From late March to early June this feral retreat blooms with poppies, irises, blue and yellow lupine, Mariposa tulips, California lilacs, and much, much more -- a veritable Monet's garden of native wildflowers. The Technicolor splendor levels off a bit through August, and the autumn and winter months are fairly unimpressive. But nothing could be finer than passing a springtime afternoon among the rock walls, creek bed, oaks, and buckeyes of this lovely, meadowlike setting. (The aspen-shaded pond with its miniature footbridge is a particularly meditative spot, especially among artists and bird-watchers.)