Natural History Wanderings

A Little Known Garden of Asia

Looking to see fall we drove to Sonoma County to Quarryhill Botanical Garden.  We found fall foliage, berries, fruits, and even  late season flowers.  This was my third trip to Quarryhill and it has always been very peaceful with few visitors.  Today not another visitor was in sight, only staff and volunteers.

Beginning in 1987 through the collection of seeds from Asia, Quarryhill has matured into a well established Garden wtih a rich Asian Flora.  Quarryhill has one of the largest scientifically documented collections of wild source Asian plants in the world.   Quarryhill supports the preservation of endangered species, collection of seeds of endangered species, education and research.   The garden is in Sonoma County outside of Glen Ellen.  For more information on Quarryhill Botanical Garden go to: http://www.quarryhillbg.org/

Some wine country fall color notes from the drive to Quarryhill through Sonoma and returning through Napa:  The route up was along Arnold Road and had a patchwork of grape leaves.  Vineyards were combinations of  green, yellow and brown.  The return route  was along scenic and twisty Trinity Road and Mt. Veeder Rd. in Napa County.  The  displays had more interesting color.  There were big leaf maples that were starting to show significant amounts of yellow and the vineyards were also yellowing up nicely.

Here are some photos from todays trip.  All are close-ups as the bright late morning sun was quite bright and not at all favorable for landscapes.

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