In the Garden with Pat Rubin

Bee garden writer Pat Rubin writes about everything that grows, from flowers and trees to vegetables and lawns. Pat volunteered for several years as a Placer County Master Gardener and has written about gardening for many national and regional publications. In addition to gardening, she spends time raising and showing miniature horses and miniature donkeys.

In the Garden will include news, events, advice and other gardening tidbits. Pat will also answer reader questions.

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October 1, 2007

Placer County Farm & Barn Tour

For the past few years an October highlight for me is the Placer County Farm and Barn tour. I’ve watched sheep dog and mule demonstrations. I’ve petted llamas, alpacas, donkeys and horses. I’ve toured vineyards, iris gardens, specialty nurseries and mandarin orchards. I’ve tasted homemade butternut squash soup, locally grown wines and olive oil as well as fruits and vegetables. I’ve met local artists and farmers, and watched amateurs and professionals turn produce into works of art. I’ve driven on back roads I never knew existed and seen some beautiful rural areas of Placer County.

It’s all happening Sunday, October 14, 10 am-4 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults, free for kids. Rules are simple: It’s a self-guided tour through the scenic back roads of Placer County, focusing on Auburn, Newcastle, Penryn, Loomis and Lincoln. There’s no smoking on any of the farms, and leave your dogs at home. Wear comfortable shoes, and have fun.

Ten farms/growers have agreed to be part of the tour this year. The lineup is Coffee Pot Ranch, where they raise and sell beef, pork and lamb; Rancho Roble Vineyard & Winery where you can sample locally produced Barbara wines; Gold Coast Daylilies, where you can learn about dividing and hybridizing daylilies; Beard Ranch, a 134 acre working cow/calf operation, Bernhard Museum, originally constructed as a hotel in 1851; Flower Farm Nursery, a 10-acre nursery, bed and breakfast; Secret Ravine Vineyard & Winery, with 3 ½ acres of Zinfandel, Syrah, and Sauvignon grapes; Golden Pond Water Plant Nursery, specializing in aquatic and bog plants, producing all plants onsite with several gorgeous ponds for visitors; Blue Goose Fruit Shed, which for more that 100 years has supported local farmers and is currently the home of the AGROart competition; and Highland Orchard, operated by the Aguilar Family and a must stop for mandarin lovers. Each location also features local artists, refreshments and educational demonstrations. Questions? Call (530) 885-5670 or click on the link provided above.

It’s a great way to spend an autumn Sunday.

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