A find in the foothills: Lotus Valley Nursery offers a wealth of landscaping ideas - Northern California Guide - Lotus, California, nursery - Brief Article

Sunset, June, 2002 by Lauren Bonar Swezey

* Anyone interested in plants--especially ornamental grasses--will find much that delights and inspires at Lotus Valley Nursery. Though this eclectic spot is off the beaten path in Lotus, California (between Auburn and Placerville), it's worth a detour on a weekend jaunt to the Gold Country or Lake Tahoe.

For starters, owners Bob Davenport and Joe House sell 126 varieties of grasses, along with Mediterranean plants and California natives. Their landscaped grounds are filled with interesting ideas for plantings, fencing materials, and displaying art and accessories. Bamboo grows in metal troughs. Recycled building materials, artifacts, and hypertufa (faux stone) pots made by Davenport are used as accents among plants. Adjacent to the parking area is a bamboo fence so simple that you'll want to rush home and build one just like it. There's also a wood arbor with drainpipe footings, and brick steps interplanted with ground covers.

"The garden is a 14-year work in progress," says Davenport. "We have no long-range plans. We just grow topsy-turvy."

During summer, Davenport and House hold two evening "moon sales" at the nursery, inviting customers, friends, and professionals to bring a picnic supper, listen to music, and enjoy the views. "We started them because [the weather isj so hot during the day," explains Davenport. Now, they're fun gatherings where gardeners can chat. Located just minutes from Coloma and State 49. 9-5 Wed-Sun, March to November; moon sales 5-10 PM. June 22 and August 3l. 5606 Petersen Lane; (530) 626-7021.