Davis Shakespeare Garden

Working with a professional Landscape Architect, Stephanie Bill of Farallone Designs, who has kindly donated her services to my project, I am currently in the process of creating a landscape garden plan, detailing the layout of my garden. As noted above, it will contain a labyrinth for performances, as well as a variety of plants and trees from Shakespeare's time. The plants must be drought-tolerant, and blend in with the surrounding landscape of the park and the environment of Davis. Amoung the plant choices I am considering are fruitless olive trees, rosemary, thyme, yellow and white yarrow, and several varities of lavendar and heather. For the grand opening of the garden, I'm going to hold a performance with high school entertainers. The performance will consist of actors performing monologues, musicians, and Madrigal singers. Again, this is a win-win situation for the students: They will learn Shakespeare but also have a venue to showcase their artistic talents. The garden will have a wonderful impact on the community, especially if the "Shakespeare in the Park" festival becomes a tradition. I hope that when I return to Davis, after 5 or 10 years, that I find my project helped to accomplish those goals, and that I, myself, will be able to sit and watch a group of school children perform Shakespeare.