Sierra Azul Nursery and Gardens

Located in the Pajaro Valley, adjacent to the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this family-owned and operated business benefits from mild winters and summer fogs from Monterey Bay. Known for its favorable agricultural and horticultural climate, the Pajaro Valley hosts many nurseries and farms. Over the years, the nursery has become a source for beneficial, edible, drought-tolerant, and exotic plants, featuring two acres of demonstration and sculpture gardens.

The nursery grows most of the plants it sells, specializing in species from the five Mediterranean climate zones around the world. Native plants such as manzanita, Ceanothus, sage, flowering currant, toyon, and iris are prominently featured. Additionally, the nursery cultivates Mediterranean plants like rockrose, sunrose, rosemary, lavender cotton, lavender, and thyme, as well as proteaceous shrubs from Australia and South Africa. The demonstration gardens are watered only monthly during the summer, aligning with the philosophy of water-conserving plantings.

The two-acre demonstration garden allows customers to see mature plants in a garden setting, providing inspiration and ideas for their own gardens. The garden is a popular spot for landscapers, homeowners, artists, bird watchers, teachers, families, and those seeking a mental health break. The nursery also hosts workshops, classes, and events, and features sculptures from local artists. During nesting season, visitors can observe killdeer nests among the growing grounds.