The property is bordered on the south by Pinto Creek, and a dense forest of Live Oaks, Cottonwoods, Coast Redwoods and Eucalyptus. A Lavender Labyrinth is framed in the center of a one-acre field by gardens of colorful flowers, aromatic herbs, and seasonal vegetables. The farm is home to over two hundred citrus trees and, best of all, spring brings a magnificent burst of color, as the plentiful rose bushes bloom. This beautiful intimate venue offers a variety of uses for groups of 60 or less.
Elopements & Intimate Weddings
For your intimate wedding or elopement select from one of several backdrops that can be prepared as a wedding site: Lavender Labyrinth, Lemon Grove, Flower Fields in season or on the deck looking out into the wonderful countryside of trees and fields.
Our venue allows up to 60 adult guests and parking for 14 cars. Small vans and buses can easily bring guests on site and can be arranged in the area. A nicely designed outdoor dining room or a covered open-air event space with lights and power can be used to create the perfect dining and party area.
Additional details, accommodations and preparation spaces for dressing and caterers are available. Ask for details
We can also provide flowers when in season to add beauty to an already beautiful day!
Gatherings & Retreats
Our gardens and amenities lend themselves to a wide range of gatherings: create your own workshop or enjoy a personal retreat, hold office parties or team building events, host bachelor and bachelorette celebrations, and much more. Enjoy a walk in the labyrinth, relax on the deck as the birds fly by, practice yoga in the serene spaces surrounded by nature, take garden walks and pet the donkeys that call the farm home. Plan your special event at the Ladybug’s Secret Garden! Our events space can accommodate 1 to 60 adults and up to 14 vehicles. And check out our overnight housing options under “Accommodations” below.
Venue Amenities
Farm Store
Don’t ‘fly away home’ before you’ve made a few wishes come true at the Ladybug’s Store. We have fresh, seasonal flowers….and other treasures from the earth.
Labyrinth
Explore our eleven circuit medieval labyrinth, made entirely of lavender.
Outdoor Dining
A wood fired oven invites you to a large, outdoor dining area surrounded by gardens with picnic tables, a fire ring and gas barbeque.
Yoga Deck & Shed
A 25’x 60′ covered activity area is perfect for yoga but, with lights, power and plenty of daylight, it’s a perfect space for many kinds of activities and shelter from weather.
Trails
To paraphrase Lewis Carroll, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any trail will get you there.” But our trails will take you to the Redwood Fairy Ring, to the Turtle Pond, or to the Donkeys’ pasture.
Gardens
Mariquita Farm is the Ladybug’s Secret Garden that she “flies home” to. Will you find her in the roses, the lemons, the cacti, or the vegetables, or is she sleeping in a flower bed?
Other amenities include:
- Spiral Walk rock garden
- Private, Covered, Outdoor bathhouse with toilet, sink, shower and tub
- Telescope for stargazing and Binoculars for bird watching in the pond areas or in looking out at the flyway
- Coffee and Tea (from our farm grown herbal infusions) station
- Snack bar and Ladybug Store lending library
Accommodations
Whether you want to stretch out in a luxurious “Glamping Tent” or want to settle into a cute barn studio apartment after your on site event or for a personal retreat we have pleasant and attractive options:
Van camping spot close to bathrooms, gardens and large scenic viewing deck for morning coffee/tea and bird watching.
Glamping Tent with a Queen-sized futon bed and lots of additional space surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Private Outdoor Bathroom facility with flush toilet, bath and shower.
Cute Cabin Apartment with a great view from your own deck, Queen-sized futon bed, full kitchen and private bathroom.
What’s the weather like?
The Ladybug’s Secret Garden is located at Mariquita Farm along California’s temperate Central Coast. We enjoy a subtropical, Mediterranean climate, which means that winter temperatures rarely fall below freezing and summer temperatures are typically mild, making it a perfect place to grow a wide range of crops and enjoy being outdoors.