Day Trip: Fall Colors A Must-See At Sonoma Botanical Garden

SONOMA VALLEY, CA— Whether you're a North Bay resident or living in the South Bay, East Bay, San Franciso or beyond, Sonoma Valley is within an hour or two drive. Consider making a trip this fall to Sonoma Botanical Garden, where guests will be rewarded with the vibrant colors of the season, the richness of the harvest, and the mysteries of the night sky.

Sonoma Botanical Garden's one-of-a-kind Asian Woodland features an array of deciduous trees and perennials—many of which are rare and endangered—producing fall color unlike anything else in the North Bay. This year, the Garden offers numerous ways to experience the majesty of earth and sky, 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,” said Jeannie Perales, executive director. "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 67-acre Garden is abundant with must-see fall colors. Early autumn has burgundy hues decorating the leaves of the Amur Maple (Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala). Meanwhile, significant, golden rose hips form on the Chestnut rose (Rosa roxburghii). The Garden’s cabernet vines are heavy with purple fruit, while the fan-like leaves of Ginkgo biloba shift from green to luminous gold.

By November, the Garden’s many species of maple become a sea of warm red, orange, yellow and even purple hues. The Japanese Cherry Birch (Betula grossa) sports classic fall colors with a solid halo of amber leaves, while the Large-leafed Dogwood (Cornus macrophylla) develops otherworldly pink, branching and 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), which ignites suddenly in an amber abundance, can be dazzling but fleeting, so visitors are encouraged to follow the Garden on social media for alerts.

Acoustic Sunsets, Star Parties, Photo Walks, More Events

The Garden offers an array of programs to celebrate the season. Acoustic Sunsets continues each Wednesday evening through Oct. 30 with live music in the outdoor amphitheater, wine tasting, and more. Visitors are invited to a star party Nov. 8 with astronomers from the Robert Ferguson Observatory. Guided fall color walks with the Garden’s curator or volunteer docents occur regularly throughout the season.

Professional photographer Daniel Perales leads monthly photo walks, giving tips on capturing the season's beauty.

Sonoma Yoga offers guided meditation hikes monthly to connect nature, mind and body.

On Nov. 30, the Garden offers a chance to craft a stunning holiday centerpiece that will last throughout the season.

Inaugural Fundraiser

Fall also features the Garden’s inaugural fundraising dinner, "Garden Gala: A Stellar Affair," slated for Oct. 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.

To register for a fall event, visit the Garden’s online calendar at sonomabg.org.

Sonoma Botanical Garden

DFounded in 1987, Sonoma Botanical Garden 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 are 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.

Sonoma Botanical Garden, at 12841 Highway 12 in Glen Ellen, is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. It remains open until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays through Oct. 30 for Acoustic Sunsets.

Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for 65+, $8 for youth 5-17, teachers and active military, and free for children 4 and younger. The Garden participates in the Museums for All program, which provides a discounted admission of $3 for people qualified through the program.

Groups of eight or more are asked to make a reservation in advance. Call 707-996-3166 or email questions to info@sonomabg.org.