About Garden Valley Ranch

How it all started
With a Ph.D. in Audiology, nothing should have brought Ray Reddell closer to a rose than a florist. But, in 1970, he began growing garden roses and the genus captivated him. A true horticultural gem of Northern California, Garden Valley Ranch began in 1981 as a bed and breakfast inn but succumbed to Ray's "hobby gone bananas." In 1998, this nine-acre garden rose ranch produced, sold, and shipped over a quarter of a million blooms throughout the country!

A working landmark
Just 37 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Garden Valley Ranch is located in Petaluma, a town unequaled in Northern California for its preservation of pristine Victorian homes and authentic 19th century commercial buildings. Standing on the Ranch are several buildings constructed in 1890 that have earned National Historical Landmark status.

February, 2005
Mark Grim & Ron Robertson purchased Garden Valley from Ray Reddell (who wished to retire).
Many exciting changes have been taking place under their capable ownership. One major new feature is the new display border, measuring 220 feet long by 14 feet wide, and edged in beautiful local stone. This border contains not only roses, but perennials, shrubs and annuals arranged in color sequence, much like a Gertrude Jekyll-style border, from the cool colors on the ends to hot colors in the center.

More Enhancements
Other portions of the grounds included in the tours are a 75-foot pond surrounded by lovely plantings, a cascade serves the purpose of aerating the water and is crossed by a beautiful bridge. The pond is stocked with Koi, Shibunkin goldfish, and the uncommon Freshwater Smelt. 
Not to be missed is the fragrant garden featuring bay, yew, English Box and filled with enchantingly fragrant plants year around. Of course, no tour to the ranch would be complete without taking a look at the 7,000 roses grown for cut-flower production. We are one of only two ranches in the country that ships field-grown roses to wholesale and retail florist across the country.
While most roses are grown for the floral trade, we do sell them to individuals, so while they are in season (May through October) order yourself a couple bunches for a special treat.

Garden Valley Ranch is also an event center for outdoor events. Over the years many weddings have been held here and what could be a lovelier setting than a wine country garden filled with roses and fragrance? Contact us for more information.

You are welcome to tour the Ranch Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 to 4 PST, or 10 to 5 PDT. The best months for touring are May through October.