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(NOTE: I finally got around to publishing this draft post from late June!) I’d made much overdue plans to visit my friend Lynette in Santa Clara this Sunday and since we both love Santa Cruz, we decided to drive a little bit farther and spend our day there. Arriving around lunch time, we decided to hit Cafe Iveta first. I’d chosen the cafe based on its gluten-free friendliness and 80+ positive Yelp reviews. My turkey sandwich with Havarti and bacon was delish. Yes, I know gluten-free bread looks a little funny, but it tasted great. Fresh, soft and flavorful.

IMG_0003Next, we were off to DIG Gardens Nursery. Lynette had never been to DIG, and I think it’s only my third visit. Nurseries never get old to me, because they’re always, always tweaking things. Since my prior visit, I spotted the book display in another part of the shop, saw a D.I.Y. Bubble Terrarium station that I don’t remember from before. Fun, fun, fun. Nearby shelves hold air plants and empty glass terrariums. Terraria? Pshhh…. I dunno.

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I returned home with a couple adorable greeting cards for future use, and an irresistible succulent. Lynette went home with her first air plant!

IMG_0186IMG_0185As usual, DIG had an array of colorful and intriguing displays. Their succulent planters are some of the most beautiful I’ve seen. They remind me of ornate jewel boxes, brimming over with succulent jewels.

IMG_0046 IMG_0045 IMG_0041 IMG_0042Outside the shop is succulent heaven too, with a few non-succulents thrown in for good measure.
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IMG_0051Back inside, I couldn’t help admiring all the colorful displays and gorgeous wares.

IMG_0035 IMG_0027 IMG_0031 IMG_0013 IMG_0012 IMG_0024 IMG_0023 IMG_0022After DIG, we hit the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum! More loveliness ensued.

IMG_0088 IMG_0142 IMG_0140 IMG_0137 IMG_0132 IMG_0127 IMG_0122 IMG_0119 IMG_0116 IMG_0114 IMG_0108 IMG_0106 IMG_0098 IMG_0100 IMG_0096 IMG_0087 IMG_0084 IMG_0082 IMG_0083Before heading home, we stopped at West Cliff for more catching up and an amazing view.

IMG_0172 IMG_0161 IMG_0157 IMG_0146Another great, plantiful day trip to Santa Cruz…

air plants, dig gardens nursery, santa cruz, succulents