Axel Erlandson's passion for sculpting trees, also known as arborsculpture, started out as a hobby for the amusement of himself and his family but turned into his life's work as his tree creations brought more and more attention from the public. Using a special set of skills, Erlandson started to sculpt things out of living, growing trees.
Full Name: Axel Erlandson
Date of Birth/Death: Born in 1884, the son of Swedish immigrants; died in 1964 at the age of 80 near Turlock, California.
Erlandson's Beginnings: Erlandson noticed that trees of the same species would naturally "inosculate", or grow together where they touch. This naturally occurring ability of a tree to graft led to the farmer's lifetime passion for shaping trees. He would create designs on paper first and then plant trees in the specified patterns he wanted. By pruning, grafting and bending the seedlings he created his masterpieces. This began as a hobby for the amusement of himself and his family.
Erlandson's Grand Scheme: In 1945, Erlandson's decided that his trees on display could bring in paying customers if located near major traffic. The post-World War II travel boom had created well-traveled tourist routes in California and across America. Erlandson chose a small parcel of land in Scotts Valley, California along the main road between the Santa Clara Valley and the Pacific ocean beaches where he moved and transplanted all his best living sculptures.
"The Tree Circus": Erlandson opened his Santa Clara Valley attraction where locals and tourists could pay to see his “World's Strangest Trees.” The attraction was called "The Tree Circus" and opened in the spring of 1947. By 1957, he had created more than 70 circus trees. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not often featured Erlandson's trees and a 1957 Life magazine article gave the trees and the attraction more attention. After Erlandson's death in 1964, the trees and property was sold and became known as “The Lost World”.
"The Lost World": Larry and Peggy Thompson changed the park's name to "The Lost World" and were to use the trees as part of an expanded attraction filled with large fiberglass dinosaurs. The vision was to expand the attraction to several times it's original size.
Unfortunately, Larry Thompson died before The Lost World could open. Peggy Thompson, left to raise three small children, managed to open the park successfully for a few years but eventually had to sell to new owners who immediately defaulted. Subsequent lease owners went in and out of business and the trees struggled to survive.
Unfortunately, Larry Thompson died before The Lost World could open. Peggy Thompson, left to raise three small children, managed to open the park successfully for a few years but eventually had to sell to new owners who immediately defaulted. Subsequent lease owners went in and out of business and the trees struggled to survive.
An Admirer of Erlandson's Work, Mark Primack: In 1977 the property was sold with only 40 trees surviving. A local Santa Cruz architect, Mark Primack, risked arrest for trespassing in order to water and feed the trees. Primack was able to keep many of the trees alive and his efforts finally attracted the attention of tree lover Michael Bonfante who purchased the trees. Mark Primack was a major force in saving the remaining trees.
Erlandson awakened thousands to the tree sculpting art. Arborsculpturist Richard Reames, who coined the word arborsculpture, saw the tree exhibit as a child, was inspired and went on to write several books on the subject.
Erlandson awakened thousands to the tree sculpting art. Arborsculpturist Richard Reames, who coined the word arborsculpture, saw the tree exhibit as a child, was inspired and went on to write several books on the subject.
Present Location of Erlandson's Trees: There are ony 25 of Erlandson's trees still alive. Nineteen of these are being preserved in Bonfante Gardens near Gilroy, California. Bonfante Gardens recently changed it's name to Gilroy Gardens. The legacy of Axel Erlandson lives on at the Gilroy Gardens Theme Park.
The plants are so important that the park has scheduled “gardens only” days, usually on Fridays, when most of the rides and shops are closed, making it easier to walk around and look at the plantings. The park usually opens at 10, but on gardens only days it doesn't open until midday.
How Did Erlandson Do It?: Erlandson was often asked how he created such unusual trees. Unfortunately, Erlandson never shared his techniques. When people asked him how he created them, he simply said "he talked to the trees". Many believe he may have done just that.
