We envision a resilient world dependent on the thoughtful cultivation of plants

The Spirit of Place: California Flora Nursery

Articles: The Spirit of Place: California Flora Nursery

Sherrie Althouse and Phil Van Soelen, co-owners of California Flora Nursery, have been nurturing native plants and informing native plant gardeners for 35 years. Photo: Jennifer Jewell

Gardeners, landscape architects, poets, and mystics talk about Genius loci—the prevailing character, atmosphere, or spirit of a place. Not always easy to pinpoint, I think you’ll agree that you know a place that has this spirit when you experience it. Since first being introduced to California Flora Nursery by plantsman John Whittlesey, I sense its spirit each time I visit.

A tall canopy of native oaks frames the entrance to the nursery located near Santa Rosa in Sonoma County. Small display gardens and shrubberies embrace you and paths lead you through plantings of Northern California natives. Tidy displays of promising four-inch and one-gallon pots are laid out in such a way that you can see what you’re in for. While exploring, areas here and there—hidden, not quite fully revealed—provide a tantalizing, anticipatory feeling that you are about to discover new treasures, new gems.

And you are.

[caption id="attachment_...

READ THE WHOLE STORY


Join now to access new headline articles, archives back to 1977, and so much more.

Enjoy this article for FREE:

Voices of the West; New Science on Life in the Garden by Frederique Lavoipierre

If you are already a member, please log in using the form below.

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Social Media

Garden Futurist Podcast

Most Popular

Videos

Topics

Related Posts

Powered By MemberPress WooCommerce Plus Integration

Your free newsletter starts here!

Don’t want to see this pop-up? Members, log-in here.

Why do we ask for your zip code?

We do our best to make our educational content relevant for where you garden.

Why do we ask for your zip code?

We do our best to make our educational content relevant for where you garden.

The information you provide to Pacific Horticulture is NEVER sold, shared, or rented to others.

Pacific Horticulture generally sends only two newsletters per Month.