Stroll through the garden on a misty morning to uncover a piece of Filoli’s history. Writer Eric Hsu shares the story of the Domoto family – pioneering Japanese American nurserymen who revolutionized the West Coast cut flower industry. Discover how their lasting horticultural legacy still blooms across the estate today, from historic tree peonies to rare maples.

A restless wind moves through the oaks as we explore the art of haiku and its kinship with the garden. Aileen Cassinetto, the former Poet Laureate of San Mateo County, notes that both crafts demand the same thing: patience, precision, and a willingness to notice what others walk past. This year’s Haiku Contest winner Cindy Lutz shares how writing one poem a day for 25 years has taught her to find the miraculous in the overlooked.

A breezy morning brings the moving colors and textures of the Perennial Border to life. Jim Salyards shares the history of the Arts & Crafts garden style and recommends his favorite plants to add vertical drama. A new woven trellis sculpture by artist Jungil Hong rises and falls through the perennials, soon to be covered in intertwining vines.

Meet Rose Wonders, the monumental troll who has taken up residence in Filoli’s forest. Sonia Capitant recounts the arrival of the 30-foot giant, while artist Thomas Dambo explains how his recycled wood sculptures are designed to change our perspective on nature. Katie Kenna reflects on how that same spirit of wonder helps local students connect with the land, one "burrito tree" at a time.

Spring takes center stage as a heat wave puts the garden in the spotlight. Director of Horticulture Brendan Dellerba shares the creative tricks his team uses to stagger the blooms of our 100,000-bulb display – and hints at his even bigger plans for next year. In the Rose Garden, Regina Carter takes inspiration from classic English estates by experimenting with new understory companion plantings and dramatic “rose bending” techniques.

Revel in a rainy walk through the garden. Jackie Salas and Haley O’Connor highlight the winter work that goes into creating Filoli’s glorious spring show. From the careful pruning of fruit trees to the precise edging of formal parterre beds, discover how the season’s beauty is thoughtfully shaped long before it blooms.

In this season finale episode, Willa sits down with Gregg Castro, Culture Director of the Association of Ramaytush Ohlone, to discuss Indigenous relationships with the land; perspectives and practices passed down through generations. Together, they explore the newly refurbished mural in the Lamchin Interpretive Center, created by Amy Hosa in partnership with the ARO. The mural depicts Ssupichom, a thriving village that stood here long before Filoli was built. John Chau, Filoli’s Plant Curator, also joins the conversation to share insights on the restoration of native plants surrounding the center, from the practical dogbane to the showstopping matilija poppies.

For this special episode; guest host Katie Kenna interviews some of Filoli’s horticulturists to answer your budding questions. Chats with the team reveal their favorite critters at Filoli, some expert growing tips, and what makes this place special to them. 

In the heart of Monterey, a hidden garden brings new life to a historic site. Join Willa at the Cooper Molera Adobe to uncover its story and delight in the surprising scents of geranium, otherworldly blooms of passion vine, and edible flowers that decorate treats at the onsite bakery.

Featuring:

Karyn Lee-Garcia, Cooper Molera’s Executive Director

Donna Gibson, President of the Historic Garden League

Isabella De Sibert, Stuck in the Mud

Step into a garden where every path leads to a new time and place. At the Huntington in Pasadena, Willa wanders from a cactus-studded hillside and under a wisteria-draped pergola, down rose-scented paths and into a Chinese stargazing pavilion – all before lunch. Along the way, meet the staff who care for these renowned living collections and uncover the deeper meanings we assign to plants.