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Press Releases and Related Images
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
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
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
(January 29, 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 on loan from 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.
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, plants, and cultural context. Bilingual interpretive signage highlights the rich plant diversity of southern Mexico and its deep relationship with Indigenous peoples spanning thousands of years. Complementary summer programs—including Acoustic Sunsets, Sunday Funday, and Noche Latina—extend the experience beyond the landscape, bringing music, culture, and community together in the Garden.
“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.”
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 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.
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
###
Jacobo and María Ángeles, Deer-Butterfly, fiberglass and acrylic paint, 2024. Artwork © Jacobo and María Ángeles. Photo courtesy of Christian Sánchez and Valery Lopez.
Jacobo and María Ángeles, Coyote-Fish, fiberglass and acrylic paint, 2024. Artwork © Jacobo and María Ángeles. Photo courtesy of Christian Sánchez and Valery Lopez.
Jacobo and María Ángeles, Camel-Eagle, fiberglass and acrylic paint, 2024. Artwork © Jacobo and María Ángeles. Photo courtesy of Christian Sánchez and Valery Lopez.
Jacobo and María Ángeles, Rabbit-Deer, fiberglass and acrylic paint, 2024. Artwork © Jacobo and María Ángeles. Photo courtesy of Christian Sánchez and Valery Lopez.
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
Acoustic Sunsets returns to Sonoma Botanical Garden
Wednesdays, May 7-October 29, 2025; 5-8 p.m.
Included with admission and free for Sonoma Botanical Garden members
(Glen Ellen, CA, April 14, 2025) Sonoma Botanical Garden’s (SBG) popular Acoustic Sunsets outdoor music series returns this May for an all-new season of live music, wine tasting, family-friendly activities, and more Wednesday evenings, May 7-October 29, 2025. Rising above Sonoma Valley, the Garden’s outdoor amphitheater is a spectacular place to picnic with friends and family on a warm summer evening while enjoying an ever-changing line up of top Bay Area musical performers each week and the diverse offerings of local wine partners. Once again, the welcome mat is out for well-behaved, leashed dogs during these extended evening hours. New this year is a special Open Mic Night and Young Talent Night open to interested solo artists or duos.
“Acoustic Sunsets is more than a music series,” says Jeannie Perales, Executive Director, SBG. “It’s a community happening. We were delighted last year to see our members and neighbors returning over and over–bringing friends, children, grandparents, and furry friends to enjoy this special experience of art and nature together. Returning music lovers will certainly notice upgrades made to the amphitheater over the winter. With a new staircase, railings, bistro lights, picnic tables, and plantings, the space is now more inviting than ever and ready to welcome a new season of music, celebration, and community.”
A diverse musical lineup of local and Bay Area talent is scheduled to kick off the series this May. Genre defying pop and folk singer/songwriter Michelle Lambert opens Acoustic Sunsets on May 7. Her latest single, “Come to Me,” was #1 on Indie Radio for 4 consecutive weeks. Americana-Rock-Folk-Joy-Jam band, John Elliot and the Band of Supervisors, follows on May 14.
On May 21, young Sonoma County musician Ryan Woodard takes the stage with J Gallard to perform current and classic hits. Woodard, who was diagnosed with autism at age 3 and was nonverbal until age 9 when he began to play guitar, has received widespread accolades for his musical gifts. Guitar World Magazine praised his “jaw dropping guitar skills” and “soulful, heart-wrenching voice,” noting, “Woodard’s playing is a testament to the transformative power of music.”
May 28 features the first Acoustic Sunsets Open Mic Night. The new event offers interested solo artists and duos the opportunity to perform and gives audiences a chance to hear a variety of styles and genres. Artists can register through the Garden’s website https://sonomabg.org/visit/acoustic-sunsets/. Performers 21 and under can also register there for Young Talent Night, also new, July 30.
June features both returning and new local performers including Sebastopol-based classic pop and rock pianist Nick Foxer, Petaluma favorite Clay Bell, and the Sean Cascadden Trio. Cascadden is a three-time winner of the North Bay Bohemian’s Northbay Award for Best American Artist and three-time winner of the Sonoma Index Tribune People’s Choice Award for Best Local Performer.
The schedule of performers is available on the Garden’s website https://sonomabg.org/visit/acoustic-sunsets/ and is updated monthly.
The Acoustic Sunsets musical line up is once again the creation of Michael John Ahern, a Garden Volunteer and Sonoma-based recording artist and musical producer. Ahern, who is performing June 4 with Chris Cotruvo and debuting his new original jazz project, The Grateful Heart Band, on August 20, says Acoustic Sunsets is unique: “It’s a diamond in the crown of the Sonoma Valley music scene. The idea that you can sit with family and friends, picnic, bring along your dog, sip some vino, listen to great live music, and have a twilight experience of the Garden—there is nothing quite like it in the Valley.”
Returning performer Clay Bell agrees. “Acoustic Sunsets is a completely unique experience. Surrounded by nature, everyone is in a positive mood and it fills the space with that energy,” he says. “Also, people come to disconnect and really listen. I have some really wonderful memories when I did an hour of all requests. Everyone was engaged and participated. It’s spontaneous and in the moment.”
Local wineries will be on hand to offer a free taste of local terroir including Benziger Family Winery, Imagery Estate Winery, Sangiacomo WInes and more. Visitors can pack a picnic or pick up a gourmet pizza from the Glen Ellen Star.
New this year, Garden goers are invited to enjoy Acoustic Sunsets in style with a reserved picnic table for up to 6 adults—complete with fresh flowers and umbrella shades. All proceeds from the $50 per table fee support the musicians who bring the amphitheater to life each Wednesday.
Attendees will be enchanted by Winged Wonders, a fantastical flock of giant bamboo birds located throughout the Garden. Visitors will marvel at a pair of monumental Cedar Waxwings on either side of the Acoustic Sunsets stage, be awed by the majestic 20-foot wingspan of an Acorn Woodpecker in flight amongst the Garden’s oak trees, and delight in encounters with larger-than-life owls, quail, and more. The colossal sculptures up to 20 feet tall are made entirely from natural materials by Boston-based artist duo Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein to highlight the beauty and diversity of California’s native birds and the ecosystems that support them.
For more information, visit https://sonomabg.org/visit/acoustic-sunsets/.
The Garden thanks Acoustic Sunsets media partner Kenwood Press.
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
Open 10am – 5pm daily. Admission is $15 adults; $12 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
sonomabg.org
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Courtesy of Sonoma Botanical Garden
Photo by Daniel Ramon Perales Photography
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
Winged Wonders
A fantastical flock of giant bamboo birds lands at Sonoma Botanical Garden this spring and summer
On view April 11 – October 31, 2025
(February 26, 2025, Glen Ellen, CA) Starting this spring, a fantastical flock of giant bamboo birds lands at Sonoma Botanical Garden to enchant both the young and the young at heart. Visitors will marvel at the majestic 20-foot wingspan of an Acorn Woodpecker in flight amongst the Garden’s oak trees and delight in encounters with larger-than-life owls, quail, and more. The colossal sculptures up to 20 feet tall will be made entirely from natural materials by Boston-based artist duo Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein to highlight the beauty and diversity of California’s native birds and the ecosystems that support them.
Dodson and Moerlein, who call themselves The Myth Makers, have completed over 50 such installations around the world, including Vietnam, Taiwan, and Switzerland, and have won numerous national awards and recognition. In 2015, Artnet and The Huffington Post named their public art project, “Avian Avatars,” the most beautiful art show in New York City. Their collaboration is born from a mutual love of the wild.
This will be their first installation in California. The artists will be in residence at the Garden for three weeks, March 18 – April 11 to build several of the sculptures on site. The public will be able to watch the work in progress during Open Studio Hours, daily March 24-April 8 from 10am-12pm, as Dodson and Moerlein bend, twist, and weave lengths of bamboo into enormous birds using just a few hand tools. The artists will also offer a hands-on bamboo building workshop on April 5 and a slideshow talk on April 2 as part of their residency.
These and other associated programs throughout the spring and summer, including bird-themed garden tours, photography workshops, family-friendly Sunday Fundays, expert talks, and the lively Acoustic Sunsets concert series, can be found at https://sonomabg.org/visit/winged-wonders/.
Dodson notes, “We are excited to work in residence at Sonoma Botanical Garden to bring the Winged Wonders exhibition to life on site. Getting to know the Garden’s many paths and trails and experiencing the abundant bird life will inform our sculptures and their placement.” Moerlein adds, “This will be our largest exhibit to date, with a total of 12 sculptures on view. We invite everyone to visit the Garden and follow our unique building process while we are in residence.”
“We are thrilled to welcome this extraordinary exhibition to Sonoma Botanical Garden,” says Jeannie Perales, Executive Director, SBG. “These monumental sculptures of native California birds are not only an artistic achievement but also a reminder of the vital relationship between plants and birds. This exhibit allows us to showcase the Garden’s incredible biodiversity and offer visitors a chance to connect with nature in a way that is both educational and engaging.”
The sculptures all reflect the species that make their home in the grasslands, forests, and vineyards of the Garden. At the Welcome Center, visitors 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. Further along, they’ll encounter a Western Meadowlark, a majestic heron, a plump Anna’s Hummingbird, and more. Placed throughout the Garden, visitors can “Find the Flock” with a special map and win a small prize. Little entryways built into some of the sculptures invite Garden guests to explore these bamboo structures from the inside.
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.
About The Myth Makers
The collaboration between Dodson and Moerlein is born from a mutual love of the wild. Dodson takes inspiration from the mysterious nature of birds that spark her imagination. Moerlein takes inspiration from events in the natural world that leave visual marks and strike a narrative chord in the artist.
Although monumental in scale, their ephemeral works are temporary in nature. Made from natural materials, they are site specific and respond to their local audience. Intended to last only 3-5 years, they appear, fade, and disappear, adding a chapter to the life stories in their communities.
Dodson is a graduate of Wellesley College (BA) and a former Fulbright US Scholar. She is currently a Scholar at the Brandeis University Women’s Studies Research Center and a Fellow at the St. Botolph Club in Boston. Moerlein is a graduate of Dartmouth College (BA) and Cornell University (MFA). He has exhibited his solo work nationally and internationally, both in museum shows and public outdoor art exhibits. He is a member of the Boston Sculptors Gallery,
Visit themythmakers.org.
General Information
Open 10am – 5pm daily. Admission is $15 adults; $12 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.
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Media Contact:
Nina Sazevich
Sonoma Botanical Garden PR Consultant
415-752-2483
pr@sonomabg.org
sonomabg.org
The Myth Makers installing Anna’s Hummingbird
Photo by Daniel Ramon Perales Photography
Cedar Waxwing by The Myth Makers
Photo by Daniel Ramon Perales Photography
Blue Heron by The Myth Makers
Photo by Daniel Ramon Perales Photography
The Myth Makers, Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein
Photo by Daniel Ramon Perales Photography
Cedar Waxwings by The Myth Makers
Photo by Daniel Ramon Perales Photography
Western Meadowlark by The Myth Makers
Photo by Daniel Ramon Perales Studio
Blue Heron by The Myth Makers
Photo by Daniel Ramon Perales Photography
Western Meadowlark by The Myth Makers
Photo by Daniel Ramon Perales Studio
Anna’s Hummingbird
by The Myth Makers
Photo by Daniel Ramon Perales Photography
Blue Heron by The Myth Makers
Photo by Daniel Ramon Perales Photography
Anna’s Hummingbird
by The Myth Makers
Photo by Daniel Ramon Perales Photography
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Contact Us
707-996-3166
info@sonomabg.org
PO Box 232, Glen Ellen, CA 95442