Mission San Juan Capistrano Announces New Gardening Book

Mission San Juan Capistrano’s newest in-house publication Finding Inspiration: The Gardens at Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of three projects made possible by private donations given in honor of the late Madeline Martin Swinden, Mission Preservation Foundation board member and long-time steward. The book is now available at the Mission Store and online at www.missionsjc.com/shop.

After Martin Swinden’s sudden passing in June 2020, friends and supporters sent donations in her name to Mission San Juan totaling nearly $60,000. Madeline loved gardens (pink roses in particular), so a rose garden in her memory was dedicated this past June followed by Finding Inspiration: The Gardens at Mission San Juan Capistrano produced entirely by Mission staff in her honor.

Featuring the beginnings of the Mission's landscape, from agriculture to gardening, the book details the evolution of the gardens to its cornucopia of color today. While not original to the 18th century, the gardens underscore the spiritual and inspirational value of California Landmark #200 and the book inspired a new garden audio tour (currently in the works) to guide Mission visitors through the landscape process and expansive garden offerings.

“Madeline was a champion for the Mission and while I deeply miss my friend, her life is still bringing change as these new projects collectively allow us to move forward and celebrate the Mission’s 20th and 21st century-era gardens making an even greater visitor experience. We are proud that Madeline’s endless enthusiasm for the Mission’s art, gardens, history, events, and fourth grade visitors will live on in her memory,” said Mission San Juan Capistrano’s executive director Mechelle Lawrence Adams.

Finding Inspiration: The Gardens at Mission San Juan Capistrano retails for $15.99 and is one of several publications produced in-house and available on-site and online. Since the book was produced entirely in-house, all proceeds will benefit preservation efforts of Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is located 26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.missionsjc.com.

About Mission San Juan Capistrano

Known as the “Jewel of the Missions,” Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark and museum that features permanent exhibits with original artifacts as well as traveling and temporary exhibits. Orange County’s only Mission, the site is home to Serra Chapel, The Great Stone Church and the original padres’ quarters of the South Wing and promotes faith, education, preservation and cultural event programming.

Founded on November 1, 1776, by Saint Junipero Serra as the seventh of 21 California missions established by Spain, Mission San Juan Capistrano is owned by the Diocese of Orange and receives no church or state funding. The Mission Preservation Foundation, comprised of business and community leaders, is its fundraising entity committed to ensuring education, preservation and its long-term historic and religious significance.

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