Dawn (Smith) de la Cruz has been in the horticulture industry for 30 years running full scale retail nurseries, judging roses for the American Garden Rose Selections test gardens with Rayford Reddell (The Rose Bible) to being lead horticulturist and general manager of Cornerstone Sonoma. Currently she is managing estates, and you will see her consulting and working her magic at Montage Resort Healdsburg.

While at Cornerstone Sonoma she and her team worked closely with the Sunset editors and designers to build the Sunset Test Gardens that are still on display. Growing up in Sonoma County, Dawn has always had a passion for the outdoors and the rhythm of nature. Food gardens have been a strong passion whether she’s working in her home garden, a clients garden or for a restaurant culinary garden. She loves to teach and share her knowledge to pass on the passion of gardening.