Cali, here we come

Learn more about new varieties, fun places to stop and more before heading to the West Coast.


Sunset at Ventura, California
PHOTO ©STEPHEAP | ADOBE STOCK

As you're making your way along the coast, don't forget to make a pit stop or two and have a little fun.

Don't look down. If you’re a Hitchcock fan, don't miss the bell tower in San Juan Batista's old Spanish mission. It was featured in Vertigo! And if you head to the back of the mission, you can stand on the edge of the San Andreas fault.

Stop for sea lions. In Moss Landing, make a pit stop to see the sea lions near the docks in Moss Landing. While you're there, make a stop at Sea Harvest for the fresh seafood and observation lounge.

Harbor cruise. Ventura Harbor, home to the Channel Islands National Park headquarters, is a nice stop along the route with abundant shopping, dining and nightlife options.

Eat, drink and relax. You've got to eat, so keep these local favorite spots on your list. They all come highly recommended by CAST participants!

Grower's Pub in Salinas. With a historic atmosphere, this spot features a classic menu and the original 1940's bar. Try the Angus beef and local vintages.

Padaro Beach Grille in Carpinteria. Casual food and a beach atmosphere help this tour favorite live up to its tagline, ‘Where food and paradise collide.’

Freedom Meat Lockers and Sausage Company in Freedom. These guys boast that their steaks are so good they don't need steak sauce.

Lilian's Italian Kitchen in Santa Cruz. The menu is inspired by the owners' grandmother so expect traditional Sicilian recipes combined with some other Italian influences.

Plants on display at a stop at the 2019 California Spring Trials
PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHELLE SIMAKIS

Northern Trials

Syngenta Flowers

Featuring ThinkPlants

March 28 – April 1 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 2280 Hecker Pass Hwy. Gilroy, California 95020
Contact: syngentameetings.us@one10marketing.com (800) 427-1896

Danziger at Headstart Nursery

March 28 – April 1 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 4860 Monterey Rd. Gilroy, California 95020
Contact: Dana Fernandez dana-fer@danziger.co.il (616) 899-2197

Hippy Chick Violet Petunia from Danziger
PHOTO COURTESY OF DANZIGER
Benary and Benary+

March 28 – April 1 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 195 Paulsen Rd. Watsonville, California 95076
Contact: Jen Calhoun jcalhoun@benary.com

Begonia BIG White from Benary
COURTESY OF BENARY
Pacific Plug & Liner

Includes Berger, Flamingo Holland, Terra Nova Nurseries, Quality Cuttings Team, and branded plant collections Encore, Southern Living Plant Collection and Sunset Western Garden Collection

March 28 – April 1 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 750 Casserly Rd. Watsonville, California 95076
Contact: April Herring-Murray packtrials@ppandl.net (831) 768-6300

Sedum ‘Conga Line’ from Terra Nova Nurseries
COURTESY OF TERRA NOVA NURSERIES
Suncrest Nurseries

Featuring Cohen Nurseries, Hishtil Nurseries, Jaldety Nursery, Kamel Plastic Pots and Nir Nurseries

March 28 – April 1 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 400 Casserly Rd. Watsonville, California 95076
Contact: Susan Liou info@globalplantsource.com (718) 715-6369

Lavandula Kew Red from Hishtil
COURTESY OF HISHTIL

Speedling

Featuring Ameriseed, Hem Genetics, Lambert, Plant Source International and Vista Farms

March 28 – April 1 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 2640 San Juan Hwy. San Juan Bautista, California 95045
Contact: Frank Yaun fyaun@speedling.com (813) 431-0615

 

Vinca Solar Avalanche Cherry Dazzling Eye from Hem Genetics
PHOTO COURTESY OF HEM GENETICS
American Takii

Featuring HilverdaFlorist

March 28 – April 1 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 301 Natividad Rd. Salinas, California 93906
Contact: Julia Paul springtrials@takii.com (831) 443-4901


Patio Gerbera Glorious Mix from HilverdaFlorist
PHOTO COURTESY OF HILVERDAFLORIST
Sakata Ornamentals

March 28 – April 1 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 103 Boronda Rd. Salinas, California 93908
Contact: Jiana Escobar jescobar@sakata.com

Floricultura

Featuring ABZ Seeds, Beekenkamp and Monrovia

March 28 – 31 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 25425 Esperanza Rd. Salinas, California 93908
Contact: Petra Dubbel PDubbel@beekenkamp.nl (612) 227-2072

Central Trials

Dümmen Orange at Avila Beach Resort

March 29 - 31 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. By appointment only 6464 Ana Bay Rd. Avila Beach, California 93424
Contact: CAST@dummenorange.com

Windmill Nursery

Featuring Dramm, J. Berry Nursery, Kientzler, Oasis Growth Solutions and Skagit Gardens

March 28 – 31 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 925 West Hwy. 246 Buellton, California 93427
Contact: Marc Englert Marc@florep.com (805) 850-8839

Seaside Gardens

Featuring PlantHaven, Suntory Flowers, Vivero International

Pop-Up Exhibitors: Aris Green Leaf, Pacific Plug & Liner, Skagit Horticulture, Heritage Greenhouse Products, Southern Living Program, Sunset Program

March 28 – 31 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 3700 Via Real Carpinteria, California 93013
Contact: new.plants@planthaven.com (805) 569-9179


Petunia ‘Surfinia Purple Heart’ from Suntory
COURTESY OF SUNTORY
Ball Horticultural Company

Featuring Ball FloraPlant, Ball Ingenuity, Burpee, Darwin Perennials, Kieft Seed, PanAmerican Seed, Morel Diffusion, Selecta One and Wave Petunias

March 28 - 31 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 335 South Briggs Rd. Santa Paula, California 93060
Contact: Janessa Bender springtrials@ballhort.com (630) 588-3187

Petunia Easy Wave Rose Fusion from PanAmericanSeed
PHOTO COURTESY OF PANAMERICAN SEED
Echinacea Artisan Collection Red Ombre from Kieft Seed
PHOTO COURTESY OF KIEFT SEED
Green Fuse Botanicals

Includes One Floral, Schoneveld, Westhoff/PAC and TO Plastics

March 28 – April 1 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 15245 Telegraph Rd. Santa Paula, California 93060
Contact: Jann Turner jturner@green-fuse.com (805) 933-5599

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February 2020
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