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
Sonoma Botanical Garden’s rare magnolias begin their breathtaking bloom!
The fleeting show of gorgeous flowers is the perfect Valentine from Mother Nature
(February 10, 2025, Glen Ellen, CA) This Valentine’s Day, Sonoma Botanical Garden’s rare and beautiful magnolias will be resplendent with blooms, making a trip to the Garden the perfect romantic date. The Garden is home to over 40 unique species of Asian magnolias, many of which are endangered in their native habitat, and in the coming weeks, approximately February 12-23, more than a dozen of these stunning trees and shrubs will be at their best, with often large, saucer-shaped, pink and white flowers emerging on bare branches.
“What a joy that Sonoma Botanical Garden’s magnolia collection is bursting into bloom just as we celebrate love,” says Jeannie Perales, Executive Director, SBG. “These fleeting flowers remind us to savor beauty in every moment, and, as Ralph Waldo Emerson said, ‘The Earth laughs in flowers.’ There’s no better time to pack a picnic for two and experience this joyful celebration of nature’s splendor.”
The most plentiful right now is the Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata) with 15 specimens planted throughout the Garden. This smaller statured species blooms just before the leaves emerge. Its thin white to pink petals evoke a star shape, leading to its name. These plants started as wild seed collected in central Japan and are being monitored by a team of dedicated Garden volunteers as part of the National Phenology Network, a research initiative aimed at understanding the timing of seasonal events and the effect of climate change on nature’s calendar.
The Yulan Magnolia (Magnolia denudata) is a medium sized tree with large, fragrant, white flowers, blooming well before the leaves begin to emerge. This creates a striking contrast, with the exuberant flowers perched on the ends of the still stark branches. While there are several specimens throughout the Garden, the largest is now 30 years old, grown from seed originating in Zhejiang Province on the eastern coast of China.
Another early bloomer is the Kobus Magnolia (Magnolia kobus) with skyward facing white flowers often blooming just as the glossy new leaves are emerging from their winter buds. Native to Japan and South Korea, the specimens at the Garden are representatives of wild genetics from multiple locations across Japan.
While the current bloom is especially photo-worthy, several magnolias at the Garden flower well into spring, including the most asked about species at the Garden, the Japanese Big Leaf Magnolia (Magnolia obovata). After the enormous leaves have developed, often longer than 2 feet, the equally massive, white petaled flowers generally open in April.
“Magnolias have such iconic beauty and are such an ancient lineage of plants,” says Michael Wenzel, Living Collections Curator. “They inspire people on so many levels.”
Visitors are encouraged to follow the Garden’s social media channels for notable bloom alerts. Also currently on view, The Bonsai Show: Wood and Stone, through March 30, offers visitors a chance to take in the contemplative beauty of bonsai.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Asian magnolia blossoms, many of which are endangered in their native habitats. Right now, more than a dozen of these stunning trees and shrubs are bursting into bloom, showcasing vibrant pink and white flowers on their bare winter branches—a seasonal highlight at Sonoma Botanical Garden.
Join us for a special, guided hanami stroll, a Japanese tradition of flower viewing, and admire the magnificence of these blooms. Afterward, complete your day with a visit to The Bonsai Show: Wood and Stone, where intricate, miniature landscapes capture the artistry of nature in perfect detail.
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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Photo by: Daniel Perales Studios
Photo by: Laura Bassett
Sonoma Botanical Garden presents The Bonsai Show: Wood and Stone
On view January 10 – March 30, 2025
(September 25, 2024, Glen Ellen, CA) The contemplative beauty of bonsai returns to Sonoma Botanical Garden (SBG) this winter with The Bonsai Show: Wood and Stone, an indoor exhibit featuring select works by the skilled artisans of the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society (REBS) and the addition of a stunning display of suiseki viewing stones.
Suiseki is the Japanese art of stone appreciation. Small, naturally occurring ‘water stones,’ shaped by time and the elements, are placed on delicate wooden stands or daiza, often resembling mountains, waterfalls, and other natural scenes. They are appreciated for their intrinsic beauty and the feelings they evoke. The stones on display are from the remarkable collection of Jerry Braswell, a California woodworker who specializes in crafting bonsai and suiseki stands.
The stones are a natural complement to the meticulously shaped bonsai trees on display. Bonsai is a Japanese term meaning ‘planted in a container.’ The art form, originating from an ancient Chinese horticultural practice, penjing, and later redeveloped under the influence of Japanese Zen Buddhism, involves careful pruning of roots and training of branches to create exquisite, miniature replicas of full-grown trees. The aesthetic considerations are many including branch spacing, the scale of leaves to trunk, viewing angles, the choice of container, and more—all while working with the plant’s inherent nature. Sometimes many decades (and even hundreds!) of years old, these diminutive masterpieces are a testament to the patience, dedication, and craftsmanship of the practitioners of this ancient art form that enjoys robust interest around the world today as artists fuse traditional techniques with contemporary flair.
The work of six, Sonoma County-based members of REBS, including George Haas (Petaluma), Ivan Lukrich (Santa Rosa), Alan Murakami (Sebastopol), Art Kopecky (Sebastopol), Diane Matzen (Petaluma), and Michael Murtaugh (Santa Rosa), will be on display at the Garden—from tiny shohin bonsai, small enough to hold in one hand, to grand trees up to 40 inches. Bonsai sculpted from Japanese black pine, Chinese elm, and Japanese maples will be joined by a large number created with California natives including redwoods, junipers, and pygmy cypress.
“Placing a suiseki viewing stone near a bonsai tree can enhance the overall aesthetic impact,” says George Haas, bonsai artist and exhibit organizer with REBS. “The stone can provide a solid, grounding element, while the tree adds a vigorous, living component. They complement each other beautifully, creating a harmonious and balanced representation of nature in miniature forms.”
Exhibition signage throughout the indoor gallery illuminates the roots of this timeless practice and digs into the science that is critical to the survival of these tiny trees.
The Garden is augmenting the display with engaging, interactive elements including a Zen rock garden area that visitors are invited to rake, hot tea to enjoy, and the opportunity to head outside into its redwood forest to compose haiku with special poetry stones.
Bonsai demonstrations and interpretive tours will be offered throughout the run of the exhibit. Led by knowledgeable Redwood Empire Bonsai Society volunteers, these programs will take a deeper dive into the practical care and maintenance of bonsai as well as the artistic process. They include demonstrations on suiseki (January 11); repotting (February 8); styling (March 8); and collecting (March 22). Sonoma Mountain Zen Center will offer a traditional tea ceremony demonstration on January 26 and Zen Meditation on February 2. There will also be a special presentation by The Huntington’s Horticulture Curator of Asian Gardens on February 28 a spring equinox sound bath on March 21, and much more. Program information can be found at https://sonomabg.org/visit/bonsai-wood-and-stone/.
“We are overjoyed to partner once again with the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society to share this intricate and enduring horticultural art with our visitors,” says Jeannie Perales, Executive Director, SBG. “The Garden’s Asian Woodland is a full-grown forest of many of the bonsai trees on view. A visit to The Bonsai Show with a walk in our quiet woods after offers a sublimely peaceful and meditative way to start the new year.”
About the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society
The Redwood Empire Bonsai Society was founded in 1981 for bonsai enthusiasts. The club is a nonprofit organization for the purpose of educating and making the public aware of the ancient living art form of Japanese bonsai. The club promotes the bonsai art through the conduct of monthly meetings, expert demonstrations, workshops for all skill levels, newsletters, and its annual bonsai show. Meetings are the fourth Thursday of the month, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. with some exceptions. The annual bonsai show is the fourth weekend in August and an opportunity for members to display their specimens. Free admission and parking with daily demonstrations, a silent auction, and fun for all ages. Join the global celebration of bonsai on the second Saturday in May. World Bonsai Day is sponsored by the World Bonsai Friendship Federation.
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 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 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
Juniperus chinensis ‘Torulosa’
Photo by Daniel Perales
Ulmus parvifolia
Photo by Daniel Perales
Rhododendron hybrid
Photo by Daniel Perales
Photo by Daniel Perales
Photo by Daniel Perales
Pinus thunbergii
Photo by Daniel Perales
Photo by Daniel Perales
Framing Fall at Sonoma Botanical Garden
(Glen Ellen, CA, August 12, 2024) Experience the vibrant colors of fall, the richness of the harvest, and the mysteries of the night sky at Sonoma Botanical Garden this autumn. With its one-of-a-kind Asian Woodland full of a gorgeous array of various deciduous trees and perennials – many of which are rare and endangered – fall color in the Garden is unlike any other in the North Bay. And this year, the Garden offers numerous ways to experience the majesty of earth and sky during this special season including star parties, guided fall foliage walks, sunset concerts, meditation hikes, holiday centerpiece crafting, and more.
“As the seasons change, the Garden transforms into a vivid autumn canvas, especially within our unique Asian Woodland with its many rare species,” says Jeannie Perales, Executive Director, SBG. “This year, we’re thrilled to offer a range of public programs for visitors to fully experience the season’s beauty Join us in celebrating fall’s richness in Sonoma Valley.”
The Garden is abundant with must-see fall color. Early fall sees burgundy hues speckling the leaves of the Amur Maple (Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala); large, golden rose hips forming on the Chestnut rose (Rosa roxburghii); the Garden’s cabernet vines heavy with purple fruit; and the fan-like leaves of Ginkgo biloba shifting from green to luminous gold.
By November, the Garden’s many species of maple become a showstopping sea of warm red, orange, yellow, and even purple hues. The Japanese Cherry Birch (Betula grossa) sports classic fall color with a solid halo of amber leaves, while the Large-leafed Dogwood (Cornus macrophylla) develops otherworldly pink, branching, spindly infructescence.
Sometimes as late as December, the Five-Lobed Maple (Acer pentaphyllum) is one of the last to change with its thin palmate leaves flashing crimson and orange. Beautyberry (Callicarpa japonica) boasts bright purple clusters of berries, contrasting vividly with its large yellowing leaves.
Trees like the unusual conifer Golden Larch (Pseudolarix amabilis), that ignites suddenly in an amber abundance, can be dazzling, but fleeting, so visitors are encouraged to follow the Garden on social media for alerts.
To celebrate the season, the Garden is offering a number of special programs to frame visitors’ experience of fall. Acoustic Sunsets continues each Wednesday evening through October 30 with live music in the outdoor amphitheater, wine tasting, and more. Visitors can register to attend a star party on November 8 with astronomers from the Robert Ferguson Observatory. Guided fall color walks with the Garden’s curator or its volunteer docents take place regularly throughout the season. Professional photographer Daniel Perales leads monthly photo walks to provide tips on the best way to capture the beauty of the season. Sonoma Yoga offers guided meditation hikes each month to connect nature, mind, and body. On November 30, the Garden offers a chance to craft a stunning holiday centerpiece that will last throughout the season.
Fall also features the Garden’s inaugural fundraising dinner, Garden Gala: A Stellar Affair on October 5. Tickets and tables are available for this elegant evening in the Garden’s picturesque poolside garden with local wines and cuisine, live music, and stargazing with astronomers.
More information and registration is available for all programs on the Garden’s online calendar at sonomabg.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.
For more information, please visit sonomabg.org.
General Information
Open 10am – 5pm daily, and Wednesdays through October 30, 2024 until 8pm for Acoustic Sunsets. 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
Sonoma Botanical Garden’s popular Ribbit Exhibit extended!
The Garden’s frog-filled adventure now continues through September 29, 2024
(Glen Ellen, CA, July 31, 2024) In response to overwhelming visitor enthusiasm, Sonoma Botanical Garden (SBG) is extending its presentation of Ribbit Exhibit through September 29, 2024. The whimsical, family-friendly exhibit of 23 larger-than-life frog characters found throughout the Garden opened in April 2024 and was originally set to close at the end of August but will now remain on view for an additional month. This is the first time the nationally-touring exhibit has been on the west coast.
“We are delighted by the remarkable response to Ribbit Exhibit since its launch,” says Jeannie Perales, Executive Director, SBG. “We’ve experienced a phenomenal 40-50% growth in attendance, admission revenue, and membership year-over-year. This exhibit has not only expanded our family audience but also boosted membership and solidified our status as a premier destination both locally and beyond.”
Reviewers on Google agree, calling Ribbit Exhibit “a hit.” “It’s a lovely garden. Kids had an amazing time,” wrote one.
Each with their own name and story, the enchanting human-sized sculptures by North Carolina-based artist Andy Cobb are thoughtfully handcrafted from copper, colored with natural patina. Visitors can find them sitting in trees, playing jazz, enjoying a cup of coffee on a park bench, and more.
The chance to win a prize for finding all 23 frogs using a special Frog Finder map has proven to be especially popular with families. “It’s like an Easter egg hunt through the Garden, and families are loving it,” says Perales. “Seeing the delight on children’s faces when they open the treasure box of prizes is joyful. This activity has inspired visitors to explore every nook and cranny of the Garden, making their experience even more magical and memorable.”
A robust roster of public programs associated with Ribbit Exhibit continues as well. On August 11, families won’t want to miss the final Sunday Funday of the summer with face painting, arts & crafts, children’s music, family yoga, and more. Acoustic Sunsets continues through October every Wednesday evening with live music and activities for the young and the young at heart. Visitors can find more information about these programs, guided tours, and more on the Garden’s website.
Support for Ribbit the Exhibit includes Early Childhood Learning Sponsor PNC Bank, Partnering Sponsor Colette Clowes, and Supporting Sponsors Maud Hallin and Carol Baker. Presenting Media Sponsors are Press Democrat & Sonoma Magazine, with Supporting Media Sponsors North Bay Bohemian, KZST 100.1, Froggy 92.9, and 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, and Wednesdays through October 30, 2024 until 8pm for Acoustic Sunsets. 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
Sonoma Botanical Garden presents
Living Sculptures: The Art & Science of Bonsai
A special exhibition on view January 5-March 22, 2024
November 6, 2023
Experience a world of serene beauty and intricate craftsmanship as Sonoma Botanical Garden (SBG), in partnership with the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society (REBS), presents Living Sculptures: The Art and Science of Bonsai.
More than 15 miniature masterpieces will be on view, meticulously nurtured and shaped by the skilled hands of local expert bonsai artisans. The perfect marriage of artistic vision and horticulture expertise, these living sculptures are a celebration of the beauty of Asian and California native species and a testament to the patience, dedication, and creativity of the practitioners of this contemplative art form. Exhibition signage throughout the Garden’s indoor gallery illuminates the intricate roots of this timeless practice and digs into the science that is critical to the survival of these tiny trees.
Visitors can then stroll the Garden’s paths to see some of the full-sized species showcased in the exhibition. With a diverse collection of Asian and California native trees, the Garden celebrates the beauty and importance of these two biodiversity hotspots. Among the collection is an array of magnolias – the majority of which originated in Asia – and winter is the perfect time to see the magic of the Garden’s Magnolias in bloom, including unique species like Star Magnolias (Magnolia stellata), showcasing their dainty, white and pink petals.
“We are excited to launch the Garden’s brand-new arts and nature exhibition program this winter with a stunning display of bonsai,” says Jeannie Perales, SBG Executive Director. “Bonsai is the perfect seasonal feature for the Garden’s unique Asian woodland setting, where East meets West. We hope that guests will appreciate the intricate artistry required to shape these miniature masterpieces.”
“Bon-sai” is a Japanese term meaning “planted in a container,” though the actual art form originates from an ancient Chinese horticultural practice, penjing, later redeveloped under the influence of Japanese Zen Buddhism. Meditative and disciplined forms evolved to emphasize more specific techniques and shapes to create exquisite specimens. Today, bonsai is globally celebrated with a fusion of ancient techniques and modern sensibilities.
Living Sculptures features a fusion of modern and classic forms from graceful formal uprights to dramatic windswept styles – each a testament to the dedication and skill of their creators. Several local bonsai artists will loan their specimens to the show including Alan Murakami, president of REBS, and George Haas, honorary member of REBS.
Murakami’s interest in bonsai began about 40 years ago and he has been a member of REBS since 1987. He studied under many talented bonsai artists, currently learning from Adam Toth, who recently finished an apprenticeship in Japan. “Bonsai is a rewarding art where learning new things is a constant,” Murakami states. “Working on your tree in a Zen like state and seeing its beautiful transformation is magical.”
Haas, who was instrumental in initiating this collaboration with SBG, started doing bonsai after retirement from the military in 2003. A Japanese American friend believed he needed a hobby and bonsai turned into much more than just a casual enjoyment. Haas is also a volunteer docent and the marketing manager for the Golden State Bonsai Federation (GSBF) Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt, Oakland, CA. “I belong to the bonsai community at large and enjoy the living art. I appreciate the learning and friendship gained through bonsai,” Haas says.
Bonsai demonstrations and special interpretive tours will be offered throughout the run of the exhibition. Led by knowledgeable Redwood Empire Bonsai Society volunteers, these programs will take a deeper dive into the practical care and maintenance of bonsai as well as the artistic process.
About the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society
The Redwood Empire Bonsai Society was founded in 1981 for bonsai enthusiasts. The club is a nonprofit organization for the purpose of educating and making the public aware of the ancient living art form of Japanese bonsai. The club promotes the bonsai art through the conduct of monthly meetings, expert demonstrations, workshops for all skill levels, newsletters, and its annual bonsai show. Meetings are the fourth Thursday of the month, 7:30 to 9:30pm with some exceptions. The annual bonsai show is the fourth weekend in August and an opportunity for members to display their specimens. Free admission and parking with daily demonstrations, a silent auction, and fun for all ages.
Join the global celebration of bonsai on the second Saturday in May. World Bonsai Day is sponsored by the World Bonsai Friendship Federation.
Photo by Daniel Perales
Photo by Daniel Perales
Photo by Daniel Perales
Photo by Daniel Perales
Fall for Color
Sonoma Botanical Garden is one of the most unique places in Sonoma Valley to Fall for Color.
September 23, 2023
Fond of fall foliage? Come delight in the season’s pageant of rich colors and tantalizing textures at Sonoma Botanical Garden. With its one-of-a-kind Asian Woodland full of a gorgeous array of various deciduous trees and perennials – many of which are rare and endangered – fall color in the Garden is unlike any other in the North Bay.
Trees like the unusual conifer, Golden Larch (Pseudolarix amabilis), that ignites suddenly in an amber abundance, can be dazzling, but fleeting, so follow the Garden on social media for alerts about must-see color this fall.
Early Fall
The Amur Maple (Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala) is one of the first trees to turn with green summer leaves suddenly speckled with burgundy hues. Not to be outdone, the Chestnut rose (Rosa roxburghii) – known for its intense pink flowers in early summer – develops large, spiky, golden rose hips, and the Garden’s Cabernet vineyard drips with juicy purple fruit ready for harvest. Subtle at first, the Ginkgo’s (Ginkgo biloba) fan-like leaves begin to shift from green to luminous gold.
Mid-Fall
By November, the many species of maple steep visitors in warm red, orange, yellow, and even purple hues. Their ever-changing ombre of leaves shifts through the season as dried whirly-gig seedpods spiral through the air on the crisp fall breeze. The Japanese Cherry Birch (Betula grossa) sports classic fall color with a solid halo of amber leaves, while the Large-leafed Dogwood (Cornus macrophylla) develops otherworldly pink, branching, spindly infructescence. In the same genus, but with a different way of celebrating fall, the Evergreen Dogwood (Cornus capitata) is decorated with fleshy, pink, dimpled spherical fruit.
Late Fall
Finally, sometimes waiting until December, the Five-Lobed Maple (Acer pentaphyllum) is one of the last to change with its thin palmate leaves flashing crimson and orange. Beautyberry (Callicarpa japonica), aptly named for its bright purple clusters of berries, will make you Fall for Color as its fruits contrast with its large yellowing leaves.
Acer palmatum
Rosa roxburghii
Acer palmatum
Callicarpa japonica
Acer tataricum ssp. ginnala
Celtis sinensis var. japonica
Organic Wine from SBG
La Prenda Vineyards Achieves CCOF Organic Certification for Sonoma Botanical Garden Vineyard.
September 22, 2023
La Prenda Vineyards has been leasing and organically farming Sonoma Botanical Garden’s (SBG) 12 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard since 2020. “We’re very pleased to announce that we have now achieved CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) registration for the vineyard,” said Ned Hill, Founder of La Prenda Wines. This is an important part of supporting SBG’s mission of sustainability and conservation through environmentally conscious agricultural practices.
In 2021 La Prenda Vineyards began to use a small amount of the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from the site to produce a vineyard designated wine that is ready to be released. It will be the first publicly available wine produced from the Garden’s vineyard. “Set in the heart of wine country, our collaboration with La Prenda Wines signifies a fusion of winemaking and a commitment to environmental stewardship – a testament to SBG’s values as a public garden. Each bottle purchased champions our mission, enabling us to enrich our community through vibrant public programs and sustainable initiatives,” said Jeannie Perales, Executive Director of SBG.
The 2021 Botanical Gardens Cabernet Sauvignon opens with dense blackberry fruit lifted with elegant cherry and vanilla aromas. Warm and rich by mouth, a ripe middle with firm well rounded tannins, finishes with notes of sage, dried rose petal and cigar box. The La Prenda 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Botanical Gardens ($45) is available online here and to taste in the La Prenda Wines Tasting Room.
Photo by Daniel Perales
Photo by Daniel Perales
Photo by Daniel Perales
Jeannie Perales appointed Executive Director of Sonoma Botanical Garden
July 13, 2023
Sonoma Botanical Garden (SBG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeannie Perales as Executive Director. Perales will begin in her new role August 7, 2023.
Perales comes to SBG from Sarasota, Florida where she has served in leadership positions at numerous museums and gardens since 2006. For more than 10 years, she served as Vice President of Museum Exhibitions, Learning & Engagement at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, where she was part of the executive team designing the future of the organization through exhibitions, educational programs, strategic & site planning, fundraising efforts, and increased visibility. She was highly involved in Selby Gardens’ 10-year, 3-phase master site plan and $92 million capital campaign. Highlights of her time there include the design of an immersive art/horticultural exhibition program that married the fine arts with the living arts, the development of a traveling exhibition program, and the highly successful re-positioning of Selby Gardens as The Living Museum®. Perales oversaw program managers, curators, contractors, and nearly 800 volunteers to develop and deliver classes, tours, lectures, exhibitions, and programs for all audiences from families to schools to adult learners.
Perales also served as Chief Experience Officer for Bay Park Conservancy in 2021, working with a leadership team to design, build, and activate a new, one-of-a-kind 53-acre waterfront public park on Sarasota Bay. Most recently, Perales has been Associate Director of Development, Campaign Planning and Special Projects at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art where, earlier in her career, she served as Associate Curator of Education. She holds undergraduate degrees in Communications and Cultural Anthropology and a master’s degree in Educational Psychology from University of Colorado, Denver, as well as a K-6 teaching certificate.
“Jeannie Perales’ deep professional experience in museums and public gardens, along with her energy and enthusiasm, will position Sonoma Botanical Garden for a future of growth and excitement,” says Jerry Newell, SBG Board Chair. “She brings exceptional experience in visitor-centric public programs, community engagement, fundraising, and organizational change to the Garden, and her extensive knowledge of the intersection between the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors will be optimized in this role for the good of all we serve.”
Perales’ appointment is the culmination of a national executive search that was initiated by SBG’s Board of Directors when former Executive Director, Scot Medbury announced his departure late last year. Chaired by Kimberly Morris, the Executive Search Committee worked with The Potrero Group, an executive recruiting firm focused on the environmental, public lands, and social sectors. Perales will be the Garden’s fourth Executive Director since its founding in 1987.
“I am deeply honored to be entrusted by the Board of Trustees to lead Sonoma Botanical Garden into its future,” says Perales. “I plan to activate SBG with public programs that serve Sonoma Valley while welcoming residents and visitors to this unique place. By building community partnerships, we will reach new audiences in an enlivened garden that celebrates the beauty of life on the planet. My love of children & families, gardens & nature, and education & outreach have brought me here, and I am excited to join the board, staff, volunteers, and community to grow this very special place.”
Museums for All
Sonoma Botanical Garden to offer significantly reduced admission to SNAP EBT card holders.
June 21, 2023
In an ongoing effort to welcome people of all backgrounds, Sonoma Botanical Garden has joined a nationwide initiative called Museums for All, a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Association of Children’s Museums. The program helps expand access to museums and also raises public awareness about how museums in the US are reaching their entire communities. More than 850 institutions participate, including art museums, children’s museums, science centers, botanical gardens, zoos, history museums, and more.
Starting today, June 21, 2023, individuals receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits will be able to visit the Garden for the minimal admission price of $3 with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Children under 12 are always free.
“Sonoma Botanical Garden is dedicated to finding ways to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility as an organization,” says Deputy Director, Kate Rabuck. “Just as we celebrate the biodiversity of Asia and California flora, we celebrate the diverse backgrounds of the local community. We want to share the Garden with everyone, and the Museums for All program is another step towards breaking down barriers to entry and bringing new voices into the Garden.”
The start of participation in this program coincides with the summer solstice and new seasonal stars in the Garden. Summer in Blush celebrates the flowers and features that bring shade, color, and fragrance to the unique Asian Woodland.
Hydrangea serrata var. yesoensis
Nymphaea sp.
California Trail
Opens November 5, 2022
The Garden’s fascinating, new California Trail leads visitors through the property’s southernmost section, a 22-acre California native oak savanna adjacent to its historic Asian woodland.
The California property was added to the Garden in 1998 and is remarkable for its oak woodland and oak savanna plant communities. Visitors will be invited to enjoy and observe as Garden staff employ ecological-restoration techniques over the next several years to create space for the existing native seedbank to germinate and establish populations throughout the ecosystem. Near structures and in more disturbed areas, rare and unique California native plants will be planted to highlight sustainable, habitat-focused, and ecologically conscious garden practices.
In addition to new plantings and an extension of the overall woodland experience, the trail provides a more accessible route to the heart of the Asian garden. With no more than a 5% grade, the .4 mi trail follows the natural topography of the California section to lead guests up to the Asian garden, thereby expanding access for all.
To mark the new trail’s opening, the Garden’s Board of Directors ceremonially planted a Catalina Island Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus traskiae), arguably the rarest shrub in North America. This rare woody perennial is native to one isolated gully on the south side of Catalina Island, off the coast of southern California. It is estimated that fewer than 15 trees remain in the wild. Since its founding, the Garden has been a sanctuary for rare plants from temperate East Asia and it is delighted to take the first steps on the path to cultivating and displaying some of California’s rare and unique biodiversity.
Cercocarpus traskiae
Lupinus sp.
Quercus agrifolia
Arctostaphylos sp.
Cardamine californica
Cercocarpus traskiae