DeHaven Valley Farm Mendocino Coast April 2005 - 21 photos - 1389 views

A nice getaway weekend at the DeHaven Valley Farm near the Mendocino Coast, surrounded by 20 acres of meadows, hills and pastures. Also pay a visit at the beautiful Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, founded in 1961 by retired nurseryman Ernest Schoefer and his wife, Betty.  
 
The Gardens is known for its tender species rhododendrons that produce some of the most fragrant blossoms of the year. Native to the cloud forests of Southeast Asia and the Himalayas, these gems are restricted to a narrow band along the northern California coast in the U.S., where they thrive in the foggy, coastal climate. In March and April, hybrid rhododendrons tower overhead, dropping petals on the trails below. These old-time hybrids, planted over 40 years ago, are hard to find in nurseries today. This is a place to play, to contemplate, to learn, to relax, to touch, to smell, to feel, to enjoy, to be inspired, to walk, to experience, to respect, to conserve, and to love.