1. Stock up for spring
The grounds at Alden Lane Nursery are shaded by two dozen magnificent valley oaks, each more than 300 years old. Hundreds of blossoming fruit trees and thousands of roses make this the very definition of a destination nursery too. It’s especially worth getting in the car for the generous selection of water-wise and native plants. 981 Alden Lane; 925/447-0280.
2. Contain your enthusiasm
The hundreds of containers at Alden Lane Nursery are ideal for plopping a bit of spring wherever you want it. Look for jewel tones like vivid cobalt and turquoise blues.
3. Learn some new tricks
4. Wander around
The nursery’s displays are laid out in wide circular arcs perfect for browsing. Native plants, fruit trees (including multivariety trees, popular this year), and roses each have dedicated sections. Here, three kinds of petunias make a pretty display.
Editor's picks
JAPANESE MAPLES
Momiji Nursery More than 200 varieties are grown at this family-owned nursery in Sonoma wine country. 2765 Stony Point Rd., Santa Rosa; momijinursery.com
NATIVES
Yerba Buena California Native Plant Nursery Find California native ferns, grapes, perennials, shrubs, trees, and more; demo garden. Closed Sun; 19500 Skyline Blvd., Woodside; yerbabuenanursery.com
PERENNIALS
Magic Gardens Nursery Go for the hard-to-find varieties, which include spiral aloes, mite-resistant fuchsias, and lots of salvias. Open Thu–Sat and by appointment; 729 Heinz Ave., Berkeley; magicgardens.com
