In mid-December before all the rain, we spent a week in Mendocino and Fort Bragg.  We always visit the Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden in Fort Bragg.  Whatever the season, there are always so many plants and trees blooming, and extraordinary landscape to enjoy.  We strolled around, and found the heaths and heathers, some rhodies still flowering, numerous mushrooms and fungi growing, with quite a selection displayed on a table.  My favorite plant was the deep ruby-red smoke bush.  I think that one needs at least 3 hours to properly wander around and appreciate these spectacular gardens by the sea. Not to be missed is walking out to the bluffs and sitting on a bench facing the majestic Pacific ocean.  Such a special place.