The Gardens
Chico Gardens
At Chico Hot Springs we embrace the farm to table movement, not to be trendy, but simply because food tastes better when it is fresh and harvested at the peak of ripeness. Our extensive gardens produce abundant vegetables and flowers thanks to rich soil that is heated by the geothermal runoff from the natural hot springs. We work with the culinary team to shape the ideal seasonal kitchen garden.
The geothermal greenhouse extends the high country growing season so that we can serve vine-ripened tomatoes in our restaurants during the summer and late autumn. We harvest fresh herbs throughout the year and preserve the highest yielding crops for sauces through the winter. Whenever possible we serve homegrown greens and vegetables in the Dining Room and Poolside Grille and for special events in the Convention Center.
Chico’s gardens are essential for nourishing honey bees and Monarch butterflies. Our apiary on the hill produces golden honey that is then used for cooking, baking and even in handcrafted cocktails for the lounge. Enjoy the flourish of color from the irises, daisies and flowering plum trees in the flower garden between the greenhouses. Guided garden tours are offered during summer and the adjacent Garden Pavilion is a charming setting for al fresco dinner parties.