Menotti initially started digging the underground gardens in the 1920s as a way to escape from the bustling city life and seek solace in nature. He continued working on the gardens for over 40 years, using only simple tools and materials such as pickaxes, shovels, and recycled glass bottles.
The Underground Gardens are a remarkable work of art and engineering. The tunnels and rooms are interconnected, creating a labyrinth-like structure. Menotti used various materials to decorate the walls, including seashells, fossils, and bottles, creating a beautiful and unique mosaic effect.
The Underground Gardens are located about a mile from Oak Hill Park in Petaluma. They are open to the public and offer guided tours that provide insight into the life of Nino Menotti and the history of the gardens.