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Moorten's Mill
The Legacy of Moorten's Mill: A Desert Oasis with Hollywood Roots
IntroductionNestled in the sun-soaked landscape of Palm Springs, California, the Moorten Botanical Garden stands as a living testament to the beauty and diversity of desert flora. Established in 1938 by Chester "Cactus Slim" Moorten and his wife, Patricia, this unique garden not only showcases an extensive collection of cacti and succulents but also tells a rich story intertwined with Hollywood's golden era and the rugged allure of the American Southwest.
Origins in Joshua Tree
Before the inception of the garden, Chester Moorten led a life as colorful as the cacti he would come to cherish. An original Keystone Cop and a stand-in for the enigmatic Howard Hughes, Chester was immersed in the early days of Hollywood cinema. His career took an unexpected turn when he developed tuberculosis on a film set. Seeking the therapeutic dry climate, he moved to Cottonwood Springs near what is now Joshua Tree National Park.
During his convalescence, Chester engaged in gold panning—a common pursuit in the area. However, he soon discovered that the arduous labor of mining yielded less reward than selling the striking cacti that dotted the desert landscape. His knack for collecting these resilient plants not only aided his recovery but also ignited a lifelong passion.
Establishing Roots in Palm Springs
In 1938, Chester relocated to Palm Springs in search of a broader market for his burgeoning cactus collection. It was here that fate introduced him to Patricia, a woman who shared his enthusiasm for succulents and desert vegetation. Together, they purchased a property from Stephen Willard, a renowned nature and desert photographer. This land would soon blossom into the Moorten Botanical Garden.
Combining their talents, the Moortens expanded their venture to include landscape design. Their expertise in desert flora caught the eye of Hollywood's elite. Icons such as Walt Disney, Red Skelton, Jimmy Van Heusen, Frank Sinatra, and Bing Crosby commissioned them to craft the landscapes of their luxurious desert homes. Their designs seamlessly blended the rugged charm of the desert with the elegance expected by their star-studded clientele.
A Collaboration with Walt Disney
One of the most noteworthy chapters in the Moortens' story is their collaboration with Walt Disney. Impressed by their mastery of desert landscaping, Disney enlisted their expertise for the creation of Frontierland at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. The Moortens curated an array of authentic desert plants that contributed to the immersive experience of the park, enchanting visitors with the unique beauty of arid environments.
The Garden's Evolution
Today, the Moorten Botanical Garden remains a cherished family legacy, managed by Chester and Patricia's son, Clark Moorten. The garden boasts over 3,000 varieties of desert plants, ranging from towering saguaros to delicate agaves. One of its highlights is the "Cactarium," a specialized greenhouse that houses rare specimens from around the world.
Visitors to the garden can meander along winding paths that showcase themed landscapes, including areas dedicated to Baja California, the Sonoran Desert, and the Mojave Desert. Educational programs and guided tours offer insights into the adaptation and survival strategies of desert plants, fostering a deeper appreciation for these often-overlooked species.
A Lasting Impact on Desert Landscaping
The Moortens' influence extends beyond the boundaries of their garden. As pioneers in desert landscaping, they played a significant role in popularizing the use of native plants in sustainable garden design. Their work demonstrated that arid-adapted flora could be both beautiful and environmentally responsible—a philosophy that resonates even more profoundly in today's context of water conservation and ecological awareness.
Conclusion
The Moorten Botanical Garden is more than a collection of plants; it's a vibrant narrative of passion, resilience, and innovation. From Chester's early days in Joshua Tree to the couple's collaborations with Hollywood legends, the garden encapsulates a unique fusion of natural beauty and cultural history. It stands as a living homage to the Moortens' dedication to celebrating and preserving the wonders of the desert.
"Cactus" Slim Moorten built a 5-stamp mill here in 1934 to process gold ore from 3 claims he had in the Cottonwood Spring area. Abandoned in 1939 little remains of a cabin, mill building and a water tank.
