Blooms by the Coast

photo courtesy Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

FT. BRAGG, CA—Spread out over 47 acres, the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens are uniquely situated on bluffs overlooking the thundering Northern California coast; the only public garden in the continental states to directly front the ocean. In two linked strips of land between California's scenic Highway One and the ocean, the site includes more than 20 different natural areas that includes many rhododendrons, wetlands, a pine forest, canyons and bluffs, as well as a manicured rose garden and the Cliff House, where visitors can watch migrating whales during the winter and spring season.

With a moderate, coastal climate, the gardens include many kinds of native and imported species of plants that thrive in an environment that escapes the more extreme heat and cold of inland regions.

The gardens were founded in the early 1960s by retired nurseryman, Ernest Schoefer and his wife, Betty. In 1992, the gardens were taken over by the California Coastal Conservancy and transferred to the Mendocino Coast Recreation and Park District. It is now operated as a public trust, nonprofit membership organization.

The gardens offer a number of walks, classes and discoveries throughout the growing season. This spring, Bloom Walks will be offered throughout May and June. In the wet winter months, more than 80 of types of mushrooms can be found; year-round, the site is a bird-watchers paradise, with more than 100 types of birds to be found. Each first Friday of the month, the gardens gives a natural history tour; each second Friday, a general guided tour; each third Friday a mushroom identification walk; and each fourth Friday, a bird-identification tour. The site also hosts small weddings and other events, and picnicking is welcome.

If you go: Tickets are $7.50 (Seniors, $6; age 13-17, $3; age 6-12 $1; under 5, free).
The Gardens' main trails are wheelchair accessible to the ocean and there are electric carts for guests with special needs on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds. Well-mannered dogs on leashes are also welcome. 18220 North Highway One, Fort Bragg, CA, 707.964.4352.