CHAPTER TWELVE

A Paradise Away from the Pandemic World

2020–2026

The COVID-19 pandemic that took hold in 2020 slowed the world down. Jim focused on the garden, surrounded by the paradise he had created, and on his kitty, Buster, on whom he lavished great attention.

During this time, his creative spirit filled him with fresh inspiration, making him even more focused and driven in his planning and planting, alongside Florencio. The abundant seasonal gardens grew even more to thrive and flourish.

Throughout the years, Jim remained in contact with friends Bobby, Jan, Gino, and Karima from the Finca Avabacu days.

It gave him great pleasure to share his paradise with friends and family when they visited. Jim loved speaking about the arts, gardens, fashion and philosophy, and loved gifting his abundance of plants. Many people, from Marin to Los Angeles, now have gardens filled with plants that originated at Silver Hills, making the garden a lasting part of his legacy.