Oakland is such a wonderful city. I have never seen so many neighborhoods with little shops, restaurants, Ma and Pa businesses still thriving. On the east coast this way of life has been run over by malls. Here are some photos from the Lakeside Garden Center. This is another of Oakland's quiet neighborhood spots, maintained by community volunteers. It is worth the visit. This small garden has paths that wind through different plots, planted for sensory effect, color and composition. There is also a plot for vegetables as well as an area for bonsai trees. Paths wind through this small garden that make you feel as if it covers many acres.