds.  

In 1847, the second year of the Mexican War, when California was still a part of Mexico, an American by the name of Edwin Bryant visited the San Fernando Mission.   His account included this description of the gardens: "Although not in spring, the season of flowers, still the many colorful roses were in bloom. "