Ruth Bancroft

[5] Fascinated by nature, she explored the undeveloped hills of Berkeley, examining wildflowers and digging up small plants to replant in her own backyard.

[2] In 1926, Petersson enrolled in UC Berkeley with a major in architecture, as one of two women students in the program.

[2] Philip was the grandson of Hubert Howe Bancroft, a successful publisher whose book collection was purchased by UC Berkeley.

[2] Petersson, now Ruth Bancroft, moved with her husband to his family's farm in Walnut Creek.

[3][8] The trees, sick with a fungal disease called blackline, were cut down, and the soil was dry and bare.

[2] In 1971, Ruth Bancroft's husband, inherited three acres of empty land, which he gifted to his wife to expand her garden.

He planned the central pond for the garden and added undulating mounds to break up the flat landscape.

[2] She transplanted the best specimens of her succulent and cactus collection into the ground, using moss rock as planting beds.

The garden became a field trip destination for plant identification for Diablo Valley College classes.

[2] Ruth and Philip Bancroft supported the effort to create Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek.