Occidental, CA 95465-9229
NY Times Article
Closing May 31, open for appointments only after that until it is sold. It's on the market for sale. An end of two men's legacy. One of the finest gardens I have ever been in.
The nursery was once the country home of landscape designer Lester Hawkins and plantsman Marshall Olbrich 37 years ago. They worked tirelessly to bring plants from around the world to their garden, experimenting until they had the best of them adapted to our California climate. They amassed such a collection that the rest of us crazed gardeners demanded a nursery so we could share in the spoils.
Lester and Marshall are gone now, but the nursery continues on in the capable hands of their long-time associate, Maggie Wych, and her knowledgeable staff. It is always a joy to visit and see what they've been up to. The question is always the same, no matter how often you visit—should you browse through the display tables first, choosing your plants, or stroll through the spectacular 3-acre garden, just for another peek? Those winding paths, footbridges, ponds...the plant extravanganza here is one you will never tire of.
Plan on spending some time at the nursery's tables covered with rare and unusual perennials. You will find shade plants, alpines, conifers, shrubs, vines, bamboo, and a nice selection of special trees in the sales area. There are many familiar plants to choose from—like Hydrangea, Salvias, the hardy Cistus, Geraniums, Buddleias, Columbines, and so on—and a host of others that you may not be familiar with, but will want to try in your garden.
