Janet Rude, owner of Wedekind’s.
It takes time to grow a masterpiece; especially when the subject ranges close to 4 acres, with towering sycamores, dozens of categories of plants, trees, flowers and foliage, plus numerous collections of fountains. So, it’s not surprising that Wedekind’s owner Janet Rude and her stalwart staff of horticultural experts are now preparing to host Sonoma’s annual Plein Air Festival.
“We’ve started work for the artists who will be coming to Wedekind’s in September for the Plein Air Art Festival,” said Rude. “It’s a wonderful event and it fits our concept of ‘Gardening is Art.’”
Once a fruit stand owned by Frank Wedekind, the nursery is now a thriving garden center, known as much for the roses it offers as its creative clustering of complementary plants, flowers and trees.
“That’s part of our ‘Gardening is Art’ approach,” said Rude. “We want to inspire and create a spirit of gardening innovation in our customers. We’ve clustered contrasting, but complementary, plants to show customers how to combine plants to create a growing, dynamic garden.”
After spending a few decades in the landscaping and gardening business, Rude purchased Wedekind’s in 1990. Since that time, Rude has transformed the garden center into a destination spot that draws groups throughout the Bay Area.
“We host a variety of public and private events,” said Rude. “At Wedekind’s you can experience horticulture as you would find it in your own backyard.”
Wedkind’s has a barbecue center and bistro tables plus fountains and garden art. Sitting areas are scattered throughout. According to Rude, these elements help give customers a better sense of the appropriateness of a particular tree, plant or foliage they may be considering. There is also an extensive showroom where indoor plants are displayed along with numerous gardening tools and accessories.
If a customer doesn’t know the difference between a perennial or cyathium, the staff at Wedekind’s is ready to help.
“Our customers range from master gardeners and landscaping professionals to beginners.” said Rude. “They haven’t a clue what they want, until they see it. But that’s fine, that’s what we are here for, to help guide people to discover the joy of gardening.”
Wedekind’s Garden Center is located at 21095 Broadway. It is open seven days a week. For information call 707.938.2727.
