Hidden away next to the train lines at Shaw Avenue near Highway 99 in Fresno County lies a hidden treasure that often goes unnoticed by passersby. The Forestiere Underground Gardens are a truly remarkable sight, with citrus trees sprouting from the depths below. Many people have been captivated by this extraordinary spectacle and have stopped to capture it in photographs.
The Living Museum known as the Forestiere Underground Gardens is an extensive network of tunnels, chambers, and subterranean courtyards. It owes its existence to the innovative immigrant Baldassare Forestiere. In 1906, Forestiere purchased 80 acres of land in Fresno County, California with dreams of becoming a successful citrus farmer. Little did he know that his ambitions would lead him down a path of excavation and invention.
Forestiere’s subterranean gardens have garnered attention from people all across the region. Horticultural Magazine described them as “an example of visionary horticulture,” recognizing Forestiere’s ingenuity and imagination in transforming vast underground spaces into vibrant horticultural paradises.
These underground gardens are a testament to Forestiere’s unwavering determination and willpower. According to Giselle Forestiere, his granddaughter, he tirelessly labored using only hand tools such as shovels and pickaxes to achieve his goal. Over many years, he skillfully carved out an intricate network of tunnels that showcased his passion for gardening.
Beyond serving as experimental grounds for his horticultural methods, these tunnels provided respite from the scorching summer heat for Forestiere. Through trial and error, he discovered innovative ways to cultivate various crops underground – including citrus trees, grapes, and even mushrooms. This allowed him to take advantage of the constant temperature and humidity below ground level, resulting in bountiful harvests.
Even today, visitors continue to be enthralled by the unique blend of artistry, architecture,and nature found within the Forestiere Underground Gardens.The exquisite stonework and arches throughout highlight Baldassare’s exceptional craftsmanship while natural light streaming through skylights creates a serene atmosphere that adds to its allure.
Diane Stokes,the executive directoroftheForestierUndergroundGardens,stressesthatvisitingthegardensprovidesinsightintotheimmigrantexperienceandthespiritofresilienceinthe faceofadversity.Shemaintainsthatthegardensaresymbolicoftheindomitablehuman spirit,ratherthanmerelybeingahorticulturalwonder
