Sonoma Garden Style: Where to Shop for Rustic Elegance in Wine Country

What defines Sonoma garden style? "It's all about rustic elegance," says Bruce Needleman, co-owner of Salsa Trading Company with his wife Edna Hayes-Needleman. "This is a place of oaks, grasses, vineyards, and old wood fences. We let things grow naturally. Wild." The store's merchandise reflects this aesthetic—big rounded pots, displayed empty or holding dried grasses, and comfortable but durable furnishings.

Mimic the look by shopping at these sources. While you're at it, visit a winery like Chateau St. Jean for fountain, container planting, and design ideas.

The Gardener

Aged and contemporary garden art, furnishings, and pots (round and square) of ceramic, terra-cotta, and cement. Also portable firepits, fountains, birdbaths, displayed in a sunflower-scattered field. "We bring everything about the garden into people's lives," says Donna Tingle, daughter of owner Alta Tingle. "Furnishings, lighting, candles—items that enhance our lives outdoors in Sonoma."
Info: 516 Dry Creek Rd., Healdsburg, CA; www.thegardener.com or 707/431-1063.

Artefact Design & Salvage

Owner Dave Allen sells garden furnishings, pots, and architectural elements that are rugged and timeless. "I like high-quality natural materials, antiques, and reproductions of iron, stone, and concrete. Unique stuff."
Info: 23562 State 121 (across from Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves), 6 miles north of State 37, Sonoma; www.artefactdesignsalvage.com or 707/933-0660.

Chateau St. Jean

Mediterranean-style gardens and courtyards filled with pots and fountains. Taste and buy wines in the visitor center, which also sells books, picnic fixings, and occasionally plants like small olive trees in terra-cotta pots (look in a weathered wagon outside the east-facing door). Check out sumptuous container plantings by Scott Armstrong in the courtyards for ideas.
Info: $5 tasting fee. 8555 Sonoma Hwy. (State 12), Kenwood, CA; www.chateaustjean.com or 707/833-4134.

La Villeta

The Spanish name means "village." "Our goal is to create a village of artisans and potters," says Peter Sarkissian, co-owner with his brother Mardo. "We specialize in large-scale pots from Mexico, China, Vietnam, and Spain." Also offers fountains, gates, and custom designs for home gardeners, landscape architects, wineries, and interior designers. New: garden accents arranged in idea-filled vignettes.
Info: Just east of State 121 and State 116 junction, Sonoma; 707/939-9392.

Mission Ace Lumber & Hardware

Pots and birdbaths galore with distinct Wine Country style. Also oak half-barrels ($10) for rustic planters.
Info: 4310 Sonoma Hwy. (State 12), Santa Rosa, CA; 707/539-7070.

Salsa Trading Company

"Salsa style reflects California's heritage, mixing Spanish colonial and early ranch with Native American and Mexican influences," says Edna Hayes-Needleman. Look for handmade olive jars, Tarahumara pots from Mexico, iron equipale chairs, weathered hacienda doors for gates, and Southwest-style indoor furnishings.
Info: 20490 Broadway, Sonoma.