Recently I was invited to Sunset Magazine’s headquarters in Menlo Park, California. I’ve visited before but it was after the sun had gone down so I didn’t get to see much of the gardens. I’ve always heard that they were a must see, so needless to say I was excited to visit them during daylight hours. From Sunset’s website:
Sunset’s headquarters sits upon land that was originally part of a grant to Don José Arguello, governor of Spanish California in 1815. The early-California-style buildings that house our offices reflect that influence. They were designed by Cliff May, father of the California ranch-style home, to bridge indoor and outdoor living spaces. The main building opened in 1952.
The original Sunset display garden was designed by Thomas Church, the dean of Western landscape architects. It included a border that followed the contours of San Francisquito Creek, with distinct areas representing the major climate zones of the West, from the deserts of Arizona and Southern California to the cold, wet areas of the Northwest.
Many of these original trees and shrubs still stand, retaining the regional flavor of the border. But a major renovation in early spring 2000, under the direction of Chris Jacobson and Beverly Sarjeant of Garden Art, brought a fresh new look to the garden.
Trees, shrubs, vines, ground covers, perennials, and ornamental grases now show how foliage textures and colors can combine for beautiful effects. Flower color comes primarily from blooming shrubs and perennials. This is truly a garden for all seasons.
The West Coast vibe of the gardens remind me of their new cookbook titled, Eating Up The West Coast. It’s a perfect blend of road trip, local eateries, and the recipes to go along with it.
I’m not sure how much longer Sunset is offering tours, but if you’re local and would like to go, you can find out more information here.
18 comments
Wow, what beautiful photos and what a lovely place to tour! I adore your photography!
xo, Christina
Fitness & Frills
Your photos make everything 100 times prettier!!
xoxo
Brooke
Oh my goodness – I love this! Such beautiful photos!! <3
xoxo,
Amanda | http://www.TheChambrayBunny.com
Wow! These photos are so beautiful!
gorgeous photos Jessica!!! I would love to have been on that tour!!! I definitely pinned that first image.. I need that for my house!
xoxo Amanda
The Miller Affect
Wow such stunning pictures!
Nav
Nav K Brar Blog
What lovely pictures! This reminds me of the desert I live in except much prettier and more succulent. Lucky you for being invited! xx
So beautiful. I love touring places like this! thanks for giving me the virtual tour 😉
Elle
Southern Elle Style
How fun!! It looks like a gorgeous place!
http://www.amemoryofus.com
What a beautiful and peaceful place! Your pictures are amazing! I always like to see where you visit to photograph!
Katey
http://www.twopeasinablog.com
These photos are beautiful! I am a big fan of gardens and this one is gorgeous 🙂
Xo,
Brittany || Pretty & Sassy
This very first image is so neat!
XO,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitte.com
Gorgeous photos of the gardens and how cute is that little green house! Great post!
Brooke | KBStyled
looks like such an interesting visit!
Absolutely stunning pictures!!
XO,
Emily
http://Www.idodeclareblog.com
Wow! This is really breath taking..so beautiful!
so beautiful!! every time i come to your blog i wonder why i live in the concrete jungle. EVERY TIME. these pictures are beautiful. i need to escape the city a little more.
xoxo, Elena Michelle
http://www.anewyorkloveaffair.com
[…] back I visited Sunset Magazine’s headquarters in Menlo Park, California. Since then they’ve moved to Oakland, and while their new headquarters are pretty […]