An Epic Garden-Themed Road Trip Through The American Southwest And California
This journey features a dozen gardens recognized as some of the best in the west
At about 1,400 miles, this road trip from New Mexico to California via Arizona promises a long scenic journey that stops at some of the most notable public gardens in the region. You may choose to start your trip at the trio Gardens of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco or the adventurous Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park in New Mexico. Either decision will lead to numerous other bountiful gardens in between, including the unusual Forestiere Underground Gardens in Fresno, California.
Ocotillo and soap tree yuccas; Photo courtesy of Friends of Living Desert and The Living Desert Zoo & Garden State Park
NEW MEXICO
LIVING DESERT ZOO & GARDENS STATE PARK—CARLSBAD
575-887-5516 | livingdesertnm.org
If you’ve ever been curious about what life is like in the desert, a visit to Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park will feed your curiosity. This southwestern gem is a combination of a zoo and park that is dedicated to caring for both plant and animal life found in the Chihuahuan Desert. Take a 1.3-mile walk through the park to view unique desert plants such as cactuses, yuccas, agaves, shrubs, trees and various desert animals.
The park is divided into several habitats of the Chihuahuan Desert. Sandy Hill, for example, includes plants such as soapweed yucca and four-wing saltbush that have deep extensive root systems to help them to survive in dry sandy areas. The Arroyo habitat area allows for plants that need more water to sustain life, such as Rio Grande cottonwood and fairy dusters. Those interested in viewing the Parks 40 species of desert animals such as Mexican gray wolves or simply thrill at observing lizards running across the sands.
Desert Botantical Garden; Photo courtesy of Desert Botantical Garden
ARIZONA
DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN—PHOENIX
480-941-1225 | dbg.org
If you’re still itching for more of the desert life, Desert Botanical Garden is another great attraction with a grand collection of Sonoran Desert plant life. Founded in 1939 by Swedish botanist Gustaf Starck and Gertrude Divine Webster and a group of local citizens, the Garden was created to “save the desert.” At 55 cultivated acres, there is much to be explored with more than 50,000 plant displays, five trails, two large collections of cactuses and agaves, and the seasonal Butterfly Pavilion.
The main trail, the Desert Discovery Trail, features a diverse collection of cactuses and succulents that highlights the unique beauty of the desert. There are special events throughout the year such as Dog Days at the Garden, when you can bring your dog to walk the trails with you, or Music in the Garden for a special date night. Be sure to stop by the onsite restaurant Gertrude’s, which is an OpenTable’s Diner’s Choice Award winner for its delicious meals that use ingredients from local farms.
Cherry blossom tress as The Japanese Garden; Photo courtesy of City of LA - Sanitation
CALIFORNIA
THE JAPANESE GARDEN—VAN NUYS
818-756-8166 | thejapanesegarden.com
Tucked in the Lake Balboa area of Los Angeles, a peaceful natural haven of water-themed gardens awaits. One of a dozen of Dr. Koichi Kawana’s US Japanese garden designs, The Japanese Gardens is a 6.5-acre beauty that features three small gardens in one.
What makes this garden extra special is its connection to a local water reclamation plant named after Donald C. Tillman, who located his plant adjacent to the garden as a positive way to use reclaimed water in the area. This ensures that featured plants such as cherry trees, lotuses and magnolias can thrive year-round.
The Chisen “wet-strolling” garden, which includes lakes, streams, waterfalls and bridges, is an aesthetic pleasure. Visitors can spend time relaxing in the other areas such as the Karesansui garden for mediation and the Shoin Building, which features a teahouse and adjacent tea garden. With the connection to the water plant, this garden creates a strong bond with the local community.
Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden; Photo courtesy of Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden
CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES COUNTY ARBORETUM & BOTANIC GARDEN—ARCADIA
626-821-3222 | arboretum.org
Nearby in the Arcadia area lies the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden. On land known as Aleupkigna, or “the place of many waters” by its earliest inhabitants, the land that became the Arboretum was a thriving ranch developed by Elias J. Baldwin in the 1880s. The Arboretum was created in 1948 with the mission to “cultivate our natural, horticultural and historic resources for learning, enjoyment and inspiration.” The 127 acres of gardens are divided into 11 categories, including the Aquatic Garden, Kallam Perennial Garden, Rose Garden, Garden of Quiet Reflection, and Crescent Farm. Throughout the garden, biogeographical collections highlight plants from Africa, Australia, the Canary Islands and Madagascar. The Arboretum’s plant collections include aloes, Engelmann oaks, magnolias and plumeria.
Crescent Farm stands out especially as it was created during the worst drought in California’s history, in 2015. It is an important and popular demonstration garden teaching visitors water-saving strategies for drought-tolerant plants, ground coverings and lawn care.
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens; Photo by Martha Benedict.
CALIFORNIA
THE HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, ART MUSEUM AND BOTANICAL GARDENS — SAN MARINO
626-405-2100 | huntington.org
The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens in San Marino is a unique combination of a research library, fine arts museum and botanical gardens. The 130 acres of themed gardens include a Japanese garden, Desert Garden and others featuring more than 16,000 species of plants.
An abundance of roses bloom each spring in the Rose Garden at Descanso Gardens; Photo courtesy of Descanso Gardens
CALIFORNIA
DESCANSO GARDENS — LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE
818-949-4200 | descansogardens.org
Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge emphasizes people’s relationship with nature, and includes California native plants and coast live oaks. Descanso’s camellia collection, the largest in North America, is a standout among the 150 acres of gardens, which also include a beautiful rose garden and a prehistoric forest.
Forestiere Underground Gardens; Photo courtesy of Silvio Manno and Forestiere Underground Gardens
CALIFORNIA
FORESTIERE UNDERGROUND GARDENS—FRESNO
559-271-0734 | undergroundgardens.com
Heading north, your journey leads to Forestiere Underground Gardens. These unique underground gardens were created by Baldassare Forestiere, a Sicilian immigrant, in the early 1900s. Instead of giving up on useless farmland, this citrus grower turned lemons into lemonade by spending 40 years cultivating under the land. With no prior knowledge in architecture, he designed the gardens after the ancient catacombs that he remembered from his hometown of Filari, Sicily.
Natural talent and hard work allowed Forestiere to plant different varieties of fruit-bearing trees and vines, including orange, grapefruit and lemon trees that span more than 10 acres. Some of the fruits were even grown together on the same tree, and he also grew varieties such a kumquats, dates, and wine and table grapes. Having this underground paradise also allowed him to escape the intense local summer heat in a network of rooms and tunnels some 25 feet deep. Many of the trees and plants cultivated by Forestiere can still be seen today during guided tours that help visitors to appreciate the epic tale of this fascinating garden.
On your travels between Fresno and San Francisco, be sure to take a break at two notable gardens in the Berkley area.
The Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursey; Photo courtesy of Monica Avila and The Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursey
CALIFORNIA
THE RUTH BANCROFT GARDEN & NURSERY—WALNUT CREEK
925-944-9352 | ruthbancroftgarden.org
This 2.5-acre garden was created by Ruth Bancroft, a gardener, plant collector and graduate of the University of California–Berkeley who started her garden by transferring succulents from pots to outdoors. The land, once part of a fruit farm that produced walnuts and pears, is now a world-renowned dry garden filled with climate-resilient plants.
University of California Botanical Garden; Photo by Jane Vick
CALIFORNIA
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BOTANICAL GARDEN—BERKELEY
510-643-2755 | botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu
UC Berkeley boasts a 34-acre botanical garden with 10,000 varieties of plants, many of which are rare and/or endangered. The Garden features plants from places around the world and includes an astonishing collection of native California plants.
CALIFORNIA
GARDENS OF GOLDEN GATE PARK—SAN FRANCISCO
San Francisco promises a triple delight in the three Gardens of Golden Gate Park: the Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden, and San Francisco Botanical Garden.
Gardens of Golden Gate Park, The Conservatory of Flowers building; Photo courtesy of Gardens of Golden Gate Park
GARDENS OF GOLDEN GATE PARK: THE CONSERVATORY OF FLOWERS—SAN FRANCISCO
415-831-2090 | gggp.org
The Conservatory of Flowers is housed in the oldest public wood-and-glass conservatory in North America. Known for its rare and exotic plants, the conservatory features potted, aquatic and tropical plants. Every 30 minutes after sunset, a free light show—Photosynthesis: Love for All Seasons—delights with its colorful nighttime garden experience.
Gardens of Golden Gate Park, Japanese Tea Garden; Photo courtesy of Gardens of Golden Gate Park
GARDENS OF GOLDEN GATE PARK: JAPANESE TEA GARDEN—SAN FRANCISCO
415/661-1316 | gggp.org
With its distinction as the “oldest operating public Japanese Garden in North America,” the Japanese Tea Garden is a historic treasure. Between March and April, enjoy the beautiful blooming cherry trees, azaleas and wisterias. Walking tours are available for those who would like a more in-depth look at the garden. Don’t leave without visiting the beautiful tea house for a soothing drink and a tasty Japanese snack.
Gardens of Golden Gate Park, San Francisco Botanical Garden; Photo courtesy of Gardens of Golden Gate Park
GARDENS OF GOLDEN GATE PARK: SAN FRANCISCO BOTANICAL GARDEN—SAN FRANCISCO
415-661-1316 | gggp.org
At 55 acres and with 8,000 plants from around the world, the San Francisco Botanical Garden is sure to have a little bit of something for every visitor in its themed gardens. The Children's Garden includes story time and bug hunts for family fun time. The Fragrance Garden contains plants prized for their pleasant smells, and the Moon Viewing Garden offers a peaceful Japanese-inspired environment.
For a list of public gardens and arboretums near you, visit the American Public Gardens Association.
Are you inspired to set out on this garden-themed road trip? We’ve mapped it out for you with a AAA TripTik.
A: Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park — Carlsbad, New Mexico
B: Desert Botanical Garden — Phoenix, Arizona
C: Los Angeles County Arboretum — Arcadia, Los Angeles, California
D: The Huntington Library — San Marino, California
E: Descanso Gardens — La Cañada Flintridge, California
F: The Japanese Garden — Lake Balboa, California
G: Forestiere Underground Gardens — Fresno, California
H: The Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery — Walnut Creek, California
I: University of California Botanical Garden — Berkeley, California
J: Conservatory of Flowers — San Francisco, California
K: San Francisco Botanical Garden — San Francisco, California