The Getty Experience

The world famous J. Paul Getty Museum opened in Los Angeles to rave reviews for its architecture, art collection, and it's beautiful grounds. The flowers and plants everywhere were magnificent.

The Getty purchased 50 tons of worm castings, to apply a 1" layer to all of their flower areas. This was added to the best that five leading soil scientists could recommend. Cost was no object for the Getty, they wanted only the best.

When the flowers were 2 1/2 to 3 feet tall with beautiful blooms, there was one area (15 ft x 10 ft) where the plants were only 4-6 inches tall with no blooms. After a maddening search to find the source of the growing problem it was discovered that this area had only been dusted with worm castings instead of the recommended 1-inch layer. The lead soil scientist, Jim Duggan, for the Getty had the missing worm castings applied. Mr. Duggan said that had he not seen the results himself, he would not have realized the great importance of the worm castings. The flowers began a growth spurt as if a switch had been turned.

The Getty had not used worm castings on their turf areas and about six months after the grounds had been planted, the grass at the Getty looked dreadful. worm castings were applied as a topper after aeration. The turf area soon began to improve and now looks magnificent.

The Getty has now purchased a total of 400 tons of worm castings. The rule at the Getty now is: "Nothing gets planted at the Getty without worm castings."