25 Comments
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John Crowe's avatar

What a charming story— a

much needed diversion from the lunacy in DC today. I’ve lived in Davis 55 years, and the Zinnia patch never got in my radar. We’re on the way. Save a few Zinnias for Lois and me.

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Bob Dunning's avatar

Enjoy. It's a fun excursion.

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Jim Gray's avatar

Bob... Thank you for the great reminder and for providing the new address for this year's Zinnia Patch near Yolo/Woodland. I'm going to get right out there to enjoy the beauty. I only have fond memories; Robin and I went for a few years, and it always brought a smile. I have also gone other times with a few friends and enjoyed wandering and appreciating the wide variety and vibrant colors.

It is worth mentioning that Mark Mezger and his family do these activities as a "community service" and as "good farm neighbors." Mezger was recognized as the 2018 Agri Businessman of the Year in part because of his Zinnia Farm generosity.

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Bob Dunning's avatar

Great information, Jim.

Maybe he'll run for president for the Zinnia Party.

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Jack Ohman’s You Betcha!'s avatar

Why You’re My Hero.

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Bob Dunning's avatar

So kind.

Thank you.

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K Russell's avatar

I have taken my 2 grandsons to Mezger's Zinnia Patch many times over the last 8 or so years. We have a hard time leaving, because they keep finding one more perfect flower. Then we divide up the flowers and give them all away to friends and family who are sick, sad, housebound, or just love flowers.

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Bob Dunning's avatar

Glad to hear it.

So wonderful

I'm sure that must be what the Mezgers imagined.

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Jennifer Vinh's avatar

I finally made it this year. Usually by the time I remember, it is closed for the season. On our first attempt to go, it was closed due to over picking. My mom and I went Monday and it was beautiful. Zinnias were a favorite of my dad too.

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Robin Andrews Stanley's avatar

Nice change from the political garbage we see every day. ♥♥♥

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Bob Dunning's avatar

Indeed.

There are no campaign signs at the Zinnia Patch

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Diane Johnston's avatar

Is a zinnia a zinnia by any other name? Thanks for the story and the tip, Bob.

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Catherine Watters's avatar

What a wonderful and generous gift to the community. Thank you Mezger family for sharing kindness and joy. 🌺🍃

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Diana Mahoney's avatar

Bob, thank you for the reminder to visit the Zinnia Patch again! After reading your heart-warming post I searched my photos and found a priceless shot from 2015 ...my daughter and her friends standing by the garden's unforgettable sign - each precious girl holding their freshly picked bouquets. Today, these young women have blossomed and graduated from colleges across the nation....their roots still very tied to Davis and their childhood memories... Another reason to be grateful for Yolo County, and hopeful that goodness can be found down a county road...

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Bob Dunning's avatar

That is such a wonderful story, Diana.

Blessings to the Mezgers.

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Beth's avatar

It's a friends and family favorite to visit Mezger's! It brings joy and happiness. Take a vase, leave a vase. Pick some flowers. Take some to a friend, or an elderly neighbor who can't get out as much. Joy and happiness. 🌼🥰

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Bob Dunning's avatar

Amen, Beth

Thanks a million

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Ted's avatar

I had no idea. What a wonderful thing.

Been growing zinnias in my small garden for the past twenty odd years, they are so forgiving if you don’t have a green thumb.

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Bob Dunning's avatar

UC Davis Zinnia Course Description: Beginning flower growing 1-A involves roughing up ground, planting zinnia seeds, ignoring garden entirely, picking zinnias that bloom anyway.

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Catherine LeBlanc's avatar

Can’t believe I’ve never even heard of it. Thanks, Bob! 🌸

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Bob Dunning's avatar

It's really a lot of fun, Catherine.

Afterwards we sometimes keep going north and get a sandwich at Granzella's in Williams.

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erin dunning's avatar

we went last week and it was closed due to “over picking” we will go back soon, chris had never been 💐

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Bob Dunning's avatar

I think it reopened this week.

Zinnias can survive picking like no other flower.

They just need a little time to recover.

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Petrea's avatar

I agree re the Mezger Zinnia Patch - one of Yolo's finest gifts. And if you had stopped me on the street, I would have said yes, I have visited and delivered flowers to others. But thanks for the reminder; I'm going to give myself an annual recurring reminder!

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Bob Dunning's avatar

I knew you would know, Petrea.

You are a Yolo County insider.

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