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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
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Contact Us
707-996-3166
info@sonomabg.org
PO Box 232, Glen Ellen, CA 95442