Last Call for Summer! 6 California Gardens Worth a Roadtrip This Month
There’s nothing like a good road trip, and with fall just around the corner, now’s the perfect time hit the trail! Here are six unique California gardens that are worth a roadtrip — beginning in the Wine Country.
- Photo via oprychallenge.com
1. The Sunset Idea House gardens in Healdsburg
The Idea House this year explores the concept of an eco-friendly, pre-fab home by BluHomes and native, low-water plants provided by yours truly! The house is open to the public every Fri-Sun from August 3-September 9 and is a great example of modern California living.
Start in the front and check out the landscape that uses low-water, native plants. Make your way to the back deck where you’ll find an edible garden and some succulent-filled container gardens.
Insider tip: If you’re looking for a place to stay the night, I highly recommend the Camellia Inn B&B. It’s walking distance to downtown and my favorite restaurant on the square — Bistro Ralph.
2. The Botanical Gardens in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
- Photo via faroutflora.com
The SF Botanical Gardens are vast and varying. Within the gardens is a dry, succulent garden (pictured above), a Redwood grove, lake and more. I recommend starting at the entrance and doing a docent tour that will take you around the lake and into the different areas. You can easily spend the entire day in the Botanical Garden — which is just a fraction of the entire Golden Gate Park.
3. Gilroy Gardens in (you guessed it!) Gilroy
- Photo via backpackingdad.com
Gilroy Gardens is a lush, extensive garden planted in the middle of hot and dry Gilroy. This makes it a great example of creating a microclimate in the middle of a desert. The Gardens also have an amusement park, so kids will enjoy it too!
August 13th is Member Guests Day, so if you happen to know someone with a membership, they can bring you for free!
4. Sculpterra Winery & Sculpture Garden in Paso Robles
Sculpterra is a winery that has a sculpture garden chock full of interesting (and sometimes a bit bizarre) stone and bronze sculptures by local and world-renowned artists. I’ve never been but anything that involves gardens and wine is right up my alley!
5. Lotus Land in Santa Barbara
- Photo via botanicalgarden.ubc.ca
Weird name, I know — but the 37-acre Lotus Land garden estate is well worth a visit. Created by a famous Polish opera signer back in the day, the garden features spectacular collections of exotic plants and whimsical arrangements. Because it’s located in a residential neighborhood, reservations are required before visiting.
6. The Getty Museum in Los Angeles
- Photo via Theenglishroom.biz
Finally, visit the famous Getty Museum. They have some of the most gorgeous, modern landscape architecture I’ve seen. Check out the Central Garden, which was designed by world renowned artist Robert Irwin (pictured above), the mosaic herb and fruit gardens, and the Outer Peristyle — complete with hedge-lined pathways and a pool reminiscent of ancient Rome. Oh, and the views of the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean aren’t bad either!
This article was written by Jessy Berg, professional landscape designer & co-founder of Habitat Design. Habitat Design provides full-service online landscape design planning for small and mid-sized gardens, & an online store of unique garden & home furnishings — all at an affordable price. Jessy believes that beautiful gardens should be accessible & affordable for everyone. Check out Habitat Design >
