A world-renowned 3.5-acre garden, housing a collection of succulents, both unique and beloved, as well as drought-tolerant plants from around the world. The Garden’s founder, Ruth Bancroft, lived to be 109 and was a pioneer in drought-tolerant gardening. Open to the public year-round, the Garden showcases fabulous blooms during every season and highlights plant structure and texture in robust plantings.
Coronavirus/Covid-19 related advisory – as of March 16, 2020
Due to the March 16, 2020 legal directive issued by the Contra Costa Health Services Department that mandates people shelter in place and that all non-essential businesses cease operations, the Garden and Nursery will be temporarily closing, effective immediately. We are deeply saddened by the effect this closure will have upon our loyal customers, volunteers and employees, but recognize that these actions are for the health and safety of them and the greater community, all of whom are the utmost priority. In accordance with this directive, all classes, workshops, docent tours and other events at the Garden have been postponed until such time at the County directive is lifted.
For those who have upcoming private events scheduled, please contact Lucy@ruthbancroftgarden.org directly to discuss the specific circumstances of your event.
Please CLICK HERE here for more detailed information regarding our operations during this time.
How you can help support the Garden during our period of closure:
Become a Member or Renew Membership! We will double the guest passes and extend your membership period to 12 months from the date we reopen.
Donate! Get our 50/50 Donation Offer – elect to receive a coupon valued at 50% of your donation amount for use in our nursery once we reopen.
Join/Renew Membership 50/50 Donate Offer
We will update this website as situations change and hopefully we will be given the green light to open the Garden again to visitors in the not too distant future.
FEATURED EVENTS
Succulent Yoga & Wellness Series- POSTPONED
Wednesday, April 8, 2020 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am
WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
Jr. Botanist Series- Rooting For Plants – CANCELLED
Wednesday, April 8, 2020 @ 2:30 am - 4:00 pm
(Webinar) Edible Plants at the Ruth Bancroft Garden
Wednesday, April 8, 2020 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Succulent Yoga & Wellness Series- POSTPONED
Wednesday, April 15, 2020 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Private Rentals at the Garden
The Garden is a perfect venue for weddings, corporate events, birthdays and other special occasions. Our unique collection of mature trees, succulents and cacti provide a stunning backdrop to make your occasion unforgettable. Indoor and outdoor options available so you can have your event any time of year.
View our Rental Calendar | Send us an Inquiry
Learn More
The Bold Dry Garden
by Johanna Silver
“Will quench your thirst for inspiration…elegant photographs ably capture the architectural drama of its bold forms and eccentric groupings.”
New York Times
What’s In Bloom
April 2020
Preview the plants blooming in the Garden right now. Discover which ones are for sale in the Nursery. Print this guide at home or pick one up at the Admissions Kiosk when you visit.
Latest Plant Highlight: Banksia formosa (syn. – Dryandra formosa)
The plant named Banksia formosa was originally published as a Dryandra, and its common name of “showy dryandra” reflects this.
