Often held in October is the Russian Tea & Fragrance Festival
open many weekends in April and May then open some weekends August, September and October
1685 Magnolia Drive
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-7455
russian-river-rose.com
If the roses are in bloom, there's one perfect place you'll want to see them. Russian River Rose Company features over 650 varieties of roses with many rare and unique flowers. They're beautiful, of course, but they smell like heaven! A commercial flower venture at a private residence in Healdsburg is absolutely charming to see and experience. On a self guided tour (maps are sold for a small fee) you can visit the Rose History Trail, a Butterfly Garden, Iris Garden with over 100 types of Irises and a Perfume Distillery. For those unable to physically go there, Russian River Rose Company sells fragrance products in an online store (russian-river-rose.com).
Among the delightful annual events are nursery talks about growing healthy roses, weekends featuring irises, and special holiday celebrations -- May Day, Mother's Day and Memorial Weekend.
Usually open for 8 weekends beginning in April from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays (always call first or check website,) admission is normally free except for special events. Call to arrange guided tours for a fee.
Be sure to check out the Rose Embrace Eau de Toilette, made on location, or the Rose Water, which often sells out till the next fall crop is harvested and distilled.
Special events such as the annual Afternoon Tea in the Garden, and annual Russian Tea & Fragrance Festival in the Fall are quite memorable, colorful, fragrant and festive.