Pioneering horticulturist Luther Burbank (1849–1926) cultivated 800 hybrid plant species over 50 years, aiming for delight, usefulness and sustainability. He used his own backyard as a testing ground, and you can see his experiments with flowers, cacti and medicinal plants in these well-annotated gardens. Burbank's Greek-revival home and the adjoining Carriage Museum showcase his life and work, but you can also take a free self-guided cell-phone tour of the grounds.
After creating the Burbank russet potato for blight resistance and transportability in the wake of Ireland's Great Potato Famine, Burbank focused on cultivating produce that's flavorful, nutritious and sustainable. In summer, you'll taste Burbank heirloom berry and stone-fruit varietals at farm-to-table bistros across Sonoma.
