By Debra Lee Baldwin, Sunset guest blogger
A lovely independent nursery in north San Diego County, Buena Creek Gardens, changed hands a year ago. I've been going to Buena Creek for years, and hoped the new owners wouldn't pave paradise and put in a housing development. Previous owners Steve and Donna Brigham had planted the 4-acre property in San Marcos with rare and unusual trees, and had installed butterfly and dry-climate display gardens.
No worries: new owners Steve and Shari Matteson are pursuing a lifelong dream of propagating and cultivating ornamental plants. And like the Brighams, they have seasonal plant sales. Recently, local musician David Moyer was there, playing his guitar and serenading guests. I sipped complimentary coffee while touring the newly renovated "El Shakito"---a formerly run-down cottage the Mattesons have turned into an airy indoor-outdoor garden shop.
Buena Creek Gardens always has been magical, with an entry area sheltered by an 80-year-old pepper tree. Strings of small, round mirrors hang overhead, creating bright dots that dance along the ground.
I do miss Sally, though, the Brigham's fluffy white cat (named after the 'Sally Holmes' climbing rose). Cheshire-like, she used to catnap in the pepper tree, observing the goings-on.
Buena Creek Gardens is located at 418 Buena Creek Rd. San Marcos, CA 92069; 760-744-2810.
from Sharon: I agree with everything in Debra's post. My first chance to visit Buena Creek Gardens after the transfer was in December. And, like Debra, I was relieved to find that none of the old charm had been lost. The Mattesons are using the setting they inherited with great flair.
