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The site has excellent visibility from Interstate 5, and is afforded spectacular views of Mt. Shasta to the northeast, Black Butte to the southeast, and Mt. Eddy to the southwest. Ridgelines provide a treed backdrop on three sides and the hillsides help protect the site from some of the winds associated with being on a mountain pass. Water is abundant on the site with a drainage channel creek running year-round. Access to Interstate 5 is provided from the South Weed Exit, which is already established as a waypoint for travelers along the primary vehicular route through California between Mexico and Canada.
The site has been used to board horses and graze cattle for quite some time. While the creek is partially fenced, the site shows the results of grazing, particularly near the wetlands. Eliminating grazing and creation of the gardens, the lake, and possible new wetlands will gradually repair the damage done by past grazing. The flow of the drainage channel is presently impeded up-stream by a small retention structure. Removal, or redesign of the structure will improve water flow to the site, and allow for more water on the site.
While noise from the adjacent interstate has the potential to disturb the peaceful contemplation of visitors to the Gardens, careful design will reduce the impact of noise. The surrounding land uses are unlikely to intrude on the Gardens, and may bring needed help in the form of maintenance, access and utilities. Land to the north and west is predominantly residential in use, while land to the south and east is intended for highway commercial development. Ideally, the Gardens could team with conference or hotel uses to the south and east, and provide a partnership and sponsors for portions of the Gardens. This would both attract new visitors and provide much needed employment in the southern Siskiyou county area.
Detention of water as it moves through the site will enable the creation of braided streams and a small lake. This has the benefit of assisting with upland and possible wetland creation as well as supporting a variety of riparian habitats. A pleasing side effect of the lake will be the opportunity to observe many of the migrating waterfowl that cross through Siskiyou County airspace to and from their breeding grounds. The lake will also provide an impressive setting for the formal gardens, conference facilities and trails.
Soils on the site are adequate for development of the Gardens and, as indicated by the amount of potential wetlands, could support the possible creation of additional wetlands. The desire to preserve California's wetlands has suggested an opportunity for wetland banking on significant portions of the project site. If the need for a bank in this location could be shown to be financially viable at some time in the future, a properly managed wetland bank could both aid the long term development of the Gardens, and provide a learning opportunity for locals and visitors alike.
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