Reviving the Gardens: A Journey through Horticulture and History at the Neighborhood Church
It is no secret that our location is one of the many blessings that we have at the Neighborhood Church. Wherever you look, you are greeted by lush gardens, vibrant roses, and a breathtaking panoramic view of the Santa Monica Bay. This is no accident; the Haggarty Estate was originally landscaped by the Olmsted Brothers, who spent more than two decades landscaping much of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. From the nearly 100-year-old olive trees that dot the property to the fragrant rose and jasmine bushes, our garden has long beckoned visitors, families, and wedding couples from the South Bay and far beyond. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our gardens suffered as our grounds were closed to the public. Lee Jester, a longtime dedicated member of the Neighborhood Church, lent his considerable talent and knowledge to reviving the gardens and nurturing the roses that grace the church grounds. In this interview, Lee shares his background in gardening, his family's connection to the Neighborhood Church, and his passion for gardening. Join us on a journey through horticulture and history as we explore the revival of our seaside gardens.
Lee Jester standing in the Shirley Yang Memorial Garden. Lee regularly trims back the bushes and plants in this area and waters the potted plant multiple times per week.
Background in Horticulture
Lee Jester's journey in horticulture began in his early 20s when he started working at the Rolling Hills/Airport Nursery in Torrance. Over the years, he gained valuable experience in various professional roles, including positions at the Miraleste Park District and parks administration for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. Lee's expertise as a certified nurseryman at the Palos Verdes Begonia Farm further solidified his passion for plants and gardens.
A History Rooted at the Neighborhood Church
Lee's connection to the Neighborhood Church runs deep. His father, Ralph, lived in Palos Verdes before World War II, and his parents returned to the area after they married in 1945. His parents became members in 1948, and Lee himself was baptized here in 1950.
The original chancel, including the stained glass windows designed by Ralph Jester.
When the Church bought the Haggarty estate in 1950, Ralph was very involved in the early struggles to have the City of Palos Verdes Estates allow occupation for church use, since the zoning at the time was residential. After much back and forth, the church received a Conditional Use Permit and was finally able to begin transforming the Haggarty living room into the sanctuary that we have today. Ralph designed the original chancel, which included the pulpit, lectern, and altar. Some of these pieces are now in the Narthex and the side chapel. In 1953, Ralph designed the round stained glass windows that are on either side of the organ. Lee’s mother, Lois, was active in the Women’s Fellowship, the Flower Guild, and helped with the Christmas Pageant. She was an active member until she passed away in 2021, shortly after her 100th birthday.
In his over 20 years of membership, Lee has actively participated in various ministries, including Music Ministry, Christian Action Ministry, and the Nominating Committee. He currently serves as one of our Docents, leading monthly tours of the building and grounds. He has assisted with numerous Christmas Pageants, regularly calls on older members of the congregation, and is never far away when help is needed. Since the Church reopened after the pandemic, Lee has spent considerable time working in our gardens to provide an extra level of care and attention.
Reviving the Gardens
While the church was closed during the pandemic, the grounds were neglected and the irrigation was reduced. Although our landscape maintenance company keeps the grounds neat, there is always detail work that needs to be done. In the spring and summer of 2022, Lee began to prune, water, and fertilize each rose bush by hand. He worked closely with the contractors who installed our new artificial turf to relocate irrigation lines. Though most of the roses are now on a timed drip irrigation system, Lee was coming to the Church multiple times per week to water our over 75 rose bushes. When we asked Lee how long he thought he’d spent working in the gardens he said:
“I don't keep track of the time I spend on the grounds because it's a pleasure to be here. Sometimes I go down to the Seacliff Memorial and reflect on my family and our involvement with the church over the years. What better place to spend an afternoon looking out over the ocean?”
In addition to caring for the roses, Lee regularly walks the property, noting areas that need attention. He has added plants to the Shirley Yang Garden east of the front entrance as well as the large pots directly across from the front doors. Several years ago, he removed all of the dead ceanothus bushes near the east parking lot. More recently, he thinned the Aleppo pine by the stairs to the Seacliff Memorial, and then Travers Tree Service completed the job.
The Roses of the Neighborhood Church
Our gardens at the Neighborhood Church boast a variety of roses, including hybrid tea, floribunda, Grandiflora, and climbing roses. The use of roses and other flowers is connected to the original Olmsted Brothers’ garden plans from 1928 when the Haggarty villa was built. The rose garden extended behind the villa and greenhouse eastward along the cliff until Dennis Smith Hall was built in 1958. The size of the rose garden was reduced for the addition of the Sunday School building.
Again the rose garden changed when the Fellowship Hall was built under the existing villa roofline with the reallocation of space inside. Some of the rose bushes were moved over by the pond and west parking lot along the wall to provide space for the Beth Maher Patio and fountain. A smaller area of rose bushes decorates the area in front of Dennis Smith Hall. The additional replacement bushes and new gardens along the sidewalk on the west side of the church continue to enhance the beauty of our special church home.
We asked Lee if he had a favorite, and he was quick to answer— The Double Delight Rose located outside the church office.
Lee pictured with his favorite rose— the Double Delight.
The Double Delight Rose. According to Lee, it is the perfect rose in shape, color, and fragrance.
Lee's advice for aspiring gardeners is simple yet profound: embrace the hard work, relish the time spent outdoors, and appreciate the fruits of your labor. Gardening is a rewarding endeavor that allows individuals to connect with nature and witness the beauty that unfolds through their efforts.
The Bohannon Memorial Garden, which was installed in 2023. Lee helped with many stages of this project and continues to care for the plants and flowers in it.
Lee Jester's dedication to reviving the gardens at the Neighborhood Church is a testament to his love for gardening, our Church, and God’s natural beauty. Through his expertise and passion, the roses have flourished, and our garden has once again become a serene place to reflect on the wonders of God’s earth. We invite you to visit us this summer! Our grounds are open Tuesday thru Thursday from 1-4 PM, and Sunday from 8 AM-12 PM. Enjoy our quiet garden, breathe in the ocean air, and yes— stop to smell the roses. You just might see Lee while you’re here!
A special thanks to Fran Bock, our Historian, who consulted on this article. Fran provided the historical photos of the roses as well as information about when and where they were moved.