The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Bamboo Grove

Click on image titles for larger views.

Bamboo Grove (general view), Notre Dame de Namur University

Institution Name: Notre Dame de Namur University
Original/Historic Place Name: Bamboo Grove
Location on Campus: front lawn of Ralston Hall
Date(s) of Construction:

1864-1868

original landscaping Ralston, William

Designer: William Ralston
Type of Place: Landscape site
Style: (Glossary)
Significance: landscape
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Function:

1864-present (2006)

outdoor space

Narrative:
The bamboo grove is included in our report because of its significance in adding to the atmosphere of elegance that William Ralston had in his country estate. Since bamboo is becoming rare in our area, the American Bamboo Society has designated our grove as an important example of the plant as well as a place where it is displayed beautifully. It is a unique feature of the campus.

For many years, the bamboo grove on the front lawn of the Ralston Estate was seen, especially by children, as a prime area to play and to pretend they were in a jungle; however, with the diminishment of bamboo in California, the American Bamboo Society has requested that the University keep the center of the grove off-limits.

References: