Going to Filoli? Get Discounted Tickets Through Groupon!

If you've never been to Filoli or if you have guests visiting the Bay Area this summer, this is a great opportunity to get discounted tickets to visit this historic house and gardens. There aren't many estates like this on the west coast and I can't think of another estate in Northern California (with the exception of Hearst Castle, maybe) that can rival the beauty of Filoli.

It's name is taken from the credo of the man who built the 654-acre Woodside estate, William Bowers Bourn: "Fight for a just cause; love your fellow man; live a good life." In addition to the handsome stately house that Bourn left behind, Filoli boasts meticulously planned and groomed gardens, an orchard with more than 650 types of apples, an olive orchard, and a nature preserve. A day strolling through the gardens of Filoli is a lesson in horticulture all on its own, as well as a lovely retreat.

For the next three days, Groupon is offering admission tickets to Filoli at up to 55% off the regular price. If you purchase the tickets while deal is on, you can use the tickets any time up to September 23, 2014. (Be sure to read the fine print on the Groupon page before you buy.)

Gardening Events on the Horizon

You know the new year has really started in earnest for gardeners when the calendar starts to fill up with not-to-be-missed gardening events. Well, that time has arrived. Here are just a few of the happenings in the Bay Area that I'm looking forward to in the coming months:

• The Pacific Orchid Exposition (Feb. 21-24) at Fort Mason in San Francisco. This is always a mind-blowing experience just for the sheer number and variety of orchids gathered in one place. But this year should be even more amazing due to the addition of a series of seminars running throughout the show. This will allow you to not just ogle the beautiful orchids, but really learn a good deal more about them. (Note: You can save a few dollars on admission by buying your tickets in advance online.)
• Daffodil Daydreams/Opening Celebration at Filoli (Feb. 22-24) in Woodside. Come to admire the profusion of daffodils and other spring blooms in the amazing setting that is Filoli. Stroll, attend lectures, sup in the cafe. It's a feast for the senses.
• Growing Organic Tomatoes talk at Evergreen Nursery (Mar. 9, 1 p.m.) in San Leandro.  I'll give an hour-long presentation on growing great-tasting, chemical-free tomatoes and will also be signing copies of my book, California Fruit and Vegetable Gardening afterward. The event is free and Evergreen Nursery is a terrific nursery you may not know about yet. Come join us!
• The San Francisco Flower & Garden Show (Mar. 20-24) at the San Mateo Event Center. This is the grand-daddy of all Bay Area garden events and a great opportunity for learning, shopping, and planning your next gardening projects. (Note: Save money on Early Bird tickets purchased before Mar. 11.)

I'll post more events as I find out about them, and starting in April and May there will be many garden tours going on, so keep your calendar open!