To kickoff California Heartland's 8th season, we're coming to you from the heart of Downtown Sacramento. Every Wednesday, tucked in between the Sacramento's tallest buildings, you'll find one of the best farmer's markets around.

During the eight years that California Heartland has been on the air, we've met some extraordinary people. One of our favorites is a Trappist monk and walnut farmer. His "joie de vivre" -- joy of living -- is so infectious we thought we'd pay him another visit.

Pat McConahay brings us the story of a one-of-kind woman who's done it all. Now she tries farming after a life in the fast lane. And once again, what she touches turns to gold.

For 80 years there has been one main ingredient…and a single dominant theme in Chester Aaron's life… garlic. On this edition of California Heartland we'll take you to Occidental in Sonoma County where Chester Aaron grows nearly a hundred different varieties of garlic. But even more amazing than the sheer volume are the incredible life experiences he shares, and garlic has been a part of them all.

We first visited Chester Aaron in the fall of 2003…so what's new with specialty garlic? Has it become more popular? Is it easier to find? We'll answer these questions and introduce you to a Lodi farmer who has seen his business changed forever by specialty garlic. And, he'll show you garlic recipe that's almost too good to be true.

A Fallbrook man is capable of teaching a college course called "Macadamia 101." Tom Cooper not only sells macadamia nuts, but the entire trees and the equipment needed to harvest them.