Winter 2023

118 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 Staffers encourage visitors of all ages to take inspiration from the regenerative, light- on-the-land methods employed in the garden. “I hope they find joy here, and snack on some good things. It’s just a beautiful, magical place,” Aslanian says. That striking natural setting creates an ele- gant backdrop for weddings. Members and their sponsored guests can hold rehearsal din- ners, ceremonies and receptions among the plants and petals. “We string lights from wooden arbors, and on either side of you are sunflowers or corn or tomatoes or whatever is growing at the moment. If we do ceremonies toward the back of the garden, there is an aisle that’s mostly lined with lavender,” says Aubrey Yeakel, Santa Lucia Preserve director of catering and hospitality. Hacienda Garden cocktail receptions accommodate up to 200 guests, and a long table extending down a wide garden pathway seats about 110 for dining. “We pick fresh flower bundles, using what’s in season to garnish and decorate. For hors d’oeuvres and dinners, ingredients come from the garden as much as possible,”Yeakel says. Event guests enjoy marveling at nature, and they’re sometimes treated to special surprises. “At any given time, we might have horses roaming free behind the garden. So, when you’re dining, you’re not only looking at sun- flowers and vegetables. You’re also looking at those horses running wild and the hills being backlit from the sunset. It’s a visually stunning location.” To learn more about the Hacienda Garden and special events at the Santa Lucia Preserve, visit www.santaluciapreserve.com . The garden is an incredible spot for children and adults to learn about organic gardening. The Preserve summer-camp campers visit the garden to learn about plants and pollinators, but the garden is also a welcoming place for members and their guests to visit anytime to learn more about sustainable gardening practices. Photos: Santa Lucia Preserve