Lotus Gardens, Fresno

At Lotus Gardens Outdoor Living Center, locally grown seasonal vegetables, verdant plants, nectarine trees in a quintet of varieties, and whimsical statuaries spill out from the sprawling confines of the 30-year-old establishment. In the nursery, a fleet of fruit trees, rose trees, and hybrids bearing imaginative names such as Chrysler Imperial and Liv Tyler stretch across the expansive space, and in the garden shop, bird feeders infuse backyards with personality and Michelin-rated aviary cuisine.

Visitors to the center can also find plenty of bulk material for their projects, as well as call upon any one of the amiable, experienced staff members for tips on tree planting, landscape design, and using the right herbicides.