Former resident leaves legacy of lush landscape
Rossmoor had a friend in Lillian Barrett.
The longtime resident left provisions that some of the trust she established be used to beautify her old neighborhood on Golden Rain Road at Entry 14 and other spots in Rossmoor.
Barrett lived in Rossmoor for more than 20 years before her death.
She wanted to help beautify Rossmoor, said Sue DiMaggio Adams, president of First Mutual. First Mutual is the primary beneficiary of Barrett’s largesse.
The Lillian Barrett Trust is administered by Barrett’s nephew, Alvin Barrett.
The first project was specified by his aunt, he said. It was to be a garden of daffodils in her entry because she loved daffodils.
A memorial garden with thousands of daffodils and other landscaping was planted toward the rear of the entry. And, each spring, 5,000 daffodil bulbs are planted in various spots on Golden Rain Road.
Other projects have included creating a viewpoint on Golden Rain Road at Entry 7. Passersby can stop and see a view of the East Bay and Mt. Diablo. A picnic table and benches add a welcoming touch. Some shrubs and trees were also added.
There were also landscaping projects at the corner of Golden Rain Road and Pine Knoll Drive as well as the corner of Golden Rain Road and Lower Golden Rain Road.
“I’ve been pleased with the results,” Barrett said. “Part of the credit belongs to Rich Perona. He comes up with the ideas.”
Perona is Rossmoor’s landscape manager, who suggests landscape projects for First Mutual. Barrett and Perona confer on the ideas.
This year’s landscape project will be on the left side of the entrance to Golden Rain Road at Entry 26. Part of the existing landscaping at the entrance and slope will be removed. A small wall will be installed along with new shrubs and bark.
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