I can't believe I've been coming here for 30 years and just now writing a review. My girlfriend and I visited a few days ago and we're not disappointed. Although under somewhat new ownership, most everything has remained the same. Upon arrival, my friend recognized one of the caretakers, Bob, and what a thorough explanation he provided us about some of the more exotic plants. He is a plethora of garden information! We also had a nice conversation with Mike, the owner. The grounds are expansive (I can understand why there is a suggested donation box) with so much to care for here. We were maybe a week past the Rhododendron peak, but were quite pleased with what we saw nonetheless. The most luscious gardens to delight you as well as a nursery to purchase some of your favorites. Be sure to walk all the paths- each one leads to a different kind of garden, along with some cool benches along the way. What I loved was hearing so many happy birds chirping. The pond is so pretty with the reflections of the rhododendrons on the water. Even the fish were happy as we saw them jumping! read more

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This place is amazing. It's a large plot that takes time to explore and traverse. This is the perfect place for learning about new plants, for example, azaleas and even dogwood bushes/trees. Not sure what you want to see? Check in with the owner, Mike. He is knowledgeable and helpful. I enjoyed our talk with him. Enjoy! read more

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We are avid gardeners and went here for the first time. Like other reviewers stated, the new owner pushed hard for a donation even though we were looking to buy plants. He never asked us what we were interested in but just went on complaining about stuff. We picked out a couple of plants he said would do well in the shade but when we got home and Googled them, they require full sun. The have some gorgeous rhodies and azaleas as well as other shade plants. But the owner's attitude ensures we will not return. read more

Absolutely Beautiful!! My family and I got lost in the nursery for a couple of hours...such a great way to experience a Nursery. Mike was super friendly and offered to send out a search party for my family...since I lost them My mom ended up purchasing a plant that she hasn't seen since she lived in Hawai'i, what a great place and find. read more

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Magnificent, magical place in Spring. Large variety of plants for sale. March and April are the best months to see the blossoms in bloom.

This place will take your breath away! I visited today with a friend who has been many times before. Acres and acres of incredible rhododendrons, azaleas, wisteria, iris and much much more. Picnic tables, benches, walkways and pathways to enjoy the natural beauty. The gardener who helped us has been working there for 30 years and knows everything about the plants; he was so helpful in selecting rhododendrons and mulch for my home. Such a treat!!!! I only wish I had taken more photos! read more

Sonoma Horticultural Nursery - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - Sebastopol, California

Wonderful nursery and garden tucked away outside of Sebastopol. The rhododendrons and azaleas are in full glory right now and so many other beautiful plants, all in a peaceful natural setting. read more

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This should be on your short list of things to do in and around Sebastopol! A truly hidden gem, this is a place to wander. There are varieties of rhododendrons that probably exist nowhere else, due to the amazing history of the original and second owner. And nearly every one of the thousands of Rhodies, Azaleas and more is for sale! You can walk through nearly seven acres of peaceful, beautiful beauty. The current owner, Michael, is passionate about preserving this lovely spot. Please visit and enjoy, and help keep this very unique place of tranquility and beauty. read more

Sonoma Horticultural Nursery - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - Sebastopol, California

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Stunning! Absolutely stunning! This is hands down the most beautiful nursery I've ever seen. Seriously, they could charge admission. Absolutely, breathtakingly gorgeous. read more

Sonoma Horticultural Nursery - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - Sebastopol, California

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Beautiful enchanting nursery. Great selection. Could get lost in it for hours, definitely worth stopping for!

Lovely place, lovely people. Walk around the grounds through a forest of rhododendrons and azaleas. Plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the beauty. A little pond, a gazebo. It is a working nursery selling many types of plants and vegetables at good prices. Free, although donations accepted. read more

Amazing! At one moment you're walking through the vast selection of plants and trees for sale, the next moment you've stepped into another world! This is a hidden nature preserve and nursery all in one. There are so many interesting paths to take, to the meadow, the pond, the trellis and more, you'll never know where the next path takes you. Enjoy being surrounded by the presence of nature, and then purchase a plant when you go home! read more

This amazing and beautiful place is a gem I highly recommend. Formerly Sonoma Horticultural Nursery, Hidden Forest Nursery has an abundance of tall redwoods planted over 50 years ago as well as many other mature trees and flowering shrubs in its 7-acre site. They have the biggest Japanese maple I've ever seen as well as numerous giant rhododendrons, large azaleas, and striking flowering clematis plants. I just visited for the first time and found their forest paths to be a shady and refreshing place to explore, with bridges and a pretty pond to discover. Hidden Forest specializes in shade-loving plants, shrubs, and trees, as well as rare and unusual plants. They welcome visitors and it is well worth a visit even if you don't plan to buy anything. Expect uneven and narrow paths in places. read more

Amazing! Just amazing. This place is a diamond in the rough. It's so well hidden that I just want to spread the word that it exists! It's in Sebastopol off hwy 116. You then turn onto McFarland and tucked away on a neighborhood street (Azalea Lane) is this hidden gem. It blends in with the neighborhood.... until you walk into an enchanted forest. There are bridges that lead to secret places amongst the most exquisite flowers and beautiful, rare, trees. There are hidden benches, fountains and eating areas tucked away in private secluded nooks. Just when you think that you have seen everything that there is to see, you will run into a pond surrounded by blooming trees and flowers. The colors are amazing. I had no idea how large this nursery really is. I took a 5 and a 7 year old with me and they fell in love. We walked every inch of the property. I spoke with the owner (Mike) about his nursery for a very long time. He then introduced us to some rare trees and plants. He definitely kept the kids entertained. I wasn't even looking to buy anything, I just wanted check out this rarity. I will however bring my wallet next time. The people that worked there encouraged us to look and see everything. They didn't mind that we weren't "shopping" and that is what I appreciated the most. I encourage everyone, big and small to walk through this mystical place. It's something that you will never imagine. read more

Sonoma Horticultural Nursery - You would never know that this much beauty is all in one place. - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - Sebastopol, California

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Visited Sonoma Horticultural Nursery on Saturday and was very impressed with the extremely knowledgeable staff! The enthusiasm of the owner, Mike, was absolutely palpable. On to the grounds, which were wild but not overgrown. The pathways were all quite easily navigable with little to no fear of getting lost, which is a shame as the scenery is so breathtaking and I wouldn't have minded being lost, temporarily. Follow the path to the pond, on to the meadow and continue to the gazebo. Pathways are dotted with benches for those who want to sit and ponder. All in all, a hidden gem in Sonoma County! read more

Mike is awesome, the place is awesome, go out there with an open mind and it is like being transported to another dimension. Seriously natural beauty that is hard to find and is unique to that specific region. Definitely had to buy something and support this awesome local place, this place kicks ass. Two thumbs up. read more

By far the most beautiful Nursery and garden setting in California! A place rich in Sonoma history and certainly a wonderful learning adventure to visit and support. A true NorCal treasure and must see for anyone. Not just for plant nursery and garden enthusiast like me... anyone would benefit and find real serenity strolling these endless trails and pathways over the seven acre site that lies at the end of Azalea Lane. There are new surprises and scenes of visual splendor in foliar textures and colors and dappled lighting around every turn and corner. Or you can sit at one of the picnic tables by the pond and contemplate your thoughts or sketch the scenery or have a simple picnic by the calm waters. This is a garden I will visit many times in the upcoming years! read more

I absolutely love this place very peaceful and calming. But I went to buy two plants, the sign said one price and the sales lady sold me at a higher price, I showed her the sign but she would not give me the price posted, which is proper business etiquette. So just beware, you will be charged a different price even though the sign says one thing you'll be charged a higher price I should not have bought the plants, but I didn't want to continue discussing it with the lady when other customers where around she should've given me the price on the sign read more

Gorgeous place. I really enjoyed walking around and seeing all of the gorgeous flowers and plants. The pond is divine. You must stop by if you're in Sebastopol read more

Sonoma Horticultural Nursery - Lovely arch - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - Sebastopol, California

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This "nursery" has an unparalleled selection within their specialty but don't just come here for the incredible nursery. There are endless paths through acres of what could be the most amazing botanical garden on the West Coast. Another review said they could charge admission. That is no joke!! As a botanical experience this place is a "must see". read more

My husband and I were looking for inspiration for our garden (few miles away) and parents garden in Marin. We brainstormed and on our way out the "new owner" approached us. He inquired the reason for our visit, and where we were from. When I explained we visited for inspiration he cut me off and went on a rant about his donation box if we were sight seeing. He told us he wouldn't call the police if we didn't donate, but he is "informally" beginning to charge visitors, because not even public parks are free. He has a business to run, but if we made a $20 purchase he would wave the fee. I remained silent the whole time in disbelief. First of all customers can walk in and out of any business without being pressured to purchase. Secondly his "informal" fee is not posted anywhere and he must selectively ask people for a fee. Thirdly the police are only called if a merchant has loitering, vandalism, theft.... I am sure my brother in law that is in law enforcement would be happy to come check in on us for contemplating gardens and beginning to plan our purchase.We will certainly be taking our business elsewhere. Customers make a business and you lost us! Maybe the formal conversion of your gardens to an attraction will save your business, because your customer service will not. read more

I was very surprised to be greeted by a man named Michael who told us basically that the Sonoma horticultural nursery is under new ownership for the last year and a half. While the premises are beautiful they have deteriorated over the last year and 1/2. Perhaps it will look nicer in the summer? They still have magnificent flowers to sell, but I did not appreciate the request for a donation. Basically it felt as if he was trying to say, if you're here just to look around we no longer will allow you to do so without asking for a donation. I was there to purchase flowers and to admire the premises. Everyone in my party also felt this to be very odd and made it quite uncomfortable. This is a business I understand, not a national Park. Perhaps They have had problems with people coming on the property? But don't assume. I would have left with a lot more if I had not been so pressured. It all seemed so strange . Yet I can't take away from their wonderful selection and the hard work that must go into keeping the place up and running. read more

Love this place! The nursery is vast, beautiful, and well organized (everything is labeled). It is almost more beautiful than a park! They have so many varieties of many plants, especially azaleas. We bought a mountain moon dogwood tree and 2 large pots of azaleas. I've been to many nurseries in bay area, this place has the largest azalea plants with the best prices. We went there twice and every time the people there were knowledgable and helpful. Even though we live an hour away (Oakland), I look forward to coming here again to buy plants and just walk around. read more

This is a hidden gem of the West County and THE place to buy Azaleas and Rhododendrons. We were lucky to visit on a clear winter day after the rain, so it was very quiet and peaceful. In addition to great shade plants, this is a wonderful place for a picnic or for photography. The new owner is very friendly and welcoming even though we were only there to visit. read more

this is one of the prettiest nurseries i have ever been too. their plant selection is pretty much limited to woodland plants. they supply an amazing selection of rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, pieris and dogwoods. they also offer all of the perennial companion plants for the above mentioned plants such as solomon's seal, gunneras, astilbes, clematis, etc. when it comes down to the Rhodies, you can buy them in 1g on up to dug specimens up to 10' tall or higher. now, if you are not in the mood to buy plants, this place is a fantastic and wonderful garden as well. there are mature specimens in the ground of nearly everything that they sell. april and may is THE best time to go, as this is the peak of Rhododendron bloom, but many of the dogwoods are still in bloom as well the azaleas and many varieties of bulbs. there is a beautiful lake that is totally decked out with azaleas and rhodies and mature trees. my absolute favorite spot is the marsh with a giant boardwalk that leads you to the other side of the property. they must have at least 100 mature Gunneras (aka dinosaur food) with leaves that reach up to 8' tall and over 3' wide. this combined with spanish blue bells and louisiana irises is a spectacular sight. i would call first before you go, as they have weird hours. i think they are closed on mondays and tuesdays during the "open" season and are closed all winter long. read more

This place is absolutely wondrous. An incredible spot to visit and explore. Should be turned into a public demonstration garden. Just beautiful. I like to visit multiple times throughout the year to see what's blooming. Spring is incredible with all the blooming rhodys. read more

A secret garden no more... a charming garden and nursery specializing in shade plants. Whether shopping for your garden or just taking in the splendor, this is an inspiring stop. Bring your camera for sure - you never know what is around the corner. Paths are a bit muddy at during azalea bloom season so come prepared - and bring a little lunch for a picnic by the pond! I'd love to keep this place to myself but everyone should take in this gem. read more

Nice place for a picnic or to peruse some great plants, including many flowering plants. A bit hard to find, and the signage inside the facility could be a bit better for those of us who are directionally challenged. But incredibly pleasant. Includes a pond, quail, and other birds. Worth checking out! read more

The nursery is huge and filled with many unique kinds of azaleas and rhododendrons. But the flowers were not as bloomed as they were on the pictures of the website. Mike told a history of the place, how the plants operate, and allowed us to walk around by ourselves. Great place, but go during the right time of year. read more

I first heard about the Sonoma Horticultural Nursery from the Farm Trails Map for Sonoma County. The property has many different shade loving plants to offer customers and a bit of interesting history to be shared, if you ask. I enjoyed the visit and will return for any future purchases, especially azaleas. read more

It was a hot here in Sebastopol , so it was delightful to enjoy the coolness and beauty of this forest paradise ; we grabbed sandwiches at Whole Foods and had a lovely lunch in a rose covered gazebo near the pond. The staff and owner were gracious and went out of their way to make our visit great . read more

We always always come here for our rhodies; 2+ hours away one way but well worth it. Staff very helpful and knowledgeable. We 'will' miss the owner - he was incredibly well-versed with all of these plants and went way out of his way to help. He certainly deserves a wonderful retirement after all of these years :) read more

While they actually do sell plants (and what plants!) the really wonderful part about this place is the garden...Gardens actually: there are acres of beautifully laid out trees, shrubs, bushes, plants, and vines. There's an azalea garden, huge ancient tulip magnolia trees shedding their thick petals in spring, sweet daphne, a swamp garden with a great wooden walkway, a daffodil walk, a pond with huge shady trees, roses, dogwoods, everything you can imagine. It's not open in the depths of winter, but once spring begins (and in Northern California, that's usually January or early February at the latest), there's a show until late summer. Something is always blooming somewhere, and different parts of the garden come to life as others fade back into hibernation, readying for another year. They sell almost everything they grow, everything from what look like tiny sticks to small trees in huge 30 gallon pots. Directions, photos, catalog and other info at http://www.sonomahort.com read more

Beautiful! Had so many varieties of rhododendron and great help. Only one warming...get bug repellent ! Mosquito crazy due to moist soil. Expect to stay a couple of hours with so much to see. Prices very reasonable. This is the place to go if you love Rhodies. read more

Love this nursery. Great prices on plants and acid soil mix for rhododendrons and such. Helpful staff.

Always so very helpful; their planting mix/potting mix excellent - and, their plants are lovely! Again, so helpful and excellent inventory.