On a dull gray day in California I walk through what was once a haven for the tramps, the gypsies, the homeless and the home free.

The remains of what once was survives to tell their stories. Colors pop, sculptures dance and the rubble lay beautifully strewn by the still waters edge.

This place, vivid as a dreamscape with a story to tell. I conjure up the residents: creative, troubled and talented using this discarded landfill as their canvas for expression and as their place for community and home.

Tales of love, loss and remembrances live on in the stone. I found here a beauty left in the destruction.

To learn more about The Bulb, it’s residents, history and meaning to the community visit: sharethebulb.org

This worn down sign waits to greet you upon your journey

Nature has grown wild, overtaking the landfill.

This concrete slab has been used as a tribute to a dead friend.

Sun burst mosaic

A maze with a shrine in the middle.

Sculpture with moving parts.

Rotating metal pinwheel

Pinwheel sculpture

Scrap metal and wood sculpture. Stands around 12 feet tall.

Large 12 foot sculpture

Lone man sculpture around 10-12 feet tall

Vines begin to overtake this doorway to one of the last large standing structures.

Inside one of the remaining shelter structures

Spiral staircase from the roof of a still standing structure

A letter from a Bulb Resident

Follow the yellow brick road

The Yellow Brick Road

For more info on this truly unique place and it’s history go to www.sharethebulb.org or check out this great video Where Do You Go When it Rains

All images © 2017 Lily Montemarano