Must See! Gardens

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Alan Chadwick Garden

Located on the University of California Santa Cruz campus, this two-acre demonstration garden is part of the UCSC Student Garden Project. Map of garden is available on site at the UCSC Farm gatehouse.

Located at UCSC's Merrill College
831-459-3240, zzyx.ucsc.edu/casfs/

Arboretum at UCSC

One of the world's most favorable horticultural sites. Offering nine specialty display sections with plants from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and California. There is a self-guided map and a guided tour is offered at 11 a.m. on Sun. It has a gift and garden shop. Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

1156 High Street, between the main and West campus entrances
Norrie's Gift Shop 831-427-2998
831-423-4977, arboretum.ucsc.edu

Bamboo Giant Nursery

One of the largest bamboo display nurseries in North America, the 31-acre facility has both common and exotic species and pathways leading to various display gardens. Signs describe the featured plantings. Open Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

5601 Freedom Blvd., Aptos
831-687-0100, www.bamboogiant.com

Bonfante Gardens

A theme park centered on displays of trees and horticulture exhibits from mid-20th century Silicon Valley. Designed for the young family & home gardener's pleasure, the park offers 19 amusement rides, 27 attractions/activities, and 6 specialty gardens. The grounds are lavishly landscaped in a variety of trees, flowers, water elements & rock formations. Enjoy entertainment, food, gift & garden shops, & other services. Open daily June 3-Aug. 27, Sept. 2 - Oct. 19, Sat. & Sun., Nov. 24 - Dec. 23. Spring weekend schedule starts in April. 32 miles southeast Santa Cruz.

3050 Hecker Pass/Hwy 152, Gilroy
408-840-7100, www.bonfantegardens.com

Gizdich Ranch

A fourth generation family ranch. U-pick berries, May-Aug. and apples, Sept.-Oct. There is a deli, gift shop, and bakeshop offering fruit pies and other baked treats. Its apple stand features 12 seasonal varieties. Apple and apple-olallieberry juices are pressed on Saturday.

55 Peckham Rd., Watsonville
831-722-1056, www.gizdich-ranch.com

Half Moon Bay

A secluded coastal farming community and commercial seaport, known for its annual Pumpkin Festival and Mavericks extreme surf championship event. It has a charming downtown, with a collection of galleries, antique stores, and gift shops.

Hwy 1, 48 miles North of Santa Cruz Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce
650-726-8380, www.halfmoonbaychamber.org

Mission Hill

Located above downtown Santa Cruz, Mission Plaza is where you will find three sites that are landmark symbols of the region's history and heritage.

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, Mission Church and Holy Cross Church
High and Mission Sts., Santa Cruz

Quail Hollow Ranch

Formerly home to Sunset Magazine's publisher, Lawrence Lane, this county park has historic significance and is noted for its rare sandhills. There are guided tours of the 300-acre ranch. Educational events and programs are held at the ranch house. Open daily.

800 Quail Hollow Rd., Felton
831-335-9348, www.scparks.com/parkfac/quail.shtml

Roses of Yesterday and Today

Established by Francis E. Lester in the 1930's, this fourth generation mail-order business specializes in rare heirloom, antique and other rose plants. Its garden offers 230 rose varieties. Open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

803 Brown's Valley Rd. Watsonville. 831-728-1901, www.rosesofyesterday.com

San Juan Bautista

Several historic landmarks and buildings, including the Mission San Juan Bautista, founded in 1797. California State Historic Park offers a glimpse into early settlement and ranching days along the El Camino Real.

33 miles Southeast from Santa Cruz
SJB Chamber of Commerce
831-623-2454, www.sjbchamber.com

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