Carmel-by-the-Sea -- City Hall, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Constance Meach Ridder Memorial Garden

Private donations and public funds and manpower enabled the creation of a public memorial garden outside the arts and crafts city hall building in the village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Before this project was approved there were inappropriate plantings that had to compete with tree roots and canopy, walkways and front steps that were uneven, deteriorating wooden handrails, run-off from the roof falling directly on the garden; and the retaining wall separating the garden area from the parking lot was crumbling. The sloping site was cleared and re-graded so all the new walkways would be ADA-compliant. The cement steps were repaired, sand-blasted and repainted and the retaining wall was replaced. Drainage problems were corrected and California natives better suited to drought conditions were planted. Large rustic pots are planted with annuals, and changed each season. Hand-crafted iron railings made by Robert Signorella and a recirculating fountain made from a redwood stump add design features. The old wooden hand-rails were repurposed as backs for the cement benches on the patio.

The public garden is in memory of Connie Ridder, a long-time member of the Carmel-by-the-Sea Garden Club. In one of the flower beds there is a granite stone with a bronze plaque dedication to her.

Persons associated with the garden include: All Saints' Episcopal Church (former owners, 1913-1951); City of Carmel-by-the-Sea (owners, 1951- ); Michelle Comeau (landscape designer (2012); Robert Signorella (sculptor of railings).