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Press Releases and Related Images
Sonoma Botanical Garden presents Acoustic Sunsets
The Garden’s weekly summer concert series returns with new, monthly Noche Latina nights
Wednesdays, May 6–September 16, 2026, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Included with admission and free for Sonoma Botanical Garden members
(April 6, Glen Ellen, CA) —Acoustic Sunsets, Sonoma Botanical Garden’s popular Wednesday evening, summer concert series, is back May 6-September 16, with an ever-rotating line up of live music in the Garden’s outdoor amphitheater, local wine tasting, a family-friendly atmosphere inviting picnics and pups, and extended evening access to the Garden. And this year, there’s a Latin twist! In tandem with the special exhibition Spirit Guides: Fantastical Creatures from the Workshop of Jacobo and María Ángeles, Acoustic Sunsets will feature some of the Bay Area’s hottest Latin bands with an all new, monthly Noche Latina night.
Scheduled to perform are Trio Sol de Mexico, an award-winning ensemble, widely recognized as one of the premier Latin and mariachi-influenced groups in the San Francisco Bay Area (May 27); Cascada de Flores, a San Francisco–based ensemble that reimagines the rich musical traditions of Mexico and Latin America through soulful storytelling, blending rancheras, boleros, sones, and Caribbean influences (July 8); Julio Reyes, a virtuosic classical guitarist whose artistry is deeply rooted in his Latin American heritage, drawing on Paraguayan and Colombian influences (July 29); and Batachá, a Sonoma County–based ensemble with a dynamic sound blending Latin jazz, salsa, and Afro-Latin rhythms (August 26).
Noche Latina celebrates the monumental sculptures of Spirit Guides, on view throughout the Garden April 10 through September 7, 2026. Inspired by the Zapotec calendar, the brightly colored and richly patterned sculptures depict an extraordinary world of hybrid animals from the imagination of two celebrated Mexican artists.
“Pairing Acoustic Sunsets with Spirit Guides will create a vibrant, immersive experience,” says Jeannie Perales, Executive Director, Sonoma Botanical Garden. “It’s a compelling way to celebrate Latin music and culture—blending exceptional performances with the exhibition in a shared evening at the Garden. What is already a cherished midweek tradition will be all the more resonant.”
In addition to the special Noche Latina nights, Acoustic Sunsets will feature many favorite acts from the past including season opener Jacob Phillip Benning (May 6), Clay Bell (May 20), Sean Carscadenn Trio (June 17), and many more. Visitors can discover new talent at Open Mic Night (June 3) and Young Talent Night (July 22). Acoustic Sunsets’ own volunteer Director of Entertainment, Michael John Ahern, performs with Chris Cotruvo (May 13).
Guests enjoy tastings from local winery partners including Benziger Family Winery, Black Dog Ranch/Beresini Winery, Matanzas Creek Winery, and more, and are encouraged to bring a picnic or pick up take-away fare from nearby Glen Ellen eateries. Picnic tables, complete with umbrellas and flower arrangements, can be reserved on the Garden’s website for a fee. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.
“Against sweeping views of Sonoma Valley at sunset, Acoustic Sunsets offers an easy, relaxed way to experience this beautiful Garden after hours while enjoying fantastic music, food, and time outdoors,” says Ahern. “The relaxed vibe and open spaces make these evenings a great choice for a family outing. Bring the kids, bring the grandparents, bring the dog even!”
Acoustic Sunsets takes place Wednesday evenings, May 6-September 16, 2026. Please note, there will be no program on June 10 and July 1. Music is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The Garden closes at 8 p.m. on concert nights. Acoustic Sunsets is free with Garden admission and free for Garden members (not included as part of AHS reciprocal admission). For schedules and updates, visit https://sonomabg.org/visit/acoustic-sunsets/.
About Sonoma Botanical Garden
Founded in 1987, Sonoma Botanical Garden (SBG) is a woodland experience where East meets West by celebrating the beauty and importance of Asian and California native plants. Situated in the picturesque Sonoma Valley, SBG’s 67 acres is home to a unique Asian woodland, a California native oak savanna, and a Cabernet vineyard. Its mission is to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the beauty and value of Asian and California native plants and to promote their conservation in natural habitats and gardens.
For more information, please visit sonomabg.org.
General Information
Sonoma Botanical Garden is open 10am–5pm daily and until 8pm on Wednesdays, May 6-September 16 for Acoustic Sunsets concert dates. Admission: $17 adults; $14 seniors (65+); $8 youth ages 5–17, teachers, and active military; children 4 and under free. Sonoma Botanical Garden participates in Museums for All, offering $3 admission for qualifying individuals. Groups of 8 or more are encouraged to reserve in advance.
Media Contact:
Nina Sazevich
Sonoma Botanical Garden PR Consultant
415-752-2483
sonomabg.org
###
Photo by Daniel Perales
Photo by Daniel Perales
Photo by Daniel Perales
Photo by Daniel Perales
Photo by Ed Pingol Photography
Photo by Daniel Perales
Sonoma Botanical Garden presents:
Spirit Guides: Fantastical Creatures from the Workshop of Jacobo and María Ángeles
Inspired by the Zapotec calendar,
eight monumental sculptures fill the Garden with color and wonder this spring and summer
April 10 – September 7, 2026
(March 24, 2026, Glen Ellen, CA) –Sonoma Botanical Garden (SBG) continues its now annual tradition of presenting monumental works of art within its forests and fields with Spirit Guides: Fantastical Creatures from the Workshop of Jacobo and María Ángeles, on view April 10 through September 7, 2026. Created by the workshop of Mexican artists Jacobo and María Ángeles, brightly colored and richly patterned sculptures depict imaginary hybrid animals that act as both spirit guides and astrological embodiments of human character. Inspired by the Zapotec calendar, the exhibition features eight large sculptures organized by Denver Botanic Gardens. Its presentation at SBG is made possible through the generosity and vision of the KHR McNeely Family Foundation.
The Oaxaca-based duo was inspired by an ancient Zapotec stone calendar on view in the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca. Indigenous to southern Mexico, Zapotec culture is deeply connected to plants, seasons, and animals. The artists explain: “A Zapotec legend tells that on the day you were born, a little animal came running or flying—your protector in this world. This animal is your tona, a creature with whom you share your destiny and soul. In addition to your tona, you have a nahual determined by your birth year—this creature is a spirit animal with personality traits similar to yours.”
The Ángeles team used this as an imaginative jumping-off point for their own interpretations of the calendar and zodiac, filling in the blanks with their own mythical creations. For example, cranes and camels are included in the exhibition but are not featured in Zapotec cosmology—instead, the artists chose to depict them for their dynamic shape and form.
The fiberglass sculptures included in the exhibit are monumental, at nearly eight feet tall and up to nine feet wide and four feet deep. They were created through a multistep process that includes conceptual sketches, renderings of small wooden sculptures and fiberglass casting. Artisans at the workshop then paint the sculptures with colorful, intricate geometric patterns inspired by Zapotec and other Indigenous designs, each with their own unique meaning.
“Spirit Guides reminds us that gardens hold memory, spirit, and wisdom,” says Jeannie Perales, Executive Director, SBG. “This dynamic exhibition invites us to experience the Garden not simply as a landscape, but as a living place of connection—one that reflects and welcomes the rich cultural diversity of Sonoma County and beyond.”
Integrated throughout the exhibition, QR codes connect visitors directly to the Bloomberg Connects app, offering free, expert-curated content that provides deeper insight into the artworks and cultural context. The sculptures are also accompanied by bilingual interpretive signage, and a special family-friendly activity sheet offers visitors the chance to hunt for special symbols and shapes within the painted surfaces.
Many of the sculptures will be sited within Sonoma Botanical Garden’s California Native Plant Demonstration Garden, significantly expanded in tandem with Spirit Guides and developed through a dynamic, new partnership with design experts from the Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek, CA, one of the world’s finest dry and climate-resilient gardens. The reimagined native plant landscape surrounding the Welcome Center and along the California Oaks Trail elevates the Garden’s commitment to modeling sustainable, water-wise design. New plantings from the broader California Floristic Province, including regions that extend into Mexico, create a powerful connection between Spirit Guide’s cultural origins and the landscape itself. As SBG Curator of Living Collections Michael Wenzel notes, “It is interesting to think of the cultures and plants, both ancient and contemporary, spanning a geography, where we can appreciate the diversity, resilience, and adaptability in both realms.”
Complementary programs include a special artist residency with Jacobo and María Ángeles May 27-30, 2026. The visiting artists will offer a Botanical Briefing talk on May 28 about their artistic process, cultural influences, and the stories embedded within their sculptures. On May 30, the public has the very rare opportunity to work hands-on with the artists to create a personal nahualito—a small spirit guide inspired by the rich traditions of Zapotec culture. Throughout the summer, the Garden’s Acoustic Sunsets concert series with a special monthly Noche Latina night, as well as the family-friendly Sunday Funday series extend the exhibition experience beyond the landscape, bringing music, culture, and community together in the Garden. Program details as follows:
Botanical Briefing: The Artists Behind Spirit Guides
Thursday, May 28, 2026; 12:00–1:00 p.m.
$10 for members, $20 for non-members. Includes Garden admission.
Join artists Jacobo and María Ángeles for a special talk exploring the creative vision behind their vividly imagined, monumental sculptures. Through this presentation, they will share insights into their artistic process, cultural influences, and the stories embedded within their richly patterned, brightly colored sculptures.
Paint Your Own Spirit Guide Workshop
Saturday, May 30, 2026; 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
$78 for members, $95 for non-members | Includes Garden admission.
Join the Spirit Guides artists for a vibrant, hands-on workshop where you’ll paint your own wooden nahualito—a small spirit guide inspired by the rich traditions of Zapotec culture. Guided step-by-step by the artists, you’ll explore the symbolism, stories, and cultural meaning behind these fantastical creatures while learning traditional painting techniques that bring each figure to life. All materials provided.
Acoustic Sunsets & Noche Latina
Wednesdays, May 6–September 16 (No concerts on June 10 or July 1); 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Noche Latina dates: May 27, July 8, July 29, & August 26
Free for Garden members and included with general admission for non-members
Throughout the summer, each Wednesday evening is a vibrant, after-hours Garden gathering with live music, wine tasting, and more. In partnership with Spirit Guides, the concert series includes monthly Noche Latina evenings celebrating Latin music and culture from mariachi to classical Spanish guitar.
Sunday Funday
Sundays, June 14, July 12 & August 9
1:00–4:00 pm
Free for Garden members and included with general admission for non-members.
A playful, family-friendly program inviting children of all ages to explore the beauty of the Garden and connect with nature through hands-on, creative experiences. Families can enjoy face painting, arts and crafts, family yoga, live animal presentations, lawn games, and more. Select activities and activations throughout the afternoon will be offered bilingually (English/Spanish).
About the Artists
Jacobo and María Ángeles are a married artist team based in San Martín Tilcajete in Oaxaca, Mexico. Joyful, fanciful, and distinctively patterned, the Ángeles’ animal sculptures embrace both contemporary art and folk art traditions. With increasing demand for their works, the artists employ more than 100 artisans in a workshop that also acts as an art school, offering creatives the opportunity to advance and develop their artistic skills. The workshop’s creations have been exhibited in museums around the globe, including the Museo de Arte Popular in Mexico City and the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.
About Sonoma Botanical Garden
Founded in 1987, Sonoma Botanical Garden (SBG) is a woodland experience where East meets West by celebrating the beauty and importance of Asian and California native plants. Situated in the picturesque Sonoma Valley, SBG’s 63 acres is home to a unique Asian woodland, a California native oak savanna, and a Cabernet vineyard. Its mission is to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the beauty and value of Asian and California native plants and to promote their conservation in natural habitats and gardens.
General Information
The Garden is open 10am – 5pm daily. From May 6 – September 16, the Garden extends its hours until 8pm every Wednesday. Admission: $17 adults; $14 seniors (65+); $8 youth (ages 5–17), teachers, and active military; children 4 and under free. The Garden proudly participates in the Museums for All program, offering $3 admission for qualifying individuals. Groups of eight or more are encouraged to reserve in advance.
Location: 12841 Hwy 12, Glen Ellen, CA
Contact: 707-996-3166 | info@sonomabg.org
Media Contact:
Nina Sazevich
Sonoma Botanical Garden PR Consultant
415-752-2483
pr@sonomabg.org
sonomabg.org
###
Photo by Daniel Perales.
Photo by Daniel Perales.
Photo by Daniel Perales.
Photo by Daniel Perales.
Photo by Daniel Perales.
Jacobo and María Ángeles, Rabbit-Deer, fiberglass and acrylic paint, 2024. Artwork © Jacobo and María Ángeles.
Photo by Daniel Perales.
Sonoma Botanical Garden (SBG) announces design partnership with Ruth Bancroft Garden (RBG) to expand California Native Plant Demonstration Garden into an immersive learning landscape
(March 27, 2026, Glen Ellen, CA) — Sonoma Botanical Garden proudly announces a dynamic new collaboration with the Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek, CA to significantly expand and transform its California Native Plant Demonstration Garden, first established in 2024, into a fully immersive, accessible, and cohesive learning landscape.
Working in partnership with design experts from RBG, one of the world’s finest dry and climate-resilient gardens, SBG is elevating its commitment to modeling sustainable, water-wise design through a reimagined native plant landscape surrounding the Welcome Center and a significant extension along the California Oaks Trail. The project will roll out in phases, with an initial public opening in April that introduces the expanded plantings and overall vision.
Throughout the year, additional interpretive elements, digital tools, “getting started” guidance, and pathing improvements will be implemented, further enhancing accessibility and deepening the educational experience. As each phase unfolds, the garden will increasingly serve as a living classroom for homeowners, landscape professionals, students, and community members seeking practical tools to create fire-resistant, water-efficient landscapes that support biodiversity. New signage and improved pathways will continue to strengthen the visitor experience for guests of all abilities.
“This collaboration reflects a shared purpose of our two institutions: to elevate horticultural excellence and empower the public to garden responsibly in a changing climate,” says Jeannie Perales, Executive Director, Sonoma Botanical Garden. “We are creating an entry garden that is both dazzling and engaging — a landscape that welcomes and teaches at the same time.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with Sonoma Botanical Garden to share our Design Services Team’s expertise in planting California native plants with the North Bay community,” says Roger Ravenstad, Executive Director, Ruth Bancroft Garden. “This is an important expression of gardening using plants that will attract local pollinators, demonstrate climate resilience, and teach sustainable gardening through the use of plants that are part of our natural landscape.”
Central to the project is a phased interpretive framework focused on practical, climate-resilient California native “Power Plants.” Better understanding of these plants will help Sonoma County homeowners and gardeners confidently integrate native plants into existing landscapes—emphasizing beauty, performance, fire-wise design, water conservation, and habitat value. Interpretive elements will include self-guided and audio experiences introducing the Power Plants framework; seasonal insights and homeowner applications; a brochure with “getting started” guidance; and on-site signage and digital content through SBG’s guide on the Bloomberg Connects app.
Theexpansion coincides with SBG’s public presentation of Spirit Guides: Fantastical Creatures from the Workshop of Jacobo and María Ángeles, on view April 10 through September 7, 2026. Many of the brightly colored sculptures on display, inspired by the Zapotec calendar, will be sited within the California Native Plant Garden. New plantings will represent the broader California Floristic Province, including regions that extend into Mexico, and will create a powerful connection between the exhibition’s cultural origins and the landscape itself.
A generous bequest from Jerry Newell, who served on SBG’s Board of Directors for more than a decade, helped make the transformative design possible. A devoted champion of California’s flora and fauna, Newell’s legacy gift reflects his deep love for the state’s landscapes and his long-standing commitment to the Garden’s mission.
“Jerry believed deeply in the power of California native plants to shape a more resilient future,” says Perales. “It is especially meaningful that his legacy supports this expanded garden, celebrating the beauty and ecological value of our region.”
In addition to the Newell bequest, the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation provided generous support.
“We are thrilled to support Sonoma Botanical Garden’s new focus connecting more people with nature and educating them about the beauty, resilience, and importance of our native plant species,” says Rachel Strader Chen, Foundation Executive Director.
About Sonoma Botanical Garden
Founded in 1987, Sonoma Botanical Garden (SBG) is a woodland experience where East meets West by celebrating the beauty and importance of Asian and California native plants. Situated in the picturesque Sonoma Valley, SBG’s 63 acres is home to a unique Asian woodland, a California native oak savanna, and a Cabernet vineyard. Its mission is to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the beauty and value of Asian and California native plants and to promote their conservation in natural habitats and gardens.
About Ruth Bancroft Garden
The Ruth Bancroft Garden is a world-renowned botanical garden and nursery in Walnut Creek, California, featuring a unique collection of succulents, cacti, and drought-tolerant plants from around the world. Established in the 1970s by Ruth Bancroft, a pioneer of waterwise garden design, the Garden opened to the public in 1992 as the first preservation project of the Garden Conservancy and is recognized as one of the finest dry gardens in the world. Its mission is to preserve, promote, and enhance Ruth Bancroft’s world-class collection of water-conserving plants, displayed in her exceptionally designed garden for the education, inspiration, and enjoyment of the public. The Garden’s Landscape Design Services team works directly with homeowners to design custom, sustainable gardens tailored to their space. Learn more at ruthbancroftgarden.org.
General Visitor Information for Sonoma Botanical Garden
The Garden is open 10am – 5pm daily. From May 6 – September 16, the Garden extends its hours until 8pm every Wednesday. Admission: $17 adults; $14 seniors (65+); $8 youth (ages 5–17), teachers, and active military; children 4 and under free. The Garden proudly participates in the Museums for All program, offering $3 admission for qualifying individuals. Groups of eight or more are encouraged to reserve in advance.
Location: 12841 Hwy 12, Glen Ellen, CA
Contact: 707-996-3166 | info@sonomabg.org
Media Contact:
Nina Sazevich
Sonoma Botanical Garden PR Consultant
415-752-2483
pr@sonomabg.org
sonomabg.org
###
Photo by Saxon Holt
Photo by Monica Avila
Photo by Monica Avila
Photo by Daniel Perales
Photo by Daniel Perales
Bonsai & Blossoms
The delicate beauty of winter’s flowering trees is the highlight of this year’s bonsai exhibition
On view January 9 – March 22, 2026
(December 10, 2025, Glen Ellen, CA) – This winter, step into a wonderland of beautifully blooming miniature trees as Sonoma Botanical Garden presents Bonsai & Blossoms, an indoor exhibition celebrating the living art of bonsai meticulously cultivated to bloom in harmony with the season.
This year’s all-new presentation by the skilled artisans of the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society (REBS) highlights the grace and vitality of flowering bonsai—trees and shrubs trained to bloom in exquisite proportion to their diminutive scale. Delicate plum, azalea, camellia, cherry, and apricot bonsai take center stage, their blossoms appearing just as winter begins to yield to spring. These early bloomers symbolize hope and renewal—reminding us that beauty and resilience can emerge even in the coldest months.
The exhibition also draws inspiration from hanami, the centuries-old Japanese tradition of celebrating the fleeting beauty of blossoms. The Garden invites visitors to participate in this art of flower appreciation through Hanami Strolls—guided walks through the Garden’s Asian woodland where early-blooming magnolias, cherries, and camellias offer their own ephemeral display.
“Bonsai in bloom are admired not only for their delicate beauty but also for the profound cultural symbolism they carry,” says George Haas, bonsai artist and exhibit organizer with REBS. “These miniature trees, shaped with patience and care, embody the fleeting nature of life—each blossom a reminder of transience and impermanence. Yet, their seasonal renewal speaks to resilience and the quiet strength found in cycles of rebirth.”
The exhibition features over 20 bonsai by seven members of REBS, including George Haas (Petaluma), Ivan Lukrich (Santa Rosa), Alan Murakami (Sebastopol), Art Kopecky (Sebastopol), Diane Matzen (Petaluma), Michael Murtaugh (Santa Rosa), Bob Shimon (Pt. Arena), Cory Jones, and Chad Frick. Their creations range from tiny shohin bonsai—small enough to hold in one hand—to grand specimens up to 40 inches tall. Each is a testament to patience, balance, and the deep dialogue between nature and nurture. The pieces on display also include a number of classic tree types: maple, conifer, juniper, and more.
Exhibition signage throughout the indoor greenhouse gallery explores the cultural and botanical foundations of bonsai, illuminating how this ancient art form merges horticultural science with aesthetic refinement. The display unfolds within a minimalist, Japanese-inspired environment featuring shoji screens and Saarinen-style tulip tables that highlight the trees’ natural beauty. Visitors can also step outdoors into the Garden’s serene Asian woodland—home to full-sized relatives of many of the bonsai species on view—for a meditative experience that deepens the connection between art and nature.
The Garden will enhance the exhibition with contemplative experiences and complimentary hot tea, inviting visitors to slow down and savor the moment.
Public programs and demonstrations will be offered throughout the exhibition’s run, led by REBS experts and special guests. These include bonsai styling and repotting demonstrations, care and pruning workshops, and a presentation on the history and evolution of flowering bonsai and hanami traditions in Japan and beyond. Additional offerings such as a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, meditation sessions, Hanami Strolls, and a Spring Equinox Sound Bath will complement the tranquil spirit of the show. Program details and registration information are available at sonomabg.org/visit/bonsai-and-blossoms.
“We are delighted to once again partner with the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society to share this living art with our community,” says Jeannie Perales, Executive Director, Sonoma Botanical Garden. “Bonsai & Blossoms celebrates the courage of winter blooms and the joy of spring’s return—a perfect reflection of the spirit of hanami and the Garden’s mission to honor beauty in all its seasons.”
About the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society
Founded in 1981, the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering appreciation for the ancient living art of bonsai. The Society promotes education through monthly meetings, expert demonstrations, hands-on workshops, newsletters, and its annual bonsai show—the largest in Northern California—held the fourth weekend in August. Learn more or get involved at rebsbonsai.org.
About Sonoma Botanical Garden
Founded in 1987, Sonoma Botanical Garden (SBG) is a woodland experience where East meets West by celebrating the beauty and importance of Asian and California native plants. Situated in the picturesque Sonoma Valley, SBG’s 67 acres is home to a unique Asian woodland, a California native oak savanna, and a Cabernet vineyard. Its mission is to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the beauty and value of Asian and California native plants and to promote their conservation in natural habitats and gardens.
General Information
Open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Admission: $17 adults; $14 seniors (65+); $8 youth (ages 5–17), teachers, and active military; children 4 and under free. The Garden proudly participates in the Museums for All program, offering $3 admission for qualifying individuals. Groups of eight or more are encouraged to reserve in advance.
Media Contact:
Nina Sazevich
Sonoma Botanical Garden PR Consultant
415-752-2483
pr@sonomabg.org
sonomabg.org
###
Kurume Azalea
Rhododendron hybrid
Photo by Greg Elridge
Photo by Daniel Perales
Trident Maple
Acer buergerianum
Rhododendron hybrid
Photo by Daniel Perales
Prunes Mume
Photo by Daniel Perales
Princess Persimmon
Diospyros rhombifolia
Photo by Daniel Perales
From magnificent magnolias to bonsai beauty,
Sonoma Botanical Garden offers a whole host of Valentine’s Day experiences this year
February 7 – 15, 2026
https://sonomabg.org/visit/valentines-programming/
(January 27, 2026, Glen Ellen, CA) Love is in the air this February at Sonoma Botanical Garden where early blooming magnolias and camellias have begun their sublime and colorful show and flowering bonsai dazzle in the special exhibition Bonsai & Blossoms. The Garden celebrates this winter floral extravaganza with a variety of Valentine’s Day programs from guided strolls to hands on workshops.
Embroidered Valentine Botanicals Workshop
Saturday, February 7, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
$95 general, $78 members
The Victorians loved love and were passionate about Valentine’s Day. They also popularized floriography (known as ‘the language of flowers’) in which symbolic meaning was assigned to all manner of botanicals. Join artist and maker Robert Mahar in learning about this 1800s pastime and then add color, texture, and charm to a chart of vintage floral illustrations selected for their love-related attributes. Instruction covers core embroidery basics, essential stitches, and how to apply them to an original collage custom printed on linen. Registration required.
Botanical Briefing: The Art of Love
Friday, February 13, 12:00–1:00 p.m.
$17 general, $7 members
From Aphrodite and Helen of Troy to Hallmark and Norman Rockwell, come along on a lighthearted romp through the subject of love and romance in art. Ponder the mysteries of the real Saint Valentine and enjoy great artists’ takes on True Love, from Rodin and Renoir to Koons and Banksy. Join art historian Craig Griffeath for this unique and enchanting Valentine’s Day presentation. Registration required.
Exhibition signage throughout the indoor greenhouse gallery explores the cultural and botanical foundations of bonsai, illuminating how this ancient art form merges horticultural science with aesthetic refinement. The display unfolds within a minimalist, Japanese-inspired environment featuring shoji screens and Saarinen-style tulip tables that highlight the trees’ natural beauty. Visitors can also step outdoors into the Garden’s serene Asian woodland—home to full-sized relatives of many of the bonsai species on view—for a meditative experience that deepens the connection between art and nature.
Hanami Stroll: Magnificent Magnolias & Bonsai Beauty
Each day February 13–15, 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
$17 general, $7 members
Experience the Japanese tradition of hanami—flower viewing—as guides lead small groups through the Garden’s woodland in search of magnolia blooms and seasonal highlights. Afterward, extend your visit with a visit to the Bonsai & Blossoms exhibition. Registration required.
The Bonsai Show: Bonsai & Blossoms
Through March 22
https://sonomabg.org/visit/bonsai-and-blossoms/
Step into a wonderland of beautifully blooming miniature trees in this indoor exhibition celebrating the living art of bonsai meticulously cultivated to bloom in harmony with the season.
This year’s presentation by the skilled artisans of the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society highlights the grace and vitality of flowering bonsai—trees and shrubs trained to bloom in exquisite proportion to their diminutive scale. Delicate cherry, azalea, camellia, quince, and wisteria bonsai take center stage, their blossoms appearing just as winter begins to yield to spring.
The exhibition also draws inspiration from hanami, the centuries-old Japanese tradition of celebrating the fleeting beauty of blossoms. The Garden invites visitors to pick up a free Hanami Strolls map that leads you through the Garden’s Asian woodland where early-blooming magnolias, cherries, and camellias offer their own ephemeral display.
In addition to viewing the exhibition, guests can participate in a range of related experiences throughout the season, including Saturday afternoon bonsai experts, guided meditation hikes, demonstrations of bonsai styling and repotting, a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, and more.
About the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society
Founded in 1981, the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering appreciation for the ancient living art of bonsai. The Society promotes education through monthly meetings, expert demonstrations, hands-on workshops, newsletters, and its annual bonsai show—the largest in Northern California—held the fourth weekend in August. Learn more or get involved at rebsbonsai.org.
About Sonoma Botanical Garden
Founded in 1987, Sonoma Botanical Garden (SBG) is a woodland experience where East meets West by celebrating the beauty and importance of Asian and California native plants. Situated in the picturesque Sonoma Valley, SBG’s 67 acres is home to a unique Asian woodland, a California native oak savanna, and a Cabernet vineyard. Its mission is to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the beauty and value of Asian and California native plants and to promote their conservation in natural habitats and gardens.
General Information
Open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Admission: $17 adults; $14 seniors (65+); $8 youth (ages 5–17), teachers, and active military; children 4 and under free. The Garden proudly participates in the Museums for All program, offering $3 admission for qualifying individuals. Groups of eight or more are encouraged to reserve in advance.
Media Contact:
Nina Sazevich
Sonoma Botanical Garden PR Consultant
415-752-2483
pr@sonomabg.org
sonomabg.org
###
Embroidery example by Robert Mahar
Delavayi’s Magnolia (Magnolia delavayi)
Courtesy of Sonoma Bontanical Garden
(Magnolia stellata)
Courtesy of Sonoma Botanical Garden
Prunes Mume
Courtesy of Sonoma Botanical Garden
Botanical Briefing: The Art of Love by Craig Griffeath
Gardens Aglow
A Twilight Wonderland of Lights, Music & Holiday Cheer at Sonoma Botanical Garden
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, December 5-21, 2025
5-8 p.m. (Timed, ticketed entry at 5pm or 6:30pm)
$30 general, $25 members, $12 youth 5-17, Free for children 4 and under (advanced purchase required)
Rain or Shine
(August 20, 2025, Glen Ellen, CA) This holiday season, Sonoma Botanical Garden (SBG) becomes a twilight wonderland for three weekends in December where twinkling paths set the stage for Gardens Aglow, a merry and bright celebration for the whole family. After the sun sets, the magic begins. Visitors stroll through a dazzling tunnel of light to arrive at the Garden’s Winter Workshop, brimming with festive crafts for all ages, music that fills the evening air with cheer, lawn games, face painting, and more. Then gather for fireside fun to sip hot chocolate or enjoy local wines, making cozy memories with loved ones under the glow of holiday lights. Gardens Aglow is set in an intimate area of the Garden, centered around the Founder’s House and adjacent to the Rose Garden.
“We are so excited to launch a new holiday tradition here in Sonoma Valley,” says Jeannie Perales, Executive Director, SBG. “The Founder’s House offers a unique opportunity to create a magical indoor/outdoor experience for the season—where visitors of all ages can enjoy festive activities and be enchanted by the sparkle of lights in the night. With Gardens Aglow, we’re designing more than just a celebration—we’re creating a joyful gathering place, a seasonal hub where our community can come together and make lasting memories.”
Visitors follow a twinkling path through the Rose Garden, and then through a glittering tunnel of lights into the Winter Workshop. There, the young and young at heart can enjoy a nature-based craft lounge with classic holiday make and take projects such as festive ornaments, holiday cards, garlands, and more. Face painters will be on hand to brighten cheeks with festive designs.
In the spirit of Garden founder Jane Davenport Jansen, who loved to entertain in this house, an elegant fireside lounge offers live, traditional holiday piano music in a setting that feels like home with local wines and hot chocolate to sip. Outside in the beautifully illuminated Founder’s House Garden, visitors can gather around the fire pit, play holiday-themed lawn games, dance through bubbles, visit with Santa on select evenings, and add their wishes for the new year to an ancient oak Wishing Tree.
A holiday pop up shop offers garden-themed gifts for sale and freshly popped popcorn for shoppers as they browse. From ornaments to scented candles, gift items will include offerings that are locally made and sustainably sourced.
Gardens Aglow is made possible with the generous support of presenting sponsor Sonoma Clean Power with additional support from Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley. We are also grateful to Benziger Family Winery and Imagery Estate Winery; our lead wine partners.
About Sonoma Botanical Garden
Founded in 1987, Sonoma Botanical Garden (SBG) is a woodland experience where East meets West by celebrating the beauty and importance of Asian and California native plants. Situated in the picturesque Sonoma Valley, SBG’s 67 acres is home to a unique Asian woodland, a California native oak savanna, and a Cabernet vineyard. Its mission is to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the beauty and value of Asian and California native plants and to promote their conservation in natural habitats and gardens.
General Information
The Garden is located at 12841 Hwy 12, Glen Ellen, CA. Visit www.sonomabg.org for general information or to purchase Gardens Aglow tickets. Call 707-996-3166 or email info@sonomabg.org for other inquiries.
Media Contact:
Nina Sazevich
Sonoma Botanical Garden PR Consultant
415-752-2483
pr@sonomabg.org
sonomabg.org
###
A father and son laughing under Garden lights
Photo by Daniel Perales
Family moments under the glow of a luminaries
Photo by Daniel Perales
Guests write their wishes for the Wishing Tree
Photo by Daniel Perales
Cozy moments around glowing fire pits
Photo by Daniel Perales
Peak fall color is ablaze at Sonoma Botanical Garden for next two weeks!
(November 3, 2025, Glen Ellen, CA) The North Bay’s most unique show of fall color has begun, and now is the time to see it. Sonoma Botanical Garden’s (SBG) one-of-a-kind Asian Woodland, full of rare and endangered deciduous trees and perennials, puts on a special autumnal show each year, and for just a few fleeting weeks, visitors can delight in its singular beauty.
The stars of fall are the Garden’s many species of Asian maples that dapple the tree canopy with bursts of warm red, orange, yellow, and even purple hues. The majority of the just over 50 maple species at the Garden are rarely grown commercially and thus not often seen by the public. 87% are wild origin documented, collected from seed in China, Japan, Korea, and beyond.
Other fall showstoppers include the fiery crown of the Emperor Oak (Quercus dentata), native to China and Korea to Japan; the Japanese Cherry Birch (Betula grossa) sporting a solid halo of amber leaves; the brilliant copper, needle-like leaves of the Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides); and ember-colored mounds of Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii). Japanese Beautyberry (Callicarpa japonica) provides a surprising dash of color with bright purple clusters of berries contrasted against its large yellowing leaves.
“Fall color at the Garden is such a special sight,” says Jeannie Perales, Executive Director, SBG. “Our unique Asian Woodland transports you across the Pacific to a place and a time when these species thrived in the wild, and fall is just a glorious time to see this rare landscape at its best. We highly encourage a visit in the coming weeks and are offering special guided walks, forest bathing, and more to make the most of the experience.”
The public can join guided walks with a Garden volunteer on Saturday, November 8 and Sunday, November 16 from 10:30 am – 12 pm (free with admission). Shutterbugs have the opportunity to join the Garden’s own photographer for a special Fall Photo Walk on Friday, November 7 from 10:30 am – 12 pm ($15 general). Special opportunities for fall wellness include a Restorative Yoga session on Saturday, November 8 from 10:15-11:15am ($35 general) and a Forest Bathing/Mindful Movement Tour on Thursday, November 13 from 1-2:30pm ($30 general).
Info about all fall programs can be found on the calendar.
About Sonoma Botanical Garden
Founded in 1987, Sonoma Botanical Garden (SBG) is a woodland experience where East meets West by celebrating the beauty and importance of Asian and California native plants. Situated in the picturesque Sonoma Valley, SBG’s 67 acres is home to a unique Asian woodland, a California native oak savanna, and a Cabernet vineyard. Its mission is to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the beauty and value of Asian and California native plants and to promote their conservation in natural habitats and gardens.
General Information
The Garden is located at 12841 Hwy 12, Glen Ellen, CA. Visit www.sonomabg.org for general information or to purchase Gardens Aglow tickets. Call 707-996-3166 or email info@sonomabg.org for other inquiries.
Media Contact:
Nina Sazevich
Sonoma Botanical Garden PR Consultant
415-752-2483
pr@sonomabg.org
sonomabg.org
###
Five Lobed Maple (Acer pentaphyllum)
Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)
Japanese Beautyberry (Callicarpa japonica)
Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)
Schmidt’s Birch (Betula schmidtii)
Japanese Cherry Birch (Betula grossa)
Emperor Oak (Quercus dentata)
Sonoma Botanical Garden’s summer family fun series returns!
Sunday Funday
Sundays, June 22, July 13 & August 10, 2025; 1-4pm
Included with admission and free for Sonoma Botanical Garden members
(Glen Ellen, CA, May 8, 2025) Sonoma Botanical Garden (SBG) invites families to fly on over this summer for the return of its family fun series, Sunday Funday. This year, Sunday Funday coincides with the Garden’s newest exhibit, Winged Wonders, by The Myth Makers, a fantastical flock of giant bamboo birds placed throughout the Garden. In celebration of these feathered friends, the monthly, festival-like program will feature live bird presentations by The Bird Rescue Center of Sonoma County and family birding walks in addition to face painting, arts and crafts with Art Escape’s Art Van Gogh, family yoga with Sonoma Yoga, lawn games, and more.
Hand crafted from natural materials by Boston-based artist duo The Myth Makers, Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein, the colossal sculptures of Winged Wonders all reflect the species that make their home in the grasslands, forests, and vineyards of the Garden. At the Garden’s Welcome Center, families can pose for photos with a friendly 10 foot tall Western Bluebird and then make their way out on the California Oaks Trail to interact with a pair of giant California Quail or marvel at the majestic 20-foot wingspan of an Acorn Woodpecker in flight amongst the oak trees. Further along, they’ll encounter a Western Meadowlark, a majestic heron, a plump Anna’s Hummingbird, and more.
Families are encouraged to make a day of it by bringing a picnic and grabbing a “Find the Flock” visitor guide from the Welcome Center to win a small prize. Little entryways built into some of the sculptures invite Garden guests of all ages to explore these bamboo structures from the inside.
“One of the most valuable community contributions of a botanical garden is access to nature for families,” says Jeannie Perales, Executive Director, SBG. “Providing an opportunity for children and their families to have fun and play together in a comfortable natural setting can inspire a lifelong love of the outdoors and helps future generations understand, protect, and celebrate life on the planet.”
“Partnering with the Sonoma Botanical Garden for Sunday Funday is such a joyful way for us to connect with new families and build community through creativity,” says Alma Murillo-Bastress, Operations and Community Engagement Manager for Art Escape. “Last year’s frog-themed art was a blast, and we’re excited to soar into bird-inspired projects this summer. There’s something truly powerful about making art outdoors, under the trees, and surrounded by music and laughter! Our mobile art studio is geared up and ready to roll to the Garden!”
A monthly schedule of Sunday Funday activities can be found on the Garden’s website. Visit https://sonomabg.org/visit/sunday-funday/.
About Sonoma Botanical Garden
Founded in 1987, Sonoma Botanical Garden (SBG) is a woodland experience where East meets West by celebrating the beauty and importance of Asian and California native plants. Situated in the picturesque Sonoma Valley, SBG’s 67 acres is home to a unique Asian woodland, a California native oak savanna, and a Cabernet vineyard. Its mission is to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the beauty and value of Asian and California native plants and to promote their conservation in natural habitats and gardens.
For more information, please visit sonomabg.org.
General Information
The Garden is open 10am – 5pm daily. From May – October, the Garden extends its hours until 8pm every Wednesday. Admission is $15 adults; $12 for 65+; $8 youth 5-17, teachers, and active military; children 4 and under free. The Garden is a proud participant in the Museums for All program with qualifying individuals receiving $3 admissions. Groups of 8 or more are asked to make a reservation in advance. Visit at 12841 Hwy 12, Glen Ellen, CA. Call 707-996-3166 or email info@sonomabg.org for questions.
Media Contact:
Nina Sazevich
Sonoma Botanical Garden PR Consultant
415-752-2483
pr@sonomabg.org
sonomabg.org
###
Photo by Daniel Ramon Perales Photography
Photo by Daniel Ramon Perales Photography
Photo by Daniel Ramon Perales Photography
Photo by Daniel Ramon Perales Photography
Courtesy of Sonoma Botanical Garden
Photo by Daniel Ramon Perales Photography
Courtesy of Sonoma Botanical Garden
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Contact Us
707-996-3166
info@sonomabg.org
PO Box 232, Glen Ellen, CA 95442