CAMBRIA, CALIFORNIA, USA -- As children, how many of us really knew what we wanted to be when we grew up? Not many I'd guess.

Meet Dirk Winter

Like Tiger Woods who had a golf club in his hand as a toddler, or Harry Connick Jr. who has been playing jazz piano since he was three, Cambria Moonstone Hotel Properties owner Dirk Winter knew his passion for gardening at an early age. At age 12 Dirk began working for a nursery in his hometown of Whittier, California.

"I would ride my bike to the nursery and help out with watering and seed propagation," he says. "They would frequently pay me in plants, which I thought was terrific."

While making a living as a hotel developer, Dirk would transform modest motels into works of art with his inspired turn of a shovel. In fact, he has six hotels (count them) in Cambria and one in nearby San Simeon, gateway to Hearst Castle, not to mention others in Monterey, Carmel, Yosemite and Cottage Grove, Oregon.

Cambria Pines Lodge

In 1990 Dirk purchased the historic Cambria Pines Lodge. As quick as he could, he transformed the grounds into an artistic garden showcase using plants, soil, and sweat.

The Lodge is nestled in the heart of a Monterey Pine grove surrounded by nature. With the help of graphic designer turned Director of Gardens, Shana McCormick, Dirk has created 5 acres of themed gardens here using exotic plants, raised planters and whimsical garden sculptures.

A tour of the gardens is much like going through the rooms of a large house, as you stroll to each themed garden through tall hedges that create "hallways" separating each. Beginning at the world class geranium garden that features a "flower bed-room" sculpture, you know you're about to enter a special place created and tended by special people.

Around one bend or the next, the hedge corridors open up to reveal a raised bed succulent garden, followed by the "White Garden," featuring a fountain, gazebo and the Australian "Multinoah" plant, which emanates an intoxicating aroma of fresh-baked cookies! When in bloom, the white flowers and foliage light up the night.

The pine forest enveloping the lodge is also home for the area's abundant deer population. Visitors to the area love to see these cute and docile animals gently grazing their lunch or dinner. Local gardeners, however, have a different view. As much as people like to view and sniff roses, deer love to eat them, and many other flowers as well -- causing a constant struggle between man and beast. To help keep the deer away Shana McCormick planted a deer resistant garden, which not only helps keep away deer but also deters local dogs and cats. This use of natural plants is far more politically, and aesthetically, correct than using electric fences or barbed wire. An extension of this type of gardening also in practice here is "habitat gardening," or using insects to catch other insects. Likewise, the Lodge's garden crew uses an extremely small amount of toxins in tending the property. They also use only trucked-in grey water for the grounds and are firm believers in organic gardening.

"We've gone as far as anyone I know in saving and recycling water-we don't use city water at all for our grounds," says Dirk Winter.

Gardener's Delight -- Cambria Nursery and Florist

Dirk's passion for ecology and gardening doesn't stop with the Lodge. In 2001 he purchased a faltering nursery business located across the street from his hotel. Since then, he and his team of garden experts have made Cambria Nursery & Florist a destination unto itself, showcasing demonstration gardens, an organic kitchen garden and landscaping services, as well as classes and workshops open to the public.

The staff of the Cambria Pines Lodge and the nursery all like to share their knowledge with other gardeners. Every year in October they host a "Gathering of Gardeners." This annual event attracts serious gardeners and serves to increase people's knowledge of gardening. Winter, who attends every lecture at the events, says, "our goal is that it become a 'must-do' event for avid gardeners from throughout the world."

In addition to the big annual gathering, the Camrbia Pines Inn and the Cambria Nursery offer numerous gardening workshops, classes and packages throughout the year, so be sure to check their schedule of events.
Organic Gardening

Gardens are for more then just beauty, they are also for food. This use is fully realized with the "Certified Organic Garden" tended to by Katie Bariel. So strong is Katie's passion for organic farming, she once lived in a tree house to obtain her dream -- but that's another story. The fenced in garden maintains strict adherence to "Certified Organic Garden" guidelines. The hotel's chef then uses the vegetables and herbs to create the fabulous food served to Cambria Pines Lodge guests.

The Cambria Pines Lodge has 126 total rooms and is located at 2905 Burton Dr. in Cambria. For reservations call 800-966-6490 or visit www.moonstonehotels.com.

More Things To See & Do in Cambria Exploring In and Around Cambria, California Visiting Hearst Castle Nitt Witt Ridge -- The Poor Man's Hearst Castle Gardener's Holidays at the Cambria Pines Lodge and Cambria Nursery Food & Lodging Food & Wine in Cambria Where to Stay In and Near Cambria and San Simeon