Great Escape: Chateau CharMarron Peony Gardens In Bloom

Springtime means dozens of varieties of peonies are in bloom at Chateau CharMarron Peony Gardens, a nursery that's only open a few months each year.

Tucked away in the Milpitas foothills, winding up Calaveras Road, the gardens are open now through June 27. Visitors are rewarded with views of the reservoir and the fragrance and beauty of the gardens.

Tree peonies, herbaceous peonies and Itoh hybrids can be found at this nursery that got its start by growing tall bearded irises. Peony blooming season is short, so this is the time to see them.

Owner Marcia Reed can be found walking around the farm, assisting customers, while her husband, Charles, has a olive grove on the grounds from which he produces olive oil. Pick up a few bottles or 5-gallon buckets of peonies as a souvenir of your trip. 

Chateau CharMarron is at 5335 Sierra Rd., San Jose. The website is 4peonies.com, and visitors are welcome every day until mid-June, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Wednesdays, when the hours are 8-10 a.m. After that, it's open until only Fridays through Sundays until June 27.