Before I begin to tell you about the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, I have an important message for all of my canine friends:  

“YOU ARE NOT GOIN’ TO BELIEVE THIS PLACE!!!!   

First of all, when you go through the entrance to the Gardens, guess what they have sitting there?  A treat jar!   But wait, when you leave the gardens, guess what?  The treat jar is still there!  You can have another treat!  You might be thinking – can this get any better?  Yes, it can.   

As you enter the gardens themselves, if you turn to your right there is Cowlicks Creamery.  Cowlicks gives us FREE ice cream!!!  So, at the gardens it is a beautifully simple concept: door, treat and then ice cream!!!  And repeat.  I don’t just call this place the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens; I call it HEAVEN!!!”  

From the moment we pull into the parking lot, I know what to expect and my excitement increases.  After we enter the Visitors Center, on the left is the gift shop where visitors to the gardens pay their admission and get a brief orientation and map. Your uprights should spend some time here as the store has some cool books, gifts and gardening items.  Then – guess what my canine brethren? We get into the gardens for FREE!!  Yes, dogs get to romp in this garden paradise for free.  

After receiving the docent’s warm and inviting welcome, it is time for my first treat.  There it is, on my left, a cookie Jar in the shape of a perfect bone. It is in my sight, but holy dog breath, way out of reach for me.  Even though I try to stand on my hind legs to retrieve it, this is just too tantalizing, but I’m too short.  “Hurry – hurry dad”, I say with my-oh-so-humble-have-pity-on-me eyes. “Yes, oh yes”, at last he is opening the jar;  “I’m sitting dad, look I’m sitting” and just as I am about to pass out from anticipation here comes the hand with the treat in it.  I take it eagerly and appreciatively.  

In the Sculpture Garden

Now that I have had my first treat, I’m ready to start my adventure in the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.  

Conveniently located just by the door that leads into the gardens are umbrellas for inclement weather and disposable bags your caregivers can take so they can pick up after us. Just through the doors on your left as you enter the gardens are water bowls for us.  

This one-of-a-kind coastal botanical garden incorporates 47 acres of assorted horticulture; from formal gardens to the natural and wild.  There is even a vegetable garden and orchard and they all await your exploration.  You will also marvel at the sculpture and art installations that appear throughout the garden.  No matter what time of the year you visit, the gardens will satisfy all the senses.  

My fellow canines, you will be so glad when your caregivers share the garden experience with you.  We get to walk safely on a leash while traversing a multitude of different terrains; we are never without a good place to sniff.  We get to stroll through all the various gardens, woods and coastal headlands, pausing at will to take in a close up of a particular plant, sculpture or stunning view; these become great opportunities to explore where other critters may have been before taking dog notes as we go.  .  

Now some information for your caregivers: All year there are amazing and interesting plants to see. Most have identification markers so the uprights can educate themselves (bringing a notebook to write down the names of your favorites might be a good idea). Seasonal blooms include rhododendron, magnolia, dahlia and heather.  Plants bloom in a beautiful canvas of color for the eyes to appreciate; many of the blooms fill the nose with their delightful perfume.  The diverse foliage on the magnificent species of plants, just makes you want to reach out and caress them, so your hands (that would be “paws” for me) can discover and explore their unique textures. You will be serenaded on your walk by the cheerful chirping and buzzing of several species of birds and insects that call the gardens home. As you near the coastal headlands, listen for a cascade of running water as it travels towards the sea.  Culminating at the ocean’s edge, it may even include the accompaniment of baying sea-lions.  Be sure to tip your eyes skyward occasionally, to witness the formations of flying elegance displayed by Pelicans and Canadian Geese, not to mention the aerial acrobatics of seagulls. You may time your visit during whale watching seasons and experience the thrill of a sighting as some of the largest creatures on earth make their way ‘from sea to shining sea’.  

Ocean view from the gardens

Throughout there are great opportunities to pause and connect with this amazing environment. The gardens offer several delightful places to enjoy a picnic lunch (visitors are welcome to bring a picnic).  Cowlicks Creamery also sells sandwiches, coffee, tea, soft drinks and other light fare.)  One especially magical setting is the Dahlia Garden, especially when it is in bloom.  It features every type and color of dahlia imaginable. This enchanting oasis makes  a beautiful backdrop for a very romantic wedding/commitment ceremony, in fact, for any special  occasion; the gardens are a beautiful location.  

Throughout the year the Botanical Gardens offer workshops, educational programs, concerts and many cultural events. During mushroom season the gardens offer free mushroom identification tours. For all activities and events visit www.gardenbythesea.org.  

"Good ice cream!!!"

As you meander back to the main building you may find the temptation of purchasing a plant or two from the gardens nursery irresistible. I, however, find that a stop at Cowlicks Creamery (April through September) is a necessity. All lovers of handmade, delicious ice cream must not pass up the opportunity to round off a visit to this magical place without indulging the last of the senses, taste. Again, my canine brethren remember we get FREE, yes I mean free, dog-sized tastes of Cowlicks’ delicious vanilla ice cream.  So my fellow canines, how many places can you name where you can meander for hours, safely in the company of your caregivers while exercising the mind and body? Enjoy nature in an unspoiled setting with all its tantalizing smells, gaze at the wonders of nature’s own sculptures and human artists’ ornamentations, all for free?  Now that you and your caregivers have enjoyed your visit to the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens why not become a member? Even if you are a visitor to the Fort Bragg area, becoming a member will get you free and discounted admission to over 80 gardens throughout the USA, as well as supporting the development and maintenance and of this coastal gem for generations to come.  

Your attention again my canine brethren! “Don’t forget that the cookie jar is now located on your right as you exit, don’t let your caregiver just walk by it, because I surely don’t.”  

Hairy excitedly gives the Mendocino Botanical Gardens, for dog friendliness, exercise opportunities, quality time spent with the uprights, free treats and ice cream – four very enthusiastic paws.  

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
18220 North Highway 1
Fort Bragg, California 95437
707.964.4352

Filed under: Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Tagged: Botanical Gardens, California, Fort Bragg, Hairy Putter, Mendocino, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, Mendocino County, Northern California, pet friendly