Shasta daisy delight

Luther Burbank is probably best known for breeding the shasta daisy, but this American plant breeder also hybridized or introduced more than 800 varieties of fruits, flowers, vegetables, trees, cacti and grasses, including the Paradox walnut and the Santa Rosa plum. In 2003, the site where he lived and worked was designated a Horticultural Landmark by the American Society for Horticultural Science.

The Luther Burbank Home & Gardens is situated near downtown Santa Rosa, California, on 1.5 acres (.6 ha) at the corner of Santa Rosa and Sonoma avenues. Several theme gardens dot the property, including a rose garden showcasing roses developed by North Coast breeders, a small orchard, a garden of spineless cactis, a drought tolerant garden, a “Backyard Wildlife Habitat,” an old-fashioned border garden, a bird- and butterfly-attracting area, a cutting garden and a sensory garden. There are mature specimen trees, and raised demonstration beds feature plant varieties with which Burbank worked.

The Gardens are open to the public daily, free of charge, from 8 a.m. to dusk. From April through October, Tuesday through Sunday, docent-led tours are offered every half-hour from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Tours include the Home with its original furnishings, the Greenhouse, a portion of the Gardens, and a summary of Burbank’s life and achievements. The Burbank Home, the Greenhouse, and the Carriage House Museum and Gift Shop are open Tuesday – Sunday, 10 – 4. Drop-in guided tours are offered Tuesday – Sunday from 10 – 3:30. Adults $7; children under 12 are free with an adult.

For more information call 707-524-5445 or go to www.lutherburbank.org.