Music and Flowers Flourish in Royal Oaks

Summer is the season for outdoor concerts: fun, relaxing alternatives to dark, crowded nightclubs and large venues with long lines. However, there are few house concert venues as beautiful as those at Elkhorn Gardens, managed by Jim and Colleen Goff.

Located in Royal Oaks, Elkhorn Gardens features a small bandstand in a natural amphitheatre surrounded by five acres of flowers and trees, meandering paths and beautiful vistas.

Colleen and Jim kindly gave me a tour. When I arrived, they were admiring a new topiary sculpture in what will become the "formal garden." Covered in ivy, the sculpture was shaped like a well-dressed 19th Century lady holding an umbrella.

As we strolled past the many rows of flowers, I learned that the couple is growing hundreds of varieties each of daylilies, reblooming irises, dahlias and camellias. They pointed out favorites, including blooms that have a particularly strong “presence” by their remarkable color, shape, and scent.

Their dahlias are world-class blooms, which they sell globally.

“We’ve done dahlias for 13 to 14 years, and have it down to a fine science,” said Colleen.

Their new dahlia garden—which will be blooming late this summer—overlooks a view of Monterey Bay. We wandered into a shady glen, enjoying hydrangeas, roses, camellias and towering echiums. One of the joys of visiting Elkhorn Gardens is witnessing its seasonal changes.

Managing the gardens takes a huge amount of work, which the Goffs do with only occasional hired help. Much of their time is spent planning and preparing new gardens, clearing out poison oak, weeding and tending the many paths. Over a decade ago, Colleen broke her tailbone in a garden accident, and it took her eight years to recover through alternative healing methods. Her love of gardening  certainly helped.

“It calms me down to be in the garden,” she said.

Colleen was inspired early by her grandfather, who grew spectacular annuals in his garden. Jim’s mom was also an avid gardener. The two were married in the 1990s, and while Colleen’s horticultural obsession led the way, they are now both respected members of nine plant societies.

The Goffs also share a love of music. Colleen is a singer and songwriter who plays the mandolin, and Jim plays solo bass. They built a stage in the garden for practice sessions with friends, providing a positive environment for both accomplished and budding musicians.

“No music or plant bullies,” they both agree, “our philosophy is to be supportive of people no matter what.”

They realized that Elkhorn Gardens would make an ideal venue for a songwriters’ summer concert series. The natural amphitheatre has great acoustics and natural reverb, yet the surrounding hills keep the sound from bothering neighbors. You can sit on the lawn or at the tables, or stroll around the grounds, enjoying the flowers and trees. The music can be heard from many different areas of the property.

According to the Goffs, Elkhorn Gardens has become a songwriters’ hub; their concerts—scheduled most every Sunday this summer—have become popular among locals and out-of-towners alike. They have recently begun charging $10 for a ticket, and the performers get half. Snacks are served during the events, and you can visit their small gift shop.

Elkhorn Gardens is truly a labor of love for the Goffs. Take time soon to visit, enjoy the music, and smell the flowers.

14581 Tumbleweed Lane, Royal Oaks. Concerts every Sunday: gates open at noon, concerts at 2 p.m. See www.TheGardenSong.com for the summer event schedule. Call 831-763-9251 or email elkhorng@earthlink.net for information.