A California Dream Garden Brings Healing and Wholeness
Twenty years ago, John Calhoun uprooted his life in the San Francisco Bay Area suburbs. He left a stressful job in architecture and sold all his possessions in hopes of finding peace and well-being on 8 acres in Fort Bragg, a town farther north on the California coast.
Calhoun, who was living with HIV, wasn’t looking for a project or the opportunity to create his dream home in the country. “I thought it would be a nice place to live out the remaining days,” he says. “I didn’t buy the property with the idea of creating a huge garden.”
But the garden, which Calhoun has cultivated for two decades, digging his hands into the soil and filling it with thousands of plants, revived him. “I think the garden has played the largest role of anything in my life,” he says.
Beautiful, beautiful, garden and inspiring story. More of these, please.
Beautiful!
The photos don't do justice to this magnificent haven. Must watch the video. Great work John! Air B 'n B?
สวยมาก เหมือนภาพในฝัน ที่อยาก ไปเยี่ยม สักครั้ง ในชีวิต
Such a blessing to be contribute to the beauty of nature and be part of it
Wonderful! Wonderful article Houzz
Absolutely lovely made me smile! Will someday have a garden like this I wish!
Hope you and your beautiful sanctuary is safe from the fires.
Thank you so much for sharing! So healing just looking at the pictures and video! I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer a year ago. People question my sanity when I go out and work for hours in the garden, but it is deeply healing to the soul to work with soil and plants. The pictures of your garden just made me decide that my garden needs a pond - chemo be damned!
Inspiring story, beautiful garden. One could say that in taking care of your garden, the garden has taken care of you. Thanks for sharing your sanctuary, John, and may you have many more years of “living in the now.”
This is a wonderful story! You are so fortunate John that you realized you needed to make a big change to improve both your physical health and mental health and ignore the income you left behind as an architect. I love to putter in my garden in southern Ontario in Canada. I retired myself at 54 from a somewhat stressful job as an insurance broker, I can totally relate to this. Congrats on your chosen lifestyle, it looks so good on you and your property!
The horses running at the end of the video, so timely! Gotta love drones for those shots!
what a beautiful and inspiring place
I'm so glad that you have found peace (and a healthier life) in your garden. It is gorgeous! You have created new life in the earth. That in turn has given you a special joie de vivre, or la bella vita. Congrats!
Inspirational. Thanks for sharing the beauty and your story.
What an inspiring and uplifting story. Thank you for this!
You made the greatest decision. Life around trees is the perfect life people can live. I can't wait to quit my job in the city and live in the small town. Countdown to the day.
You have created a beautiful garden John, and listening to its needs has let it hear yours and contribute to your healing. Many, many more years of health and mindful living to you. Thank you for sharing your story.
Wow, absolutely incredible. From the part time job at a nursery (what a great idea) to the end result being serene, calming beauty. I have no doubt you've healed yourself in so many ways not to mention healing a tiny section of the planet (when needed most). Bravo Sir!
What a beautiful sanctuary! Mother Nature is the ultimate provider. ✨
Thank you for the beautiful gift and the spectacular view
I absolutely loved this post. Inspiring, peaceful, beautiful!
I nearly did not open this as I live in an apartment and cannot have a garden. But I am so happy for you finding your passion and improving your health and sharing this wonderful masterpiece with us. I love the ocean and live about an hour away and never go and you have inspired me to try go at least once a week and heal myself. Thanks again for sharing
beautiful and inspirational story,,warmed my heart! I feel happy inside just seeing the gardens created out of the need to find peace and solitude for ones health..it is amazing what one person can do to find that inner peace and create the gardens and landscape with such gratitude..thank you for sharing and so happy you are doing so well!
Thank you! Very inspiring! Best video I've ever seen on HOUZZ. Looks like Heaven on Earth!
Living the dream. It's a beautiful thing. I lived in Ft Bragg in the 70's and fully appreciated the nature there. You've made it into an exquisite paradise. Here's to another 20 years!
Love it❤️
Absolutley stunning! Just shows how far dedication, drive and true passion can take one on their journey.
Congratulations for this wonderful and I’m sure satisfying accomplishment!
Wow. Just watching that leaves me inspired and wishing I could walk around and take it in! Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful story and a lovely garden. Sooo serene.
What a wonderful story. I wish we all are able to find and build our place of peace and tranquility.
This is truly the epitome of what gardening is all about. John has created a wonderful garden paradise.
John, True inspiration and beauty. Would love to visit your Airbnb and appreciate the wonderful sanctuary you have created.
I am literally crying at the beauty you have created. Your celebration of the world and your reverence for the natural world inspire me.
Thank you! More like these please.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful journey and inspiring us all to reconnect with nature and ultimately ourselves through her. You have inspired me. Thank you again.
It is amazing to see the healing power of nature on the human life. Thank you for the inspiring story. It will be your footprint on this earth for years to come.
I love your garden spaces. I am now at the point where I am stopping the constant addition of new plants and am beginning to just enjoy what I have (with needed maintenance only).
That garden is a magical place. I have no doubt it is a place of healing and restoration.
So glad you chose to share your dream and vision with us. I would love to walk the gardens with you, but I'm on the other side of the country. Will try to create my own garden. Thanks for the inspiration. You have a calming demeanor that is so pleasant. thanks. John Selser
Magnificent . . . at every level. Thank you for sharing, John.
What a lovely and uplifting story. The gardens were absolutely breathtaking...calm, serene and oh so beautiful. John's voice and demeanor amplified that feeling of peaceful serenity. Thanks to everyone involved for a great video.
What can I say that hasn't already been said. Just beautiful. So happy for this man. Inspiring way to start the day, thank you.
Life has a way of telling us what we need - thank God you listened!!
So very beautiful and serene. Thanks.
Very beautiful and inspirational garden. Thanks for sharing.
Lovely story and video. Very pleasing to the viewer. Beautiful garden and nice use of furniture throughout.
John....I am so hoping that your part of the world has healing rain NOW! We all need to return to nature. Japan calls it Forest Bathing”. May your life continue in JOY and abundance! Love, Cynthia from Minnesota
Beautiful story, amazing property.
Just watching the video brings peace. Inspirational, not only for the beauty of the garden,but from the gardener’s shared lessons about how to live a fullfilling life, while adding to the beauty of the world. Here’s to his long life and continuing efforts.
Simply spectacular. Thank you so much for sharing. I love the way your brain thinks!
What a wonderful example of the healing capacity of plants. I am a horticultural therapist living on the east coast. Your story embodies the philosophy of my profession and has the power to inspire many to improve their health by way of nature. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful gardens with us! I really appreciate your approach to your garden and your ability to share with the local wildlife.
what a stunning slice of heaven you've created. i am so happy that you are hea lthy and happy! xx
I've never commented on a Houzz story but found this particularly inspiring. Thanks for sharing. Such a beautiful property. There is nothing like digging in the dirt to heal body and soul.
Beautiful story, beautiful property, beautiful soul!
inspiring!
John:
i think we went to Clemson together and I am delighted to see your garden and you.
This is so motivational and to think he accomplished all of this with his own hands. What a magnificent way to have spent 20 years. It's his baby so to speak.
WOW.....I hope my space can be as relaxing and inspirational as this garden/yard someday. Thank you for sharing.
I love it, that property is so beautiful, well taken care of. tranquil, and serenity somewhere that you can't wait to get home from work to. I pray that he live a very long life to continue to enjoy his property!
Wow. Nice guy. Impressive garden. Impressive story. Best wishes to you and your future. And after seeing the gardens/view, I will admit to a case of garden envy.
Beautiful.....you have done a wonderful setting for yourself and you look very healthful too. I don't think I would want to even leave to go shopping.....just hang there everyday:)!
Glorious garden, wonderful story about making the right choices for a life. The video is extraordinarily beautiful.
A wonderful story for troubled times, thank you John. I lived in Berkeley for several years in the late 60s and early 70s, and have been to Fort Bragg, but not recently. A property with redwoods around it is priceless. Its development over time has allowed the garden to tell you what it wants and needs. I am a Californian who lives in the south of France, the opposite climate to Fort Bragg. Nevertheless, the same principles and connections to the land are present. Things arrive, plants and animals, if you create a space for them. You have created an important space, for yourself and all who see it.
bonnie in Provence
beautiful story, lovely man, and what he has created is a special kind of paradise.
John thank you for sharing your breathtaking gardens and tender story of good health and monumental well being. May your gentle soul continue to find happiness and peace in the beauty you created.
Heals my heart just to watch this video. VERY well done!
A wonderful story and a wonderful place ...thank you for showing me.
John sure picked a good crew to fly the drone and do a masterful video, and needless to say the botanical show is a work of art.
I wonder how many lives this wonderful story has changed for those who have watched it. I am going to save it and read and watch it again when things seem to be too much. It is a therapeutic, gentle story reminding us of what is important.
Amazing! I want a garden like this!
Truly inspiring. Wow. What's an incredible space this gentleman created.
Wow, this is beautiful and looks so peaceful.
I'd so love to get a list of John's deer proof plants! I've a herd of 12 deer who have proven they DO eat Bougainvillea, Mexican Primrose and several other plants that the internet assert they won't go for. Thanks John and houzz for sharing this inspiring place!
Gorgeous. Just gorgeous. Thanks, John and Houzz. Really inspirational.
Garden looks amazing and I can understand how peaceful just being in the yard touching the soil everyday.
Wow! For someone so ill, that was a huge undertaking to just live on that property. But the gardens are beautiful, giving glorious vistas everywhere. Well done John, and happy to read you are doing well.
There is something magical about creating a garden/creature friendly space and then watching birds and other wild things move in and get comfortable. If you are lucky, you recognize individuals who return each year, and then mourn their failure to return, only to experience the arrival and return of new individuals... a microcosm of the planet, to be nurtured while the rest of it falls apart.
Such a calming garden. Fantastic, thank you for sharing this with us.
Beauty at its best, in and outwardly refreshing!!!Brought tears of joy..
This is just amazing. I watched the video several times and saw different things each time. So well done. It gave me chills. What an inspiration this is for what John has done. His past experience in architecture has certainly spilled over into his ability to work with nature to make this property so beautiful. I'm sure it is even more incredible to see it in person. It makes me want to do more at my own home. I have a cabin in the woods that needs more of my time and this has inspired me!
WOW!! TRULY BREATHTAKING...THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS:)
Beautiful and inspirational! Thank you for sharing. Yes, "be here now" is my mantra as well.
If only the whole world could be touched by the restorative power of nature!
Good to hear a healing story, I teared up when John talked about the garden mending him. Sounded like a spiritual journey .
Just watching the video brought me to the "now and peace!"
I love this story. The garden is beautiful, and gardening I've found very healing and satisfying.
Breathtaking. Relaxing and invigorating just to watch the well-made video.
Thank you for sharing.
WOW!
John, how amazing! I know what you mean about the soil healing your soul. I want to visit your garden and sit in that heather planting and smell the ocean. It's just beautiful. This world moves too fast - your garden shows how beautiful life is when we slow down. Simply stunning.
What an inspiring, magical environment...just the existence to enjoy in retirement!
Wendy Jeske
Beautiful, beautiful garden....truly a nature sanctuary....for all.....Thank you for sharing this with us....
Love this story, this is how my garden evolved as well, I am a nurse in Trauma and over the last few years worked at nursery, gardening has been very therapeutic, its smaller, with different spaces with different purposes, its constantly evolving and changing, I can let go of expectations, control, and impossible battle with perfectionism, and have learned to celebrate whatever stage the garden is in. Thanks for the continued inspiration, I love Houzz!!!
This story really touched us... trusting your own ability to create life in the form of a garden is the greatest experience. And the gardens just keep giving back... it humbles us, the grandeur. Beautiful work, John.
My husband died 6 months ago today. He used to sit on the patio & listen to the water & watch the birds & squirrels, for hours. I love my yard, but it makes me more sad now, than happy.
Might need to start a new project. Loved the article, thank you.
Pam D.
John you have created a magnificent and healing sanctuary, How wonderful that you followed your instincts 20 years ago to enjoy nature for what you thought was a short time. The beauty and peace this garden provides will continue to enrich your life for many years to come. Spectacular! Bravo!
I love your story, John Calhoun, it brought happy tears to my eyes.
Completely Beautiful! Thank you!
John, your garden is breathtaking! So lovely.....charming with a modern feel as well. Here in PA there is not the variety of plants or the ocean to hear. I'm struggling with health as well so I understand the desire for that kind of peace. All the best to you and your garden of loving work.
As previous comments have highlighted, both John and his gorgeous property have provided me with such beautiful inspiration this morning. But there is a third element, stemming from this wonderful story, that is equally inspiring. It is the community of beautiful people, coming together, who have taken the time and given thoughtful consideration in sharing uplifting, complimentary, reverent, and supportive comments that gives me hope and comfort in times when the loudest voices out there seem to be spewing judgement, division, and bigotry. So John, bless you for finding your own path of peace, for creating and tending your beautiful garden that will continue to heal many for years to come, and for sharing your story that has inspired the gathering of a community of people focused and rooted in love and coming together, as opposed to division and hatred. A beautiful people garden! Long may your hands and heart tend both gardens. And THANK YOU.
very inspiring an inspiration.
Absolutely beautiful - what an inspiration you and your garden truly are.
Beautiful!!
a true paradise...beautiful!
I am definitely saving this video. I just don't get tired of watching it over and over. I even showed it to my two daughters (ages seven and eight) and they asked me if we could go there. They watched the whole thing, they normally wouldn't. Such beautiful person with a beautiful soul, such magnificent garden. I am a truly believer that nature can heal us human beings. We have become so disconnected from nature these days, it's actually sad. I always try to teach my children about earthing, about nature, about gardening, etc. I truly hope that at least something stays with them when they grow up. Thank you John for sharing your story!!! You are a great man!
Wow magnificent thanks for sharing
I live in Northern California but it is 100 degrees here 3-4 months in summer.. hard to grow anything..
I lived there for many years, native plants do well especially if planted in winter.
John. Congratulations for
your attitude and hard work in this beautiful garden. Live goes on, so let’s be happy.
Bete from São Paulo - Brazil
Dear John, Congratulation and thank you very much, that we have got the possiblility to look this video. It is so wonderfull, beautifull and mistic. Your place is like a diary, when I 'm walking though in my minds, it is touching my soul... wish you the best...with best regards from Switzerland
Truly inspiring and beautiful.
Thank you! Inspiring!
Beautiful in all forms. Nature needs people like you. Thanks for sharing
This is amazing! I can't believe he's the one who cultivated the plants. It really looks so refreshing and peaceful!
I wish I had half of his talent. That is so beautiful. I would love to know how much effort he has to put in daily/weekly to keep all the plants alive and if he gets help to keep them alive. It looks like that would take a team, but it's just gorgeous! And, I bet nature has really helped him with his health issues in so many ways.
The areas that are in this video from 5:10 to 5:16 are amazing! So beautiful!
".....slow down, appreciate the moment and just be in the now..." something only nature can truly do. Fabulous.....
What a lovely story. The restorative power of nature never ceases to amaze me and as someone who knows the importance of it in my own life, I just wish more people "got" it.
Inspiring, mindfully created.
The power of being "grateful" is something to pass on to people and the younger generation. Too many people look at what they lack, not what they should be grateful for, including this wonderful country!
Bravo for Mr. Calhoun for not only appreciating what he has, but creating such beauty for all to enjoy.
Fabulous story. Amazing project!
All the best to you Molly Miles! May you have many years of love, joy and gratitude!
Sooo beautiful. Congratulations!
Amazing kitchen garden!
Is a beautiful place
Beautifully done - the garden and the video!
OMG I want to live there too. God Bless him..but seriously I need to live there
beautiful
You have created and nurtured a place of beauty. I can see why oit has healed you. And you're passing it forward!
what a heartwarming story of a man who listened to his inner self and found tremendous, joyous healing through gardening
LOVE
You’ve literally brought me to tears... heartfelt and inspiring! So happy for your finding your tranquility... you should write a novel as this is truly every mans dream!!
I love this. What an awesome story and place of great beauty. Thanks for posting!
Truly, my favorite houzz video of all time. John, you have touched me deeply. At a time when I am struggling to find my joy, you have reminded me of where I feel the most fulfilled...with my hands working the soil and in the garden, whatever the garden may be. I send you blessings for the wonderful gift that you have given each of us.
Lovely - a deep breath to start a busy day.
Well done! I love how everything blends together to make it look like it was part of the natural environment; gorgeous without being fussy. Funny how gardening can heal us.
You took some many words out of my mouth. I wake up every morning and see what the garden is calling out to me! She gives so much back to you as you have noted.. Carry on Amigo!!!
So inspirational and can feel the beauty of his home in peace
Paradise on earth, truly.
Stunning place... thank you for sharing.
wow! I love this video and I'm so happy for healing ❤️
I've watched this 3 times now & sent to it people. What a beautiful garden -what a magnificent undertaking . Thank you for sharing your joy !
Wow what an inspiring story ! Thank your sharing your life with us ...you inspired me / us ...! It's magical !
so much life and beauty in one video
Loved the video!
i watched the video clip several times i put myself in the moment as if i were there awesome 6 minutes of true God sent wonder thank you!
Just came across this article.
Incredible story!
Zen!
You are an inspiration.
The red fox an added bonus ;)
And the video is mesmerizing!
Really love the video and your story. Well done.
Just beautiful and inspiring! Thanks for sharing this piece of paradise.
My heart rate lowered just watching the video. Gorgeous and relaxing, I love it.
What a beautiful and healing garden!
John has created his own heaven on earth!
Felt the love radiating from the screen!
❤️
What a wonderful video .. so happy you found joy .. and health! The earth has so much to offer, and I can’t help to think that by being close to her, having constant contact with her, that minerals found in soil didn’t somehow help.. and also the magnetic waves you came into contact with by touching her daily, they are so beneficial to our well being, grounding us. Feeling joy, and being in a peaceful place is the best! You are truly living your best life no doubt. Wonderful inspiration.
John, Thank you for sharing your story. Truely this place has brought life back to you. We all need to put our hands in the dirt. It can keep all of us living!
I loved hearing your story. I sent a link to family members. I am so happy for you! Best wishes for you and may everyone create their own place for rest and healing.
You've been so fortunate to experience some of God's innate healing designed into His creation...on which you've overlaid your own creativity. Your work is that of an artist, and it is a joy to see what you've done. Thank you for sharing it with us...may you enjoy it for many years to come!
Absolutely beautiful! John you have truly nurtured a piece of paradise!
Amazing! Inspired!
Wow. Just stunning and inspiring. Job so well done!
What an unbelievable sanctuary John!! I too am putting my hands in the soil. What an inspiration and a lesson for us all to live in the moment and have a daily sense of gratitude. You have turtles; I have cottontails.
We love it!
Beautiful!
"I put my hands in the soil and I began to come back to life" That says it all for me. What an amazing place and story. I'm so inspired!
Wow! Looks like the secret garden:)
As stunningly beautiful as your gardens and your story are, the true beauty is your joyous soul. You’re the kind of interesting person one would love to share magical time with, soaking up your positivity, courage, and creativity. In creating this peaceful, personal retreat, you have truly made this world a better place. Thank you for sharing your life with all of us.
Beautiful gardens. Beautiful story. Thank you for sharing.
You make the world a beautiful place John.
I saw this video for the first time many years ago and it has always stayed with me. I never forgot it. This is probably the most memorable thing that I have seen on Houzz's site. I would love to walk in and sit in this garden. I can't believe how the Universe seemed to rise up and add to this man's garden so beautifully. It was as if it were saying, "I see you're serious about this John, and it's such a lovely project that I'll help you with this by adding this plant here, this one here and will bring this animal, and I will also help you heal your health in the process too." I'm so happy for this man's journey with this beautiful garden. Nature heals.
Yes, also for me it is one of the greatest video, I wish John in his garden-paradise all what it takes for a healing.