Those of you with “cabin fever” might enjoy a leisurely drive to Plymouth, California and spending some time exploring the Amador Flower Farm. It is family friendly, and a coronavirus low-risk outing. There are over 14 acres of daylilies (about 1200 varieties), a retail nursery and gift store, demonstration gardens, free picnic grounds, and many fun activities throughout the year.
Upcoming events include “Grandparents Day” September 6 & 7, “Fall Fun Day Festival” September 26 & 27, “Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze” in October, and the popular “Visit with Santa and Christmas Store” November through December. Even though many venues in California are closed due to COVID-19, the farm has remained open. Only due to early pandemic requirements did they cancel one event, the“Easter Bunny Visit and Egg Hunt” last March.
The farm is large and easily accommodates social distancing. Only when visiting the gift shop must visitors wear a mask The farm started by offering 150 daylily varieties and has since grown to nearly 1200. Daylilies are hardy and drought-tolerant perennial flowering plants. The plants thrive in nearly every kind of California soil and tolerate a wide range of shade or sunny conditions. Many of them can be planted any time of year, except when there is a freeze. They come in many shapes, sizes, colors, and bloom cycles. These are some of the reasons why this plant is so popular with home gardeners.
Amador Flower Farm offers a large selection of other plants as well, and the staff is friendly and helpful with recommendations based upon the buyer’s landscaping needs. They operate from 9 AM – 4 PM daily, changing to winter hours December through February. Weekdays are uncrowded and much of the drive from Rio Vista along highways 88 and 124 is scenic.
The farm has been open to the public since 1996 in the Shenandoah Valley wine-growing area of Amador County. Many of the surrounding wineries are currently closed for wine tasting but several continue to offer food to go or comfortable patio dining.
For more information see their web site at www.amadorflowerfarm.com, or call (209) 245-6660. The retail store, nursery, and picnic grounds are located at 22001 Shenandoah School Road, in Plymouth. If you plan to visit, call ahead to make sure all planned activities will be available.