Laguna and Page streets, S.F.

Laguna and Page streets, S.F.: In Hayes Valley, get in touch with nature by planting seeds, shoveling dirt or hauling a wheelbarrow at an urban farm. Or reconnect with yourself, meditate, then sip a cup of tea. Along the way, there's fashion to peruse and artisan wares to discover in this wonderfully eclectic neighborhood.

1. Hayes Valley Farm

450 Laguna St.: Volunteers tend to this community-operated urban farm, where clusters of fava bean plants are currently growing. Using permaculture design methods in a space once occupied by a ramp of the Central Freeway, neighbors grow and harvest crops. www.hayesvalleyfarm.com.

2. San Francisco Zen Center

300 Page St.: A diverse array of people visit this center, founded in 1962 by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi and his American students, which offers programs to the public. Teaching the ways of Buddha in the Soto Zen tradition, it offers beginner classes. (415) 863-3136. www.sfzc.org.

3. San Francisco Zen Center bookstore

300 Page St.: Connected and next door to the center, this bookstore stocks a variety of Buddhist books, meditation mats, cushions, benches and garden statues of Quan Yin, Jizo, Buddha and more. 1:30-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri. (also 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mon., Wed. and occasional other evenings), 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat. (415) 255-6524.

4. Samovar Tea Lounge

297 Page St.: Amid steamy windows, ornate lanterns, burgundy cushions and world music playing in the background, patrons sip cups of loose-leaf white, green, oolong and other teas and herbal infusions at this lounge, which offers several styles of afternoon tea. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. (415) 861-0303. www.samovarlife.com.

5. Cary Lane

560 Laguna St.: In this basement boutique, discover trendy designer clothes at deep discounts, along with jewelry created by local artists. From a herringbone tweed fedora to a red plaid shirt to a pair of military fatigue-patterned pumps, you'll be styling in no time. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-6 p.m. Sun. (415) 896-4210. www.carylanesf.com.

6. Peace Industry

597 Hayes St.: Melina Raissnia became intrigued by a rug her husband, Dodd, brought her from Iran. Returning there, the two discovered the tradition of felt-wool rug making. Today, she designs these handmade, naturally dyed rugs. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. (415) 255-9940. www.peaceindustry.com.

- Stephanie Wright Hession, 96hours@sfchronicle.com

This article appeared on page G - 25 of the San Francisco Chronicle