More Road Trips for Garden Lovers: Northwest and Southern California

NORTHWEST: Columbia River Horticultural Tour

Start with an overnight at McMenamins Edgefield (Troutdale, OR), a whimsical resort on 38 acres of gardens. Follow U.S. 30 west to Sauvie Island’s Cistus Nursery (Mediterranean plants), then Joy Creek Nursery in Scappoose (hydrangeas, clematis, woody plants). Weekend brunch at Mark’s on the Channel (floating restaurant). Cross to Washington at Longview, loop to Woodland’s Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens (peak mid-late April), then Tsugawa Nursery (Asian flavor, koi, Japanese maples).

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: Santa Barbara’s Fashionable Edge

Drive south of Santa Barbara on U.S. 101 to Carpinteria and Summerland for garden accessories. Eye of the Day (statuary, pottery), Island View Nursery (pan-Asian), Seaside Gardens (3+ acres of demonstration gardens), The Garden Market (lunch in a garden), Botanik (potted topiary), Sacred Space (Balinese pavilions), Zookers Café (upscale dining), Prufrock’s Garden Inn (historic B&B with garden grounds).