It is almost Spring in the Wine Country, so in the spirit of something beautiful and fresh, I visited the flagship location of an iconic store and two homes that have many inspiring spaces. Sonoma was the site of the first Williams-Sonoma; here is a colorful holiday presentation that they have created this Spring.
This store is lovely both inside and outside. Located near the end of the El Camino Real, the main boulevard leading to Sonoma Plaza, it remains a hallmark of the city.
An evening view into the window.
In 1956, Chuck Williams purchased a hardware store at this spot and created a small area in the back for his now-renowned chef-quality cookware offerings.
Today, the store is displays an especially beautiful table for the Easter holidays.
As someone who has filled many Easter baskets with these sweets, I do know that they are adored by kids of all ages.
In contrast to the sweets, here is a more formal place setting from Summer Vine on Sonoma Plaza.
This very personal table setting from Chateau Sonoma speaks of the sea. Composed of linen napkins, stones, shells, glass and lovely plates on a worn wooden table, this would make an enchanting place setting for gatherings this Spring.
A block away is Sonoma Plaza, with its many shops and a lively duck pond. Nearby are two properties that embody the leisure life in Sonoma.
Both homes are located on the much coveted east side of Sonoma, and both have the very desirable proximity to Sonoma Plaza. One nestles on land near a winter creek with vineyards nearby. The other is surrounded by grape vines near to the historic Buena Vista Winery. Each property offers thoughtful and inviting spaces for enjoying the best of the wine country leisure lifestyle, with easy access to all that Sonoma Valley offers.
Just inside from the screen porch entrance is a large, open kitchen with very unique appliances in an amazing red color. The detail on the cupboards and countertops is impressive. Exceptional hardwood floors and the decor brings this house a comfortable yet elegant feel.
In keeping with the design of the home, this bedroom has time honored linens.
Many parts of this property are reminiscent of another age, yet retain fine quality today, as seen in the guest house kitchen.
Between the main house and the guest house, this relaxing pool has expansive views of mature trees and vineyards. Having just enjoyed a spring rain, this property was brought to the market and presented by Holly Bennett at Sothebys International Real Estate in Sonoma. Full details can be found here.
This welcoming screened porch overlooks the vineyard and basks in an abundance of afternoon light on a property that can trace its roots back to the beginning of the California wine industry.
Whether or not you choose to make your current home as beautiful and comfortable as these, it is my hope that you will have a beautiful Spring in the Wine Country and enjoy the holiday season. Feel free to contact me anytime if you would like to discuss more ideas or to see properties in this area.
As we embrace the New Year, this is a wonderful time to pause, eat warming and delicious foods, enjoy the outdoors, and take a closer look at the home that surrounds us. Both the housing and home improvement markets remained strong in Sonoma and Napa Valley through 2021. Thus, so that you may remain well informed, please find below the most recent expert real estate data + stats as we look together into the future.
But first, to remind us all of how much fun it is to be outside, here are a few paintings by the artist Alireza Varzandeh that evoke the pleasure of a stroll.
In the Sonoma and Napa Valley we do walk a lot around town, in the parks, neighborhoods, and sidewalks near the shops.
It is the movement and imperfection which these paintings portray that seems so welcome at this time. Alireza portrays subjects in physical and emotional motion. With blurred faces, their identities are mysterious, yet each figure’s posture and form suggests a unique personality and history. Scenes of youth, summer, and vacation come alive on his canvases.
This art can be viewed at Caldwell Snyder Gallery in San Francisco and Saint Helena. Senior Art Consultant Colleen Mulligan ( 714.906.2819 ) knows this artist very well. Alireza has a quite inspiring story and history. Real estate data highlights:
Inventory: Recent data shows that in December, California had 27.8% less inventory than in December 2020. Future housing inventory levels will be the key market indicator for sales in 2022.
Past price growth has been at its highest level in 45+ years.
Homeowner equity continues to surge, an important data point from the recent past. Equity remains a key element for those transitioning out of forbearance. Core Logic reports a 31.1% year-over-year percentage increase in equity for U.S. homeowners with mortgages.
Seven industry experts forecast on average a 5.2% home price increase this year, a deceleration of price increase rates from last year. Maiclaire Bolton-Smith, Core Logic Senior Leader of Research, predicts that home sales will continue to rise and actually reach a 16 year high in 2022.
Buyerscontinue to enter the market and remain very active. Data reports show that strong activity in property showings (which precedes offers and sales) have been unseasonably high over the recent holidays.
It is widely recognized that the low interest rates combined with a higher personal appreciation of “home” were significant contributors to the current housing supply.
It is my hope that wherever you may be, you find a few moments to enjoy a bit of fresh air and participate in the pleasurable “Art of Leisure.” For your convenience in finding a special place to wander, following is a list of favorite areas in wine country with inspiring scenery.
FAVORITE OUTDOOR PATHS
Having moved from the Bay Area to Sonoma Valley almost 30 years ago, I have curated a few favorite “everyday paths” around the Sonoma Valley. Due to my exploring both the hills and in town, these local outdoor areas range from challenging, to super easy, with opportunities for kids & dogs to run. I hope that you find something here to capture the beautiful Sonoma Leisure Lifestyle experience. Please let me know.
A Few Lovely Outdoor Areas
Above City of SonomaAnticipating Spring flowers along the pathA place to relax alongside the trailhead at Bartholomew Estate
Sonoma Bike Path, Vallejo’s Home & Field of Dreams:
Explore this trilogy of natural wetlands with plant and aquatic life, historic Vallejo’s Home with a turtle pond, and the open space of Field of Dreams, all located walking distance from the Sonoma Plaza. Wonderful spots for kids of all ages.
Hike to the top of Bald Mountain on a 6-mile stretch. The 1.500 foot elevation change will reward you with a 360-degree view to San Francisco on a clear day. More moderate hikes starts at visitor’s center. Not for dogs.
As we continue this winter season in which we celebrate the recent rains, I’d like to share with you two properties and some beautiful fountains that all bring to mind the joy of water available to the homes and gardens of wine country. The first is a lovely residential + commercial location on the southern side of Sonoma Valley with an abundance of artisanal water. The water flows up from the earth (at a rate of 14± gallons per minute), and is readily available to the home, small orchard, hobby vineyard, and business.
A lovely interior with older wood floors that have such a warm tone to their coloring.
A very inviting entrance to one of the residential areas.
A few organic grapevines enjoying the sunshine before harvest. Feel free to watch this video for more information.
The second property is on the west side of Sonoma Valley, just moments from the center of town, Sonoma Plaza. This estate is graced with the abundant beauty of Carriger Creek flowing freely along the land. With its location at the foot of the mountain, it offers sweeping views of Sonoma Valley, vineyards and beyond from most area points on this 33± acres of land.
Expansive view from a potential building site on this land.
Nearby trail to wander at your leisure with full privacy. You can see a part of the wildflower preserve in the distance.
I just love this “personal park” area next to historic Carriger Creek where one can gather with family or friends. This spot has been enjoyed by young Nature Camp participants over the years.
A moment overlooking the creek in the early afternoon with my journal.
Please enjoy this brief video highlighting the beauty of Carriger Creek and the pleasure of journaling, something that I share with the community, including children, through my Sonoma Nature Journal Club.
The beauty of the simple waterway of Carriger Creek.
Here in Sonoma and Napa Valleys, we so deeply appreciate when the water that springs forth from the land via stream, creek, lake or other waterway. Carriger Creek is an enchanting natural waterway in the Sonoma Creek watershed that meanders through the land on the west side of Sonoma Valley before flowing into Sonoma Creek and out to the ocean.
A simple traditional tea house amidst the trees, with an enormous view of this property.
The Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve, a nature preserve in Sonoma County, is nearby with 163± acres along the foothills of Sonoma Mountain. The Preserve has a gently sloping grassland and over 250 species of common and rare wildflowers. This sweeping expanse of protected land can be seen from the property and potentially hiked often.
Father José Altimira had much to say about the vital, historic water sources in this area.
“Sonoma is a fountain of fountains,” wrote FatherAltimira in July of 1823, as he explored the North Bay, looking for the best place to build a mission.
The wonderful Sonoma Mission Gardens nursery has unique fountains to choose from so that you may relax amidst the sound and positive energy of flowing water. To honor our precious natural water sources, here are a few lovely fountains that can be purchased for your garden and home.
Ripples of water
Bubbling forth
Drawn into a trough
Tiered terra cotta
The majesty of an arcing stance
A side entrance door to this favored nursery of locals reminds us of all of the character and art of garden rooms. Here Sonoma Mission Gardens offers many vessels: fountains for your own flowing water in Sonoma or Napa Valley. It is all about land + gardens + homes, adding so much to our “Art of Leisure” lifestyle with family and friends.
It’s late summer in Sonoma & Napa Valleys; the days are warm with spectacular evening sunsets. It is a wonderful time to be in the wine country! Here I share a few special farms and ranches to visit at your leisure.
The slower pace of an outdoor activity, like visiting a farm stand, can be very inviting on the weekends. Crisp, fresh country air, rustic barns filled with flowers and local produce, and the notion of discovering something unique and tasty to bring home are all tenets of the leisure lifestyle.
Farms & Ranches to Visit
In Sonoma and Napa Valley, a favorite place to visit on the weekend is a local farm or ranch to see something new and get inspired by whatever is fresh and seasonal. You get a true feel for wine country when you stop in at these rustic farms, and receive a warm welcome as you wander around. Whether you’re up for a quick pitstop, or would rather immerse yourself in a few days of the experience, these are a few of my favorite spots. It’s always worth a drive to discover an abundance of seasonal fruits, vegetables, jams, linens, flowers, and baked goods. The California ranch community has been a part of my lifestyle all of my life: feel free to contact me anytime to chat about life amidst the gardens, land, animals—wild or domestic—and meandering creeks. Wishing you many moments of ease and happiness as you experience the Art of Leisure.
Oakhill Farm and Flatbed Farm
The lovely entrance of Oak Hill Farm; the Red Barn has been hosting these markets for years.
A colorful bouquet of fresh flowers just picked from the nearby garden. Oak Hill Farm offers a large selection of flowers, vegetables, jams, and much more for the home.
Red onions and lemon cucumbers harvested from the land.
The Entrance to Flatbed Farm just off Highway 12 in Sonoma Valley.
A few of the gardens at Flatbed Farm.
Dried grasses.
Very special offerings from the kitchen.
Colored candles for the home.
Flatbed Farm has an expansive collection of both dried and fresh flowers. They also serve coffee most Saturday mornings with freshly baked offerings from a Sausalito baker.
Rows of fresh blackberries bushes growing in the summer sun, just waiting for someone to pick them.
These will be perfect for a homemade cobbler. Sonoma Garden Park market and grounds offer fresh produce, take a stroll and visit the chickens or view the active bee hives on the property.
Sunflowers growing on the east side of Sonoma at Sonoma Garden Park, at which the Sonoma Nature Journal Club maintains a small plot.
Wishing you much joy and happiness as you visit these farms and ranches.
Here I share a few homes in Sonoma and Napa Valley with lovely personal spaces. It is always very satisfying to have a place which fits you perfectly and is at least slightly private. These are properties, or areas of properties, where someone has created a very unique area for themselves. Whether you are enjoying your home, garden, work or land for a few hours or a portion of the day, a special place to call one’s own is so appreciated anytime.
I just love this spot where an architect or landscape designer might easily create new plans for clients or tend to their own Wine Country home and garden.
With clean, white cupboards just behind the desk, as well as a functional sink and counter space, this is a fabulous personal area. Right outside the door is an abundant garden.
A few white peonies from the garden potting beds….
This lovely potting shed is the perfect size for garden tools or a gathering spot amongst the plants. Here we see climbing roses and peony beds, with raised boxes of vegetables, herbs and more flowers in this nicely fenced area.
A large fountain holds court in a quiet corner; one can only imagine the peaceful sound of trickling water.
A very eco-conscious lawn, large enough for friends or family to enjoy or play a favorite game running the length. Soccer is a popular in wine country.
Rose bushes and other very special plantings around the lawn providing both an abundance of open space as well as the finished feeling which comes from carefully selected flowers and trees.
A lovely pool space for relaxing, with another unique water fountain close by. This home is located at 60 Loma Vista Drive, on the western side of Sonoma Valley, and is currently available to view or purchase.
This simple, private space has a lovely window nearby and an inviting mix of old and new.
Up in the western hills of Sonoma Valley, we find this warm toned personal space, perfectly suited for reading, relaxing and conversation, and made even more special by its many artistic touches.
In the same house, you will find this beautifully appointed bedroom with quite a few high quality architectural elements. The light streams in from the north via a few well designed windows which provide an air of ease and calm. Once again, we see a comfortable spot for quiet contemplation next to the fire.
A beautifully designed art studio, so perfect for a place of one’s own, with north-facing French doors to capture a plethora of premium light, optimum for seeing and painting. A true artist or professional’s dream room. This property is available to view or purchase at 4550 Grove Street in Sonoma.
The winery building at Bartholomew Park Winery is another example of someone’s vision and desire for their own personal spaces. Although part of the 375 acre historical park today, it has its origin as being the original residence for Count Agoston Haraszthy. With an abundance of history here, as well as the vineyards, gardens, and a small lake, this was also the site of Sonoma’s first hospital. You can view the complete history at Bartholomew Park. At this time, Bartholomew Park is owned and operated by the Frank H. Bartholomew Foundation.
This balcony serves as a place for someone to step away and enjoy the view of vineyards and land.
Antonia’s Garden today is a much loved picnic area for the public.
Recently updated, this area of Bartholomew Park Winery features a private spot for members of the wine club, a well-considered place to peruse the vineyards and listen to the nearby creek as it meanders slowly through the land.
Peonies from the 60 Loma Vista Drive garden. These flowers have long been a favorite for personal celebrations and to adorn one’s private space. They can be grown with ease in Sonoma and Napa Valleys.
Wishing you many relaxing moments in your personal spaces wherever you may find or create them. As always, feel free to contact me about any of the properties featured here or visit the winery.
As we begin to plan gatherings outside this spring and summer, our thoughts roam to where we will find the tastiest and freshest produce. Farmers’ Markets and local farm stands are very prolific places to begin. These superb places for fresh fruits and vegetables are generally open on a regular basis and quite well stocked.
My purchases were abundant on this visit. Beside me in the picture above is Hilda Swartz, who has served as manager of the Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers’ Market for many years.
What’s In Season
For the months of March, April and May in Napa and Sonoma Counties, you will most likely find these seasonal fruits and vegetables at local markets and farm stands.
Artichokes
Asparagus
Beets
Blueberries
Bok choy
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Carrots
Celery
Chard
Cherries (some early varieties)
Chives
Fava Beans
Fennel
Green Garlic
Herbs
Kale
Kiwi
Leeks
Lemons
Lettuces
Mushrooms
Early Onions
Radicchio
Radish
Strawberries
Spinach
Turnips
Fresh strawberries from locally renown Watmaugh Strawberries farm stand. The berries pictured above were probably thriving in the field at this favored spot just a few hours before being purchased. They are picked throughout most days; field-to-basket fresh but somewhat delicate, so they really last only a few days. Very sweet and ripe the day you pick them up!
Not far from Watmaugh Strawberries, this crop of young blackberries will be ripe after the peak heat of summer.
Strawberry shortcake has long been a family favorite. As I used to own a hospitality venue, many mornings you would find me in the kitchen, testing scone recipes for guests to bake at their leisure in their private cottages. Today, I will mix strawberries + blueberries with a freshly made scone and lots of organic whipping cream for this traditional seasonal dessert. It brings not only so much pleasure, but also many memories of very festive gatherings in our beautiful wine country.
A favorite source for scone recipes is Ina Garten’s the barefoot contessa cookbook. Truly a loved and well-used book for many years.
• THE LIST • Sonoma Valley & Napa Valley Farmers’ Markets
Santa Rosa Farmers’ Market Wednesday and Saturday 8:30am-1:00pm • Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, Santa Rosa. Link to multiple markets in this area.
Healdsburg Farmers’ Market:
May–November, Saturdays 8:30am-12pm • North and Vine, one block west of the Plaza, Healdsburg.
St. Helena Farmers’ Market:
May 1 – October 31, Fridays, 7:30am-12:00pm • Crane Park, Crane Street, just south of town behind the St Helena High School. 707.486.2662.
Napa Farmers’ Market:
Year-round, 8:00am – 12:00pm • Temp site between CIA at Copia & Oxbow Public Market, Napa.
On a recent visit to Sonoma Country Antiques, I was struck by the beauty of these glass themed displays for the home. They were clear & bright, offering not only illumination but also a fresh feeling of clarity to the room.
During this time of extended days and increased light in our lives, these paintings and glass pieces in the home seem especially welcome and noteworthy.
A display as seen in the showroom of this wonderful resource for vintage and new home goods. This store regularly receives shipping containers from across the Atlantic to keep wine country homes decorated in a most unique and authentic style. They are conveniently located just as you enter Sonoma Valley on Arnold Drive, which is also the gateway to Napa Valley.
Note the pale blue glass lamp in this picture of the skylight illuminated atrium.
Original old bottles from the English countryside can easily be repurposed as flower vases or used for most any number of other ways in a home.
These three beautiful glass bottle works were painted by artist Gregory Haynes and can be seen in his show here and up close (until sold out!) at Maybaum Gallery in San Francisco.
These original oil paintings are so well done that they almost appear to be photographs. They truly evoke the image of these old bottles. It is about clarity as well as the memory of a time when these glass vessels were more commonly seen or used. For many of us, the imagery harkens back to our younger days.
The balanced color and implied texture of these pieces of fine art would make a fresh addition to quite a number of rooms in a home.
Both of these wonderful businesses are open online and in person; I hope that you may find a moment to visit them. Give me a call with any thoughts or comments on this observation of glass & light! Wishing you a lovely day filled with much beauty in your home + life.
Books, my constant companions. Here I share with you the beauty of books as known to me and seen in this well designed library found in a Sonoma Valley home.
During this time of digital prevalence, with an increased amount of our day spent on the computer, I would like to highlight the spirit of the written word as presented on paper and displayed in a home library. Most of us have a collection of books somewhere to which we refer when the moment calls. Whether it is a timeworn and tested cookbook with notes on the pages, or a collection of Michelangelo, da Vinci, and Rembrandt books that may reside on my own shelves, books have always been a large part of my life. It seems that I continually receive a stream of books purchased from Sonoma bookstore Readers Books, or elsewhere. This gives me something to look forward to, but also presents somewhat of a challenge in finding space for my new volumes once they arrive.
On occasion, I discover an excellent resource library that is both well designed and lends itself to the leisure lifestyle. The following is such a place, a jewel in a lovely home in the hills of Sonoma that is currently available for purchase.
As you enter this home, you are greeted by this slightly whimsical orchid casually placed on a gorgeous pedestal. It is a quiet reminder of the beauty that can be found in life. In this case, the beauty of Sonoma Valley lies just beyond the patio.
Here is an inviting corner of a home library with a comfortable chair and well placed lighting. Notice the unique blue color of the shelves. As with many things, the details make all the difference and are very much in evidence in this collection of printed thoughts.
As someone who both paints and collects books on art, art history, design, photography, gardening, and cooking, I very much appreciate the quality of this home library and the artful presentation of these two paintings in the midst of these written pages.
A quote by Homer, Iliad, VI, 146, which greets you as you both enter and depart the home at 4550 Grove Street, Sonoma. The Iliad is thought to have been written by Homer in the 8th century BC, and is among the oldest works of Western literature. This display is a thoughtful reminder.
As someone who sees many homes and works with many people, I always enjoy hearing from you and showing you homes with lovely libraries anytime. This home library is especially noteworthy with its remarkable presentation and many fine details.
As I mentioned, the most important part of a library is that the books are meaningful to the person who has acquired them. A library is just as valuable if it is well built and more formal, as seen here, or simply a stack of books in a warmly lit location. What is most important is that the books are enjoyed, shared, and sought after time and again.
Feel free to contact me anytime. I would be happy to discuss this property further with you if you would like more information.
Spring is here and Earth Day is fast approaching. Sonoma Syrup Co. & Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance have joined with me to bring over 330 Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden Seed Gifts to anyone who is visiting Sonoma Valley from April 15th through the 25th. These gifts, as seen above, will be available at the shops and wineries listed on the last post at no cost, only with the thought of helping our winged friends.
This lovely swing on a spacious wine country property’s front porch is the perfect spot to pop on a straw hat, pick up your binoculars, and enjoy the afternoon light while getting a closer look at the hummingbirds and butterflies who come to visit flowers in your garden.
We hope you’ll take a moment to read two fabulous articles recently published in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) that speak to the importance of butterfly & hummingbird gardens.
The butterfly and pollinator garden at Jordan Winery in Healdsburg, Sonoma County, was designed to encourage a trip around property to view the sanctuaries created for our pollinating friends. Read the wonderful overview here.
A simple, meaningful afternoon project with mentors and mentees.
It is a joy to see such happy faces and to understand that this effort is truly making a contribution to the community and our greater ecosystem.
We were inspired by our surroundings as we created with enthusiasm this gift to benefit butterflies and hummingbirds in the Sonoma Valley and beyond.
Tina Baldry, the program director at the Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance, spearheaded this project with Karin Campion Mattoon and myself.
We look forward to hearing from you with pictures and thoughts on how your garden grows. Enjoy a beautiful Earth Day!
Bring Beauty to your Home this Spring with a Butterfly & Hummingbird Flower Garden Let’s Celebrate Spring, Earth Day 2021 and Help our Pollinator Friends!
I want to share with you a community outreach butterfly & hummingbird flower garden seed distribution program created just in time for Spring planting.
Painting by Brenda McNeill
Gardens are an important element of homes here in Sonoma Valley. In a spirit of celebration for Spring and mother earth, Brenda McNeill and friends will help you to enhance your own with a gift of seeds to create beauty and abundance. These high quality seeds have been specially curated to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, treasured contributors to our larger ecosystem. Whether in a personal garden or expansive field, they bring inspiring beauty and joy to our lives. The garden above is my own, wisteria in full bloom, and is often visited by local pollinators.
The butterfly and hummingbird flower garden seed gift packets will be available to residents during the week before Earth Day 2021. Each packet contains a mix of seeds ready for planting and chosen to promote beautiful flowers. In addition to the seed packets, a complete list of flowers will be enclosed, as well as an overall information sheet and simple planting guidelines.
Brenda McNeill, Karin Campion, Sonoma Nature Club members and Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance mentors + mentees have lovingly created these seed packages for community gifting to be retrieved at local businesses. Our intention, in addition to helping the birds and butterflies, is that this Spring gift will serve to support our local Sonoma business community.
Explaining the idea to the wonderful members of Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance, partners in this gifting program.
I love this picture of a mentor and mentee taking a closer look at a hummingbird nest I had found alongside the road recently. Nature + Science + Curiosity are a bedrock of what I hope to encourage.
We all had a wonderful afternoon of filling seed packages and chatting about butterflies, birds and bees. Here we are at Sonoma Garden Park.
As local professionals who help clients with homes, gardens, families and food, we hope that you will call upon us if we can assist you in any way. Or, visit us on Instagram: @artofleisuresonomanapa, @sonomasyrupco, @sonomavalleymentoring.
We will deliver the gifts to Sonoma businesses by April 15th. The community can visit one of these local business participants to pick up a Butterfly & Hummingbird seed packet from the 15th through the 25th of April. A few participating businesses are listed below. This list will be updated regularly until the 15th.
In and around Sonoma, the Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden Gifts can be found at:
Baker & Cook
Bartholomew Estate Vineyards And Winery*
Basque Boulangerie Café
Caddis Wines
caféMac
Candlestick Shop
Chateau Sonoma
G’s
Half Pint
Off Broadway Cleaners
Prohibition Spirits Distillery
Refill Madness
Scott Nichols Gallery
Sign of The Bear
Sonoma Country Antiques
Sonoma Mission Gardens
Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau
Summer Vine
Sweet Scoops
Taub Family Outpost
The Corner Store
Tiddle E. Winks
Vinny’s A-1 Shoe Repair
Williams-Sonoma, Sonoma Store
Wine Country Garden Center
Woof!
Gifts will be available at Bartholomew Park beginning on Earth Day, the 22nd.
Sponsors: Brenda McNeill, Luxury real estate + leisure lifestyle specialist Art of Leisure, Coldwell Banker Brokers of The Valley Karin Campion Mattoon, Home design and specialty food company Sonoma Syrup Co. Susie Gallo & Tina Baldry, Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance, Family support
The Butterfly & Hummingbird Seed Mix contains seeds that will grow some version of the following flowers from Spring into Fall. Flowers reach about 3 1/2′ and create a meadow effect.
Eschscholzia californica – California Poppy (A)
Gaillardia aristata – Blanket Flower (P)
Gaillardia pulchella – Indian Blanket (A)
beris umbellate – Candytuft(A)
Liatris spicata – Blazing Star (P)
Lobularia maritima – Sweet Alyssum (A)
Lupinus perennis – Perennial Lupine (P)
Monarda citriodora – Lemon Mint (A)
Ratibida columnifera – Prairie Coneflower (P)
Rudbeckia hirta – Black-eyed Susan (P)
Salvia coccinea – Scarlet Sage (A)
Asclepias tuberosa – Butterfly Milkweed (P)
Callistephus chinensis – China Aster (A)
Centaurea cyanus – Bachelor’s Button (A)
Cheiranthus allionii – Siberian Wallflower (P)
Clarkia amoena – Godetia (A)
Coreopsis lanceolata – Lanceleaf Coreopsis (P)
Coreopsis tinctoria – Plains Coreopsis (P)
Delphinium consolida – Larkspur, Rocket (A)
Echinacea purpurea – Purple Coneflower*
An example of wild California poppies ,which grow naturally and in abundance along Valley roads and open fields.
Early Spring blooming lupine can be found in and around Sonoma Valley. Both lupine and poppies are favorite pollinator plants for bees and butterflies and are included in the seed mix.
Sonoma has a beautiful pollinator garden at Sonoma Garden Park which is carefully tended by a few dedicated volunteers.
Nearby at the Garden Park is this very active bee hive. Bees are one of our most essential pollinators. California has close to 6,000 flowering plants, and bees perform a key role in the dissemination of pollen, allowing these plants to provide much of the produce that we consume.
These white pear tree blossoms are aglow in the late afternoon light. I recommend the Picture This app which was well reviewed by a renowned gardener recently. Capture a photo of a plant or tree with the app for immediate identification.
Simple Planting Guidelines:
DAYS TO GERMINATION: 10-28 days at 65-75°F (18-24°C)
SOWING: Direct seed (recommended). Prepare a weed-free area or pot. Broadcast mixture lightly and evenly over the planting area. Gently tamp seeds into the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Plant no deeper than 1/8″. Keep the area moist to aid germination.
PLANTING SEASON: Plant in spring, early summer, or late fall. For fall sowing, wait until the soil temperature is too cool to allow seed germination (below 40ºF/4.4ºC).
LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun.
PLANT HEIGHT: 10-48″ Plant heights vary depending on species.
SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Average, well-drained soil.
A favorite food of the monarch butterfly is milkweed, included in our Garden Seed packs.
I wish you a lovely Spring and hope that you will stop by one of these Sonoma Valley shops or the Visitors Bureau to pick up your Butterfly & Hummingbird Flower Garden Seed Gift, beginning April 15th.
Those of us who are sponsoring this community gift would love to hear how your garden grows. We are so excited to support our pollinator friends and look forward to making a contribution to the Sonoma community and our friends who own businesses in this area.
A moment overlooking the creek in the early afternoon with my journal.
The beauty of the simple waterway of Carriger Creek.
