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Which entrance do I use?
The Ruth Bancroft Garden Office is located at 1552 Bancroft Road in Walnut Creek, CA. Please use this entrance during the week. For weekend admission, group tours and special events, please use our North Entrance, 1500 Bancroft Rd. as the office entrance will be closed.
How big is The Garden and how long does a visit take?
The planted area of The Garden is 3.5 acres. Most visits average 1 - 1.5 hours but it varies depending on interest. Self-guided tours are taken by a booklet following small wooden signs (seen on the right) with corresponding numbers placed throughout The Garden. Docent-led tours are also available at least once a week. Find out when here.
Are plants for sale year-round?
Yes. Plant purchases are available during operating hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day of the week. We also have three major plant sales which offer a larger selection of plants. In addition to these options, you may also make an appointment to
purchase plants and receive personalized dry-garden advice from our Nursery Manager. Learn more about purchasing plants here.
What is the best time of year to visit? What is blooming now?
The Garden is special at every time of the year. Something is always in bloom. Different plants steal the show at different times of the year. Many people like to visit during the spring and summer months when most of the cactus bloom, other's enjoy the aloe blooms during the winter months. To find out what blooms each month of The Garden here.
Can we eat lunch at The Garden? Are there lunch places nearby?
 While we do not have food for purchase at The Garden, you are welcome to bring food onto the premises. We have modest seating facilities that include wooden benches and chairs, and a set of café tables and chairs.
These are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. We do ask that you clean up after yourselves using our recycling and trash cans.
There are several shopping centers nearby. Find out information about the restaurants on these websites: Countrywood Shopping Center, Ygnacio Valley Shopping Center
Is the garden a good place to bring children?
Yes! There are sharp and spiny plants here at The Garden but staying on the pathways eliminates the possibility of getting hurt. We have a Children's activity resembling a treasure hunt to find plants from around the world.
Can I bring my class/group to The Garden?
Yes. We offer field trips through our Children's Program.
Professors of Horticultural Classes are welcome to schedule class visits to RBG. Tours may be scheduled with our Garden Curator or the Garden can be used for plant identification. Call ahead to make an appointment and discuss the best options for your group.
What are your rules regarding photography?
Refer to our Photos tab.
Can I bring my pet to The Garden?
Pets are allowed in the garden, provided they remain on leash and you are responsible about cleaning up after them.
Where are the botanical plant signs?
 The Garden does not have traditional botanical garden signs. This is due to Mrs. Ruth Bancroft's original vision, she felt that signs would interfere with the artistic view of The Garden. There are slim silver tags at the base of the plants with the botanical names of each plant. Do not pick up or move plant labels. If you are curious about the identity of a plant and you cannot read the label from the pathways, please ask a staff member for assistance. If you have many questions, the best way to experience might be through a docent-led tour. Find when these take place here.
Is The Garden handicap accessible? Is there a wheelchair we can borrow?
Yes, we are handicap accessible. The Garden has gravel pathways which are fairly compact and level but they are not concrete pathways. We recommend using a wheel chair with thicker tires, to ensure a smoother ride for the passenger. We have an appropriate wheelchair available for use on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Can we have our wedding (or other special event) at the Garden?
The Garden is available for rentals. If you have never been to The Ruth Bancroft Garden, we highly recommend you visit prior to pursuing a rental, as it not your typical garden-setting for a wedding or special event. Stop by or call the Garden Office after your visit for more information on rentals.
What is your policy on sampling pieces of plants in The Garden?
Do not pick, pick up or move, anything. View and enjoy the flowers, fruits, seeds and leaves, but leave everything for others to enjoy too. The Garden is a research facility with many on-going projects that must not be disturbed. Especially watch out for prickly pears, which may be on the Opuntia plant or on the ground. They are covered with tiny spines, which are difficult to remove from the skin. Taking cuttings from plants is never allowed. However, many of our species are for sale in the Plant Sale House.
Can I donate plants to The Garden?
In some cases, depending on our current collection and needs.
Plant donations to the garden are most appreciated but must be approved by staff prior to drop-offs. Interested in donating? See here.
How can I find out more about the history of the garden?
Find more about Garden History here, including a link to an oral history from Ruth Bancroft. |
