Southern Sonoma Country Life

Sonoma Botanical Garden — New Name, New look for Former Quarryhill Garden, Glen Ellen

 

Along with a new rebranding and repositioning, primarily Asian-focused Quarryhill Botanical Garden in Glen Ellen, now Sonoma Botanical Garden has also been treated to a complete makeover while we were all sitting at home dreaming of being back out and about. 

The property's beautiful ponds received a facial and a duckweed extraction, making way for a perfectly picturesque spot on the wooden bridge overlooking a garden view with glistening reflections on the water.

Historic stone walls were restored, facility buildings were renovated and more improvements continue to be made in this internationally recognized wild Asian woodland garden.

"Adapting our mission to include California botany will allow us to be even more sensitive to wildlife, water, and wildfire issues that are so present in our community and the world at large," says Scot Medbury, Executive Director for this unique garden. "We hope that encountering specimens of California's endangered native flora will lead people to an appreciation of plant-conservation challenges around the world, including those found in Asia, and vice versa - and that learning about the endangered flora of Asia might inspire local action to save California plants." 

With this revised mission, a new name was needed to encompass the whole of the Garden - Asian woodland and Three Springs Ranch. Quarryhill Botanical Garden became Sonoma Botanical Garden. "We anticipate that the new name and enhanced mission will strengthen the Garden's connection to our community, advancing our environmental-education impact in an era of climate change," says Jerry Newell, Chair of the Garden's Board of Directors.

Efforts to expand the garden's deliciously refreshing citrus collection are in motion, including the cultivation of Kumquats, Buddha’s hand, and more. If you've never visited, I thoroughly recommend you put it on your list for staycation activities this summer or fall.

Visit Wednesday through Monday from 9:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. Closed Tuesdays.

If you go:

General Garden Admission
Please check-in at the Gift Shop.

• $12 Adults
• $10 Seniors (65+)
• $8 Children ages 13-17/Active Military/Students with ID
• Children 12 and under are free
• No admission fee for members, become a member today!
  
• No charge for AHS RAP members

Contact 
707-996-3166
info@sonomabg.org

Mailing Address
PO Box 232, Glen Ellen, CA 95442

Physical Address
12841 HWY 12, Glen Ellen, CA 95442

 

Driving Directions
About 8 miles north of Sonoma, the Garden is located on California Highway 12 (Sonoma Highway), just north of Arnold Drive intersection.
Do NOT turn on Miller Rd. Enter directly through the gate off HWY 12. Click here to view the Garden's entrance gate on Google Maps.

Parking
When you enter the gate off HWY 12, follow signs to Visitor Parking. Please check-in at the Gift Shop before you enter the Garden.

Wheelchair accessibility is limited. There are steep hills and uneven, loose trails. Leave pets at home. 

Photography is welcomed. 

Picnic areas are scattered throughout the garden and near the parking lot.

Guests  are encouraged to bring water in refillable water bottles. Water is available in the Gift Shop for purchase, but there is no access to drinking water on the trails.

Restrooms are located near the parking area and in the Garden northwest of the arbor. Note: the Arbor restrooms are Port-a-Potties.

To ensure the tranquility of the garden for all, biking and smoking are prohibited. 

Humans share the Garden with rattlesnakes and mountain lions. For your safety, stay on the paths.

The Garden is a living museum with a scientifically documented collection. Many plants are rare or endangered and therefore significant to conservation efforts. Please do not remove seeds or cuttings from the garden.

Spring Hill Open Air Market, Petaluma — Live Music & Refreshments Sunday, May 16th 10 - 4pm

Sonoma County Airport Express Resumes its SoCo to SFO and Oak Airport Routes

It's been a long time! Though I haven't had to use an airporter bus for more than a year, I've collected a family member from the Marin Airporter's last stop at Hamilton Field a couple of times during the pandemic era, masks on, roof down in my car for the last leg up to Petaluma. 

I'm thrilled to hear that our wonderful Sonoma County Airport Express is back on the road after the extended hiatus.

On Monday, May 3rd, Sonoma County Airport Express officially resumed its Sonoma County to SFO and OAK airport routes. On your next ride, you’ll notice: Industry-leading cleanliness including the use of electrostatic sprayers to fog vehicles after every use Reduced capacity and blocked seats in vehicles to allow for greater social distancing Masks required for all passengers and employees Team members who have been trained on measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Sonoma County Airport Express is committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of all passengers and employees and is excited to welcome back its Sonoma-area team members. Learn More Purchase Tickets

Tuolumne County's 2021 Inspirational Travel Guide

 

Travel — remember that? Aren't we all bursting to get back out on the road? Many friends have already resumed their adventuring — I'm just getting started with my travel planning. There's a lot to consider when heading far and wide and also closer to home and it's a new world for the travel and tourism and leisure industries, all enthusiastic to welcome us back, but with responsible itineraries. 

One of the most talked about travel destinations these days are our beautiful national parks. What an absolute treasure trove of natural splendor and many, with a little more careful planning, within driving distances. 

Yosemite National Park/Visit Tuolumne County now has its online 2021 Inspiration Travel Guide ready for viewing on the Visit Tuolumne County website.

This handy and well thought out  Travel Guide is filled with information on Yosemite's Tuolumne County. A hard copy of the guide can also be ordered and sent to addresses within the United States.

Did you know that more than half of Yosemite National Park is in Tuolumne County? I'd like to discover more of this side of Yosemite that I haven't seen much of before.

Why no Vvsit Hetch Hetchy, Carlon Falls and the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, all within the Park's boundaries, but much less crowded than the more iconic Yosemite Valley?

In addition to Yosemite, Tuolumne County boasts two historic state parks – Columbia and Railtown 1897 where visitors can experience California's Gold Country by stepping back in time and catching a glimpse of what life was like in the 1800's.

Quaint towns loaded with character can be found throughout the area. Wineries, craft breweries, and a cidery along with excellent dining and unique shopping opportunities are found throughout the area.

Outdoor adventurers will feel right at home on backcountry trails or high-country lakes and rivers that can be found throughout the High Sierra region of Tuolumne County in the Stanislaus National Forest.

Lodging from camping to bed and breakfasts and historic hotels to modern lodges and even Conestoga wagons are available for memorable overnight stays.

See the Travel Planner for great trip ideas and tips for traveling responsibly. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's travel photos this summer on social media. Wherever we roam, it certainly will be extra special this year and not taken for granted. 

 

Sonoma County Connection — Right Place, Right Time: A Survey of John Upton's Photographs

John Upton, revered photographer, influential photography educator and co-author of a seminal textbook on photography, passed away in December, in Petaluma, where he had lived with his loving family for the past two and a half years after moving north from Southern California. He was 88.

John was a key developer of Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa's photography program. He joined the college as a faculty member in 1960 and taught as a full-time professor from 1965-99, serving as photography department chair from 1965 to 1975 and instructed at the college for over 40 years.

He retired in 1999, though continued to teach at OCC part time until a few years ago.

To quote reporter Richard Chang in his tribute in The Voice of OC: "In addition to teaching and influencing generations of photographers, Upton co-authored the book “Photography” with then-wife Barbara London. The book was originally published in 1976 and is now in its 12^th edition, with more than 1.5 million copies in print.

“Photography” covers all the technical aspects of photography, such as aperture, depth of field, shutter speed and film speed. But it also examines the history of photography, the use of light, the “zone system,” color, developing, printing and mounting. Later editions cover the various aspects of digital photography, photo editing and computer printing.

The Uptons collaborated with the Time Life publishing company and had full access to the Time Life library of images."

Orange Coast College writes that Upton studied with Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham, Minor White, Dorothea Lange, and Edward Weston at the California School of Fine Arts in the early 1950s. "In 1955 he was the first resident student of Minor White in Rochester, N.Y. and took courses in the history of photography from famed photo art historian, Beaumont Newhall. In the late 1960s he became Chair of the Photography department at OCC, retiring in 1999. In 1976, he coauthored, with Barbara London, the seminal college textbook “Photography” now in its 12th edition with more than 1.5 million copies in print. In essence, John Upton has been in the right place at the right time in the history of twentieth century photograph."

His daughter Seanrae shared this wonderful video on social media on his birthday, this May, as remembrances poured in. Thank you Seanrae and family for graciously allowing me to repost this beautiful clip and post on your dear dad's legacy to the world of art and photography and education.  Deepest condolences. 

There's at least one photograph in the video that was taken of street art on Water Street in Petaluma, see if you can find it! What an incredible legacy to the history of modern American photography.

 

 

Join The Keep California Real — Truth in Olive Oil Labeling Campaign

Photo & Info McEvoy Ranch 

There's been much debate about the integrity and origins of the olive oil we see on the shelves here in the States for quite a few years. Not all olive oil is created equal, but misleading labeling might make you think otherwise!

Since we have several incredible high quality, first rate California olive oils widely available, it's confusing to the consumer when cheap oils with less integrity that are not native to the state continue to be labeled as such. 

As for olive oil producers, such as local gem McEvoy Ranch, it's imperative that current legislature sorts this out once and for all. And so it's time to join together with food lovers and farmers and KEEP CALIFORNIA REAL. Here's some info from our friends over at McEvoy:

What is Assembly Bill 535 currently in front of the California Legislature?
In short, it’s truth in olive oil labeling. The Bill will make it unlawful to make any representation that an olive oil is produced entirely from olives grown within California unless the representation is true.

Why Should You Care?
The truth matters, and you deserve to know where the olive oil you are buying comes from.

Did You Know?
Several olive oils currently on the market are labeled “California Olive Oil”, but are produced out of state, or even out of the country. Make sure products labeled with “California Olive Oil” support California farmers and local businesses, and KEEP CALIFORNIA REAL by helping to support AB 535.

What You Can Do?

1. Sign the Petition to support Assembly Bill 535.
2. Download KEEP CALIFORNIA REAL Assets so you can share your support for AB 535 with your network and community. When sharing use the official hashtags: #KeepCAReal #TruthInLabeling #RealCAOliveOil
3. Contact your Local Assembly Member and share a helpful pre-written letter. It takes under a minute!

 

“Hello Assembly Member,

I am writing to you to register my strong support for AB 535 and I very much hope that you vote for this bill which calls for greater truth in labeling on California Olive Oil.

The integrity of agriculture as a whole in California relies on truth in labeling, origin, and honest presentation of information to consumers. California is known as an agricultural leader, and we have a financial and ethical interest in defending our agricultural heritage and our future. Many foreign olive oils have a lower cost basis than California due to many factors including lower environmental and labor regulatory burdens. To sell this olive oil with "California" (or other regional claims to provenance) on the label undermines our local olive oil production and sales potential. And it is deceptive to olive oil customers. Please vote for AB 535.

Thank you,

Insert Your Name”

AB 535 Press
Check out Agri-Pulse's article covering Assembly Bill 535 where McEvoy Ranch president, Samantha Dorsey, highlights the bill's goal to protect truth in labeling.

“You guys have done a really good job of setting the bar high with labor standards, emission regulations, water usage controls, food quality standards, inspections, payroll taxes, equipment, taxes, property taxes,” said Dorsey to lawmakers in the hearing. “To be compliant in California, I have to charge a premium price for my product, because it's produced in a premium region. It's super disruptive to my business, and every other real California olive oil producer, when we have to compete against this foreign oil that's produced with fewer regulations at a significantly lower cost structure.”

 

When buying your next bottle, be sure to select an olive oil that you know has been grown and produced here in California. Better still, support local and buy directly from McEvoy Ranch online. 

Mother's Day Pop-Up Market at Petaluma's New Grand Central Cafe on the River at Weller Street

Wow! I'm blown away by all the wonderful open air markets and pop-ups in the Petaluma area this spring. I haven't had a chance to check out the new Grand Central Cafe on the river at Weller Street yet, but I plan to soon and Mother's Day sounds like the ideal time to stop by. 

All of the vendors in the pop-up are moms. What better way to celebrate and support hardworking and creating mothers in our community? Here's friend Houston Porter's article on this fun & innovative new cafe in a recent Petaluma 360 post. 

Top Pick — Support Sonoma Family Meal Wine & Dine Fundraiser with a Single Thread Take-Home & Hook & Ladder Tasting

This is such a fabulous pairing, I hope you'll join me in participating with Sonoma Family Meal's summer fundraiser. Sign up for a ticket and you and a guest will be invited to taste at Hook & Ladder in Santa Rosa on your choice of Sunday June 13 or June 27th, 2021 with a fabulous and delicious take-home meal for four to-go from the team at Single Thread, Healdsburg at the end of your tasting. 

Ticket donations will boost the coffers of Sonoma Family Meal, the county's emergency food network of chefs, farmers and food producers that has been tirelessly stepping up to the plate to feed local folk in fighting food insecurity during times of disaster. As we prepare for a summer of drought, Sonoma Family Meal is more important than ever.

So why not drink wine, bring home dinner for your family and support Sonoma Family Meal in feeding our local community - it’s a win win! By purchasing a ticket for 2, your donation will feed 7 families of 4 in Sonoma County. I booked for the 3pm tasting on the 27th. Hope to see you there! 

Each ticket includes:

• Tasting flight for 2 at Hook & Ladder winery
• 2 specialty bottles of wine
• SingleThread family meal for 4
• Harvest Card membership - your ticket to wine country
• Sonoma Family Meal grocery tote bag

Click here to purchase tickets. 

 

Sonoma County's The Write Spot (Editor Marlene Cullen) Releases "Musings and Ravings From a Pandemic Year" — Featuring Multiple Local Writers

It was my pleasure to review Musings and Ravings From a Pandemic Year, the latest in a series of books by local writer and writing instructor Marlene Cullen of Jumpstart Writing Workshops. 

 

The Write Spot: Musings and Ravings From a Pandemic Year, the seventh book in The Write Spot series, chronicles emotions and experiences during a tumultuous year. Whether you are a seasoned writer or just now beginning to capture your thoughts and feelings in words, the relatability and humor of this anthology provide a variety of heartfelt lessons in how to capture the essence of our times and emotions with encouragement and tips for writing. Contributing writers: Brenda Bellinger, Cheryl Moore, Christine Renaudin, Dave Seter, Deb Fenwick, Julie Wilder-Sherman, Karen Handyside Ely, Kathy Guthormsen, Lynn Levy, Mary Dooley, Nona Smith, Patricia Morris, Su Shafer, Susan Bono, Susie Moses

 

Personally, I savored the seamless connection between these wonderful, honest writers (several of whom I know in person) in one sitting, a mug of tea in hand. Writers need other writers to remind us why we do what we do.

 

It is the subtle evolution of our everyday ideals that help us see the patterns that emerge in the space between each writer’s words. This book is a timely reminder of how busy we’ve all been while stuck at home, striving to uncover that elusive state of grace buried within the fog of a pandemic.

 

Request a copy at Copperfield's Bookstore. Or click here to order a copy online.

 

Heartfelt Marketplace — Small Businesses & NonProfits Working Together to Change Lives — May 21st to May 23rd 2021

Petaluma-based Heartfelt Help Foundation would like to introduce you to Heartfelt Marketplace. Think of it as an online outdoor market, where you'll virtually tour some of the best products that Sonoma County (and Texas) has to offer. 

And while you shop, you will be supporting  small businesses that are the backbone of our communities, all the while helping heart transplant recipients with their post transplant housing expenses. 

Heartfelt Help Foundation is delighted to be able to partner with six of these small businesses in the month of May.  

Starting now, follow along on social media pages (Facebook and Instagram) to learn more about each one of these terrific small businesses. 

Then, from May 21-23, get ready to shop online, because 20% of your purchases from any of these six businesses will be donated to Heartfelt Help Foundation. 

This will allow this wonderful foundation to be able to continue to say yes to amazing heart transplant families such as the Leano’s and the Dow’s when they need assistance with their post transplant housing. 

Mr Dow

Mr Leano and Family

"Our goal is to ensure that no transplant in Northern California is delayed due to the patient’s inability to pay for their medically required housing expenses," says Denise Redeker, Founder & CEO of Heartfelt Help Foundation.

"First up is Sparrow Fashion Boutique, a mobile boutique that carries the cutest clothes and jewelry," shares Denise.  "Then you’ll find Luma Vintage, which is a vacation to Sonoma County in a shop!"

Next is Sonoma Portworks, makers of amazing local sherry and ports, and Denise's personal favorite, their Sonomic Vinegar. 

Stella’s Table follows, with seasonings and linens. "My favorites are their lemon garlic seasoning and fig jam, they will up your cooking game for sure!" says Denise.

After that is Bell Farm Collective . Nestled a bucolic, peaceful spot in Sonoma County, you'll find their specialty items for your home that are uniquely Sonoma County and Bell Farm Collective. They are my go to spot for all gift giving," says Denise.

"Last, but certainly not least, we leave Sonoma County for beautiful Texas and introduce you to Big Heart Candle Co.  — unique scents, made with love and always supporting heart patients.  

Please check out all of these special businesses often over the next month and start filling your carts at all of them, but don’t click “check out” until May 21 - 23, when 20% of each and every one of your purchases will be donated to Heartfelt Help Foundation. 

Support small businesses and small nonprofits and together we can have a huge impact on the world.

If you’d like to make an additional donation to support heart transplant patients in Northern California, please click here to help today!