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.
The Garden & Nursery are OPEN
Please be advised of the following:
- No advance reservations required. Purchase Garden Admission tickets at our kiosk when you arrive.
- All guests age 2 and older are required to wear a mask at all times when visiting the Garden & Nursery.
- Please maintain 6 ft. of social distancing between you and other guests not from the same household.
- Eating & drinking are now permitted at the Garden when sitting at a table. We suggest bringing your own sanitizing wipes or table covering if planning to picnic. Masks MUST be worn when not eating or drinking.
CLICK HERE here for more details regarding current visitation rules and processes.
FEATURED EVENTS
ArtScapes in the Garden: Outdoor Ikebana Exhibition
Wednesday, May 19, 2021 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
(Webinar) Focal Point Plants in Dry Gardens
Wednesday, June 2, 2021 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Opening Night Members-Only Sculpture Stroll 2021 (6/25 @ 5pm-6:30pm)
Friday, June 25, 2021 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
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.
Voted “Best Wedding Venue in the East Bay” by Diablo Magazine editors and readers, June 2020
View our Rental Calendar | Send us an Inquiry
Learn More
Landscape Design Services
Available Now Virtually
Want to convert from lawn to garden but not sure where to start? We now offer landscape design consultation services ranging from a little advice to a complete plan for a whole new garden!
Billie Hopper Memorial Fund
Billie J. Hopper (1944 – 2021)
Volunteer and Co-Executive Director at Ruth Bancroft Garden, 2005 – 2019
Donations in Billie’s memory can be made to the Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery and The Nature Conservancy. Gifts to the Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery will help us maintain and improve the Garden in many including expanding on our visitor material and educational offerings, purchasing supplies for our new “Nook” education space, and so much more!
Background Images for Zoom
Enjoy being in the Garden while you’re on Zoom! Check out and download one of our RBG Zoom background images to use during your next call.
What’s In Bloom
May 2021
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 Garden when you visit.
Latest Plant Highlight: Graptopetalum mendozae
The name Graptopetalum means “marked petals”, referring to the red lines or splotches found on the petals of most of the species. However, an exception to this rule is Graptopetalum mendozae, with pure white petals. This delightful little species is found only on 3 old volcanic plugs* in the state of Veracruz, not far inland from Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
