Always topping my list of favorite places to visit is the 65 acre Santa Barbara Botanic Garden in historic Mission Canyon, Santa Barbara, California. In spring, the meadow is ablaze with color. Sit on the bench facing La Cumbre Peak, enjoy the meadow, wander through the demonstration garden (learn how we can garden with natives in our own yards), hike to the historic stone Mission dam, learn Native American ethnobotany along the trail, and relax. I save time to shop in their nursery area where I can count on finding rare species of native plants and helpful volunteers eager to answer questions. This garden is a national treasure.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

1212 Mission Canyon road
Santa Barbara, California 93105
(805) 682-4726
Open daily, but check for the varying times.
Admission $5.00 (Unless you are a member, or an American Horticultural Society member, in which case it is FREE).

Chanticleer Garden

Don't miss visiting the 35 acre Chanticleer Garden when you are in the Philadelphia area. Jeff and I stopped there on our trip home last Autumn, and despite a raging storm, we couldn't bear to leave.

From the first steps approaching the entry, I was enchanted. The courtyard and areas surrounding the old mansion are filled with innovative container planting ideas easily translated to your own garden space.

Visit the ponds, the newly constructed Ruin Garden on the bones of the old Minder House, stroll through the peaceful woodland areas, and if you visit in summer, experience the extravagance of the tropical lily collection.

This garden may change the way you think and design.

Chanticleer
786 Church Road
Wayne, Pennsylvania
(610) 687-4163.

Open from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. Wednesdays through Sundays from March 31st to October 30th. Hours are extended to 8 P.M.on Fridays from May through August. Admission is $5.00 per adult; children under 16 free.

I visit Austin, Texas, frequently on book tour (they are GREAT readers) and to record segments of the popular PBS series Central Texas Gardener hosted by Tom Spencer on KLRU. We have a ball together, and Tom makes every interview both fun and filled with useful information. It is no wonder that this gardening series is one of the most popular PBS shows in Texas.

Whenever I am in Austin, I make a special point to visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, which, like the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, is my idea of heaven-on-earth.

Lady Bird's beloved native plants surround the handsome Texas limestone buildings and flow into the display gardens and surrounding land.

Spend a few hours enjoying the grounds, museum, and gift shop. Climb the stone tower for a great overview of the gardens. If you're hungry, the Center also houses a good cafeteria style, but not cafeteria quality restaurant. I like to buy lunch and sit outdoors at a shaded table where I can watch the steady stream of birds who visit the gardens.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Avenue
Austin, Texas 78739-1702
(512) 292-4100