The Squaw Valley Herb Gardens is an inspiring and peaceful place to learn about herbs and spices.  Immerse yourself in nature's beauty and aromas. Discover fascinating plants and their stories through history and folklore. Learn of their uses today with demonstrations on their recipes and remedies. Taste delicious hors d'oeuvres and teas. Bring your senses alive on a garden tour. And don't forget your camera.

Artists Rosemary Nightingale & Tim Friesen began their work and love for the land in 1984. Established on near barren soil with a spectacular view of the southern Sierra Nevada, the gardens continue and thrive today. Located in the foothills at 1800' elevation they grow over 50 varieties of herbs and 8 varieties of lavender. Much of their five acres is in natural habitat that includes a meadow and creek. Cultivated herb gardens, lavender hillside, and terraced vegetable gardens surround their art studio, gift shop, organic herb nursery and private home.

Tim’s unique art of etched stones, bamboo creations, herb carts, and hand-lettered signs create whimsy throughout the gardens. Rosemary, a former primary grades teacher, loves cooking and rustic, outdoor living. She brings together a happy harmony of beauty, health and flavor from the gardens to the kitchen to the table. She lectures at the San Francisco and Seattle Flower & Garden Shows. Together, Rosemary authored and Tim illustrated their best selling book, 'Recipes & Remedies'.

The Squaw Valley Herb Garden's season begins in April and ends in October. They offer ‘Culinary Tours', ‘Group Tours’, ‘Everything Lavender’ Workshops, and 'Wreath-Making' Workshops. Individuals can visit their Gift Shop & Nursery. They do not keep regular hours. All visits are through advance arrangements. For dates, please visit their website at www.SquawValleyHerbGardens.com or call (559) 332-2909.

On a tour, Rosemary guides you through landscapes filled with hundreds of herbs and a hillside of lavender. See, touch, smell and taste ... melissa, mint, chives, sage, thyme, yarrow, artemisia, oregano, lavender and much more. Seated under the veranda you'll experience the delight of storytelling with entertaining demonstrations and delicious tastings ... fun for all ages. A gift shop features their garden harvest and art creatively packaged. Find organic herb plants in their small, seasonal, nursery. 

Rosemary’s recent 6-month research trip to Bali, Indonesia and Thailand reflects a joy for learning more about spices, plants, cooking, and traditional remedies. She volunteered teaching in elementary schools and assisted on women's projects with an abiding love for the people and their culture. Hoping to help support the beautiful Balinese arts, Rosemary returned with custom-made silver jewelry, fabric in vests, tops, and sun hats, incense, and percussion.

The Squaw Valley Herb Gardens was featured on PBS California Heartland and HGTV’s Gardening by the Yard, Hey Kids, Let's Cook and Homestead Magazine. 

The Squaw Valley Herb Gardens works with the Kings Canyon-Sequoia Gateway; Dunlap Elementary School; Sequoia Natural History Association; San Joaquin River Parkway; Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries; Yosemite-Sequoia RC & D, MESA Multi-Cultural Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture and WWOOF World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms.

The gardens are located in the Central Sierra Nevada foothills 30 miles east from Fresno, 30 miles northeast of Visalia and 20 miles west of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks off Highway 180 also known as Kings Canyon Road.

Garden Tours & Workshops:

‘Culinary Tours’ are offered April through October on Saturday mornings. They include the guided garden walk, demonstrations, tea-tastings, and a light, organic, vegetarian, herb-inspired lunch. Allow 2-3 hours. Cost: $20 per person.

‘Group Tours’ are a specialty and include a guided garden walk, demonstrations, tea-tastings and herbal hors’doeuvres. Cost: $15 per person.

‘Everything Lavender’ Workshops are offered Saturday mornings in June and July and include guided garden walk, lavender demonstrations, harvesting, tea-tastings, making two lavender gifts to take home, and a light lavender-inspired brunch. Attendees will learn how to grow, harvest and use lavender in culinary, medicinal, and household recipes and remedies. 9:30 am - 12:30 pm. Cost: $25 per person.

‘Mother’s Day' Tours take place in May and celebrates the 'Sweet Herbs, Lavender and the Rose'. These special tours include a guided garden walk, demonstrations, tea-tastings, making a lavender-rose gift to take home, and a organic, vegetarian herb-inspired lunch. 12 pm - 3 pm. Cost: $25 per person.

‘Wreath-Making Workshops’ are custom organized for small groups of 4-9 guests. Workships include a guided garden walk, tea-tastings, and crafting with fresh, fragrant herbs. (Lavender during June). All materials are included. Allow 3 hours for creative, garden therapy. Book your own group, date and time or join our workshops offered June 22 or July 13, 2011 from 10 am - 1 pm. Cost: $35 per person.

'Student Tours' are custom organized for groups of 10 or more and include a guided garden walk, demonstrations, herbal hors d'oeuvres, and tea-tastings. 1 1/2-2 hours. Cost: $10 per person.

Hours Open: All visits are through advance arrangements.

Seasons Open: April through October

Gravel pathways and hillsides make this garden ADA unaccessible.

Dogs are loved, but not allowed in the gardens. Guide dogs for the blind are the exception.