![road to coast](http://fast.clickbooq.com/51b30d-760/road to coast.jpg)
My ideal Sunday morning:
picking a perfect breakfast spot & favorite nursery,
jumping in the van,
heading west
towards the Northern California coast.
I live in the Napa Valley.
It's beautiful.
But I often feel the need
to drive out and see
the ocean.
Reboots my brain.
my favorite spots along the Way
![Cottage Gardens buddha](http://fast.clickbooq.com/a8e19e-760/Cottage Gardens buddha.jpg)
One of a kind:
perenials
blooming vines
herbs galore
veggies
and divine garden accessories.
![Cottage Gardens](http://fast.clickbooq.com/a8e19e-760/Cottage Gardens.jpg)
![Willow Wood](http://fast.clickbooq.com/578ccf-760/Willow Wood.jpg)
Graton
Oh so, so good.
It's just what you want
(to quote my Chef friend, Rick)
and perfectly prepared.
![Inside Willow Wood](http://fast.clickbooq.com/578ccf-760/Inside Willow Wood.jpg)
Bonus:
one of the best counters
to eat at
in the county,
Especially when you're on your own.
Urban Tree Farm
20 acres in Fulton
The selection is phenomenal.
Not only trees-plenty of perenials, herbs, etc.
A great walk.
Or hop in a golf cart with a sales clerk
you'll learn so much.
![olive trees in boxes](http://fast.clickbooq.com/2365b9-760/olive trees in boxes.jpg)
I love, love
magnolia trees.
They provide wonderful shade.
And the blossoms are always stunning.
![Tulip Magnolia](http://fast.clickbooq.com/2365b9-760/Tulip Magnolia.jpg)
Topiaries always
make quite a statement.
Urban has many options.
At great prices.
![Urban Tree Farm nurseries](http://fast.clickbooq.com/782e08-760/Urban Tree Farm nurseries.jpg)
![Wild Flour outside](http://fast.clickbooq.com/782e08-760/Wild Flour outside.jpg)
Freestone
Like my Italian relatives say,
"la dolce vita!!"
- live life to the fullest.
This bakery helps.
Their breads are pure genius.
![Wild Flour inside](http://fast.clickbooq.com/782e08-760/Wild Flour inside.jpg)
Get there early.
There is often a line out the door.
And for very good reason.
![Hort footpath](http://fast.clickbooq.com/db43a2-760/Hort footpath.jpg)
Maps are provided for visitors.
![garden_map](http://fast.clickbooq.com/1ce09f-760/garden_map.jpg)
While casually strolling,
the grounds educate visitors as to
which plant to plant where.
And showcase
eye-pleasing plant combinations
in their natural habitat.
![Hort bridge](http://fast.clickbooq.com/1ce09f-760/Hort bridge.jpg)
Relevant plants are
sold along the way.
(Also in
massive greenhouses
which are closer to parking :)
![Hort Signage](http://fast.clickbooq.com/db43a2-760/Hort Signage.jpg)
![Howard's outside 2](http://fast.clickbooq.com/ab51ce-760/Howard's outside 2.jpg)
Occidental
Bring a good appetite.
Delicious, full plate breakfast.
Their welcoming spirit makes me feel at home.
Actually...
my Grandfather once hosted the
![4 of us Meeker](http://fast.clickbooq.com/031d95-760/4 of us Meeker.jpg)
outdoor summertime variety show
at the firehouse
in nearby
Camp Meeker.
I'm second from the right.
Occidental
Another nursery
that provides a beautiful
walking education.
Bring your camera
and a notepad.
![Western 8](http://fast.clickbooq.com/1ce09f-760/Western 8.jpg)
The 10 acre property is nestled in a canyon.
Every inch planted is breathtaking.
If you love waterways throughout a garden,
with bridges to cross over,
then you are going to lose yourself here.
![western hills 2](http://fast.clickbooq.com/51b30d-760/western hills 2.jpg)
When my neice,
Shevaun, was little,
she would ask,
"Do you remember
what these are called
Aunt Katy?"
![Vauney's Forget-Me-Knots](http://fast.clickbooq.com/031d95-760/Vauney's Forget-Me-Knots.jpg)
A big reward
at the end of the canyon walk.
A plant sale like no other:
Species not found
anywhere else on this continent.
![western hills 5](http://fast.clickbooq.com/782e08-760/western hills 5.jpg)
![trough 1](http://fast.clickbooq.com/1ce09f-760/trough 1.jpg)
Back at Home
Container planting:
Succulents are so
easy to arrange.
And maintain.
The colors rock my world
(and garden).
![H047-05](http://fast.clickbooq.com/031d95-760/H047-05.jpg)
In My Garden:
Cornus Florida Dogwood Trees
4 in a row.
Pure heaven.
Thank you Sonoma Hort.
![4 herbs](http://fast.clickbooq.com/1ce09f-760/4 herbs.jpg)
Gifting:
Herbs
Always appreciated.
I potted these four
-lavender -lemon balm -stevia -mint
for my friend who is a
sweet tea connaissuer.
![hyacinth in fruit orchard](http://fast.clickbooq.com/ab51ce-760/hyacinth in fruit orchard.jpg)
In my Garden:
hyacinth
just started popping up
in my fruit orchard
a few years back.
What a gift.
Delightful.
Happy Spring!