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Circus Trees

The Circus Trees were originally grown and created by Axel Erlandson, son of a Swedish immigrant. Inspired by observing a natural graft between two sycamore trees, Erlandson began to shape trees using intricate techniques. His techniques resulted in woven wonders made from living wood. The branches were carefully bent rather than cut and became complex and compound designs.

This botanical adventure began in Hilmar, CA in the 1920s. Erlandson planted the "Four Legged Giant," surprising his family when he brought the four trees together into one. In 1946, Erlandson moved his family and his trees to Scotts Valley, CA. A year later he opened "The Tree Circus" for locals and tourists to experience the wonder of the "World's Strangest Trees." By 1957 Erlandson had created more than 70 Circus Trees. Ripley's Believe It Or Not featured the trees in the 40s and 50s. In 1957 a Life magazine article gave the trees notoriety. After Erlandson's death in 1964, the trees became part of a Scotts Valley attraction know as "The Lost World." In 1977 the property was sold with only 40 trees surviving.

A local Santa Cruz architect, Mark Primack, led a valient effort to save the trees, even risking arrest for trespassing in order to water and feed the trees. Keeping as many alive as he could, Primack's efforts finally took root when they attracted the attention of tree lover Michael Bonfante. In 1985, Bonfante rescued the surviving 29 Circus Trees and gave them a home in Gilroy, CA.

There are 25 Circus Trees still alive today.

--from the Bonfante Gardens "Guide To The Circus Trees"


There are nineteen trees you can see at the Bonfante Gardens. I've taken pictures of eighteen; there are two Spiral Staircase trees and they look the same. The first group of ten trees below can be seen outside the park, planted around the ticket booths. They are free to look at, though you will have to pay a parking fee. The remaining eight trees are all inside the park and require the price of admission to see.

Links: Bonfante Gardens - Circus Tree history


Trees Outside The Park

Squat Curvy Scallops
Squat Curvy Scallops
3 European Ash
Revolving Door
Revolving Door
Acer Sp.
Spring Vine
Spring Vine
European Ash
Short Table
Short Table
2 Box Elders
Double Hearts
Double Hearts
Acer Sp.
Compound Eight
Compound Eight
Box Elder
Sideway Rope Rectangle
Sideway Rope Rectangle
European Ash
Spiral Staircase
Spiral Staircase
2 European Ash
Picture Frame
Picture Frame
Cork Oak
Figure Y
Figure Y
Cork Oak


Trees Inside The Park

Basket Tree
Basket Tree
6 American Sycamores
Four Legged Giant
Four legged Giant
4 American Sycamores
Arch
Arch
2 American Sycamores
Almost Circle Cage
Almost Circle Cage
10 American Sycamores
Emblem
Emblem
3 American Sycamores
Zig-Zag
Zig-Zag
American Sycamore
Oil Well
Oil Well
3 Box Elders
Chain Link
Chain Link
American Sycamore

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