Garden Dialogues 2023: Geyserville, CA
Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture (ACLA) first began working on this landscape almost twenty years ago. Originally known as Walden Studios, the mixed-use development was conceived and built by Steven Oliver, an art collector with a world-renowned site-specific sculpture collection a couple of miles away. With Jensen Architects, Oliver transformed a former prune packing plant into an elegant campus housing arts facilities and a working vineyard. ACLA installed an allée of London plane trees along the approach drive, and strategically placed a freestanding stone wall and a vine-covered west wall to visually separate parking areas and a disused rail line.
The former warehouse was raised four feet above the valley floor to protect the structure from flooding, creating an opportunity for the design team to envision a series of new terrace spaces, reminiscent of piers jutting into the vineyards beyond, that connect the buildings to the larger agricultural landscape and reinforce the spectacular views across the valley. Each elevated, extended space is surrounded by a seat wall of native stone, below which are piled large chunks of rough, indigenous rock—a textural juxtaposition that highlights the interface between the terraces and the vineyard below.
In 2019, the property owner leased the space to Douglas Keane, a Michelin-starred chef, who reopened his renowned restaurant Cyrus on site. Working with Olson Kundig, ACLA revived the landscape to reflect its new use as a fine dining restaurant and event space by adapting features to reframe select dining vistas. A new contemplative courtyard was a part of the suite of improvements as well as a streamlined entry sequence that retained the site’s original character while elevating the arrival experience creating a world class destination for fine dining.
This Garden Dialogue will be led by Andrea Cochran, FASLA.
1.0 LA CES™ professional development hours will be available to attendees.
Click here to view the complete 2023 season of Garden Dialogues.
Refund Policy
Cancellations and Refunds will be granted according to the following schedule:
Up to two (2) weeks in advance: 50% (Deduction represents administrative processing fees)
No refunds will be made for cancellations thirteen (13) days prior to event
No refunds will be made for “No Shows” (a person who registers for a program but who does not cancel registration or attend the program).
Refunds will be processed as they are received or after the conclusion of the program, depending on the program date and when cancellation occurs. Refunds may take five (5) to seven (7) business days to process.
