Page 44 - Sonoma County Gazette April 2020

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FIND the Hidden Forest
Solitary Peace...not a park...a garden nursery to enjoy
By Duane Dewtt
Hidden Forest Nursery, formerly Sonoma Horticultural Nursery,
invites you to the splendor of spring at this beautifully blossoming forest south of Sebastopol. This very pleasant 7.5 acres, with nearly 2 miles of trails, is devoted to nature.
They are offering people a satisfying and safe way to spend time outside during these “sheltering times”. The forest garden
is a sanctuary away from daily stress and an escape from cabin fever. At this wonderful spot you will be become refreshed. Social distancing is highly encouraged, and will allow you to enjoy the beauty of nature around you, without fear of contamination.
The health benefits of being in nature are not the only thing that Hidden Forest Nursery can provide. Their selection of long-lived edible plants will also give people an opportunity to relieve the boredom of being cooped
up for weeks, or even months, by planting a garden! And not just any beautiful garden, but one that provides food, teas, herbs or medicines for years to come: food for the body, mind, and soul.
Hidden Forest Nursery
(AKA Sonoma Horticultural NUrsery)
3970 Azalea Ln, Sebastopol
off of Highway 116 S, near Hessel Lane
(707) 823-6832 - sonomahort.com
remains open Thursday – Monday, 9 am to 5 pm. During these times of uncertainty, we extend heartfelt encouragement to people affected by the COVID-19 illness, their families, and communities.
Sonoma Hort/Hidden Forest Nursery
The safety and health of customers, vendors, and employees are a top priority. Because we are an outdoor nursery within a 7-acre forest setting, close contact among staff and customers is minimal.
We follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) everyday guidelines to prevent the spread of any respiratory illness – including COVID-19 - along with guidance from local and U.S. government and public health agencies.
There’s nothing like feeding ourselves bellies wholesome, organic and LOCALLY GROWN food. Anyone up for starting
a mini Garden of Eden
in your own backyard? Come by and check out what they have to offer. You will be inspired!
The people who
operate the nursery are both friendly and knowledgeable. Mike Boss the owner has been making and caring for gardens in the Bay Area for 30 years, founding the award-winning landscape company, Rock & Rose Landscapes. He is great at helping people select plants for their gardens, especially when they bring photos.
Armando and Salvador, two thirty-year employees of the nursery know the nursery’s stock like the back of their hands. Customers love them, and are pleased that they are still there after all these years. Associated with the nursery is a fruit tree expert and horticultural educator, John Valenzuela. He is helping to propagate many rare edible plants – many you might not have heard about... Yukon, Fuki, or Jujube anyone?
Mr. Boss, the proud owner of this rare gem of nature near
the city, wants you to thrive this spring in nature as well as his nursery. His mission is to connect people with nature, and here
in Sonoma County, nature abounds. Spring is a time for revival and regeneration for people as well as ecosystems. Walking about the Hidden Forest is a way to be outdoors in serenity, and possibly solitude. You can leave your cares behind while you recharge your batteries in some inspiring surroundings.
Ask him where the breeding Coopers Hawks are nested, or where he’s seen a wild turkey in a tree. You just might see them, or other wildlife in their natural setting.
One thing you will surely experience is peace and quiet among the trees in this magical forest.
44 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 4/20