Local Non-Profit, East Bay Dry Garden and Plant Nursery
Nestled in the suburbs of Walnut Creek is an outdoor botanical garden and onsite retail nursery. We specialize in drought-tolerant and climate-adaptive plants that are well-suited to the microclimate in the East Bay. The plant collection includes agaves, aloes, cacti, California native plants, succulents, yuccas, and more! Recently ranked “The Most Beautiful Garden in the World” by Tripadvisor!
Winter Hours: Open Wednesday through Sunday, 9AM-4PM. Closed Monday & Tuesday.
Garden of D’Lights
This event takes place rain or shine.
See the Garden transform into a dazzling nighttime spectacle illuminated with thousands of colorful lights, art installations, and lasers. Garden of D’Lights is an annual fundraising event taking place on select nights from November 22nd through January 11th.
Donate to our Golden Barrel Fund
Be part of supporting the future of the Ruth Bancroft Garden.
Your gift helps us nurture the Garden’s astounding and varied collection of plants from around the world, planted here for your knowledge and enjoyment, and keeps the Garden open to the community year-round.
When you give a gift of $200 or more to the Garden’s year-end Golden Barrel fundraiser, you receive a six-inch potted golden barrel cactus as a thank you.
What We Offer
The Garden
The Ruth Bancroft Garden houses a unique and diverse collection of cacti, succulents and drought-tolerant plants from around the world. The many large mature specimens located throughout the 3.5 acre garden serve as an excellent example of just how stunning a dry garden can be. We invite you to come spend the day wandering through the meandering paths and exploring the thousands of different plants species we have growing. There is always something in bloom at the Garden!
The Garden does not have traditional botanical garden signs. This is due to Ruth’s original vision; she felt that signs would interfere with the artistic view of the Garden. We have a self-guided tour booklet available at the Kiosk to help you navigate the space and learn about the Garden’s plant collection.
We are a Member supported Garden – thank you to our many Members, Donors, and Visitors who take the time to enjoy the space! We’ll see you soon.
The Nursery
Voted “Best Plant Nursery” by Diablo Magazine editors and readers, 2020, 2021 & 2022 and Runner Up in 2023
We sell California native plants, succulents, cacti, and many other varieties of climate-resilient plants, ranging in size from 2” to 15-gallon. Our selection includes Agaves, Aloes, Aeoniums, Yuccas, Cacti and many more that are suited to our micro-climate. We also have a wide range of other waterwise plants, including the largest selection of Proteaceae in Northern California. These include Protea, Leucospermum, Leucadendron, Grevillea, and Banksia.
Education
Discover the wonders of the Garden with our diverse educational offerings at the Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery. We host a variety of classes and workshops that our Education Department specially curates. Become a member and enjoy discounted prices, as we strive to make learning accessible to all.
With our family and pet-friendly environment, spending the day at the garden is an enriching adventure for all ages. Let your little ones explore the wonders of our diverse plant collection while discovering the joy of outdoor exploration. Our children’s education programs at the Ruth Bancroft Garden foster curiosity, learning, and unforgettable memories.
Private Rentals
Voted “Best Wedding Venue in the East Bay” by Diablo Magazine editors and readers, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, & 2024
Elevate your special event to extraordinary heights! The Garden offers a truly unique backdrop that adds a touch of enchantment to any occasion. With both indoor and outdoor spaces available, we provide the perfect fit for events of all types. Celebrate weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, corporate gatherings, and more. Our meticulously maintained garden and picturesque surroundings create an atmosphere that is both elegant and tranquil, making every moment unforgettable. Our dedicated team will work closely with you to ensure that every detail is flawlessly executed, allowing you to relax and enjoy your special day.
Discover the magic of hosting your private event in our extraordinary garden. Contact us today to inquire about availability and let us help you create cherished memories in this enchanting setting.
Landscape Design Services
Voted “Best Landscape Design Services” by Diablo Magazine editors and readers, 2023 & 2024
Want a waterwise garden but not sure where to start? We offer landscape design services in the Bay Area ranging from hourly Garden Consultations to full custom design plans.
Transform your outdoor space with our expert landscape designers, featuring stunning climate-resilient plants perfectly suited to our Mediterranean micro-climate. Fill out our Design Services Inquiry Form to get started!
If you have a few plant questions, drop-in on the first Wednesday of the month from 9:30AM-12:30PM and chat with one of our Landscape Designers at Designer in the Nursery!
Membership
Our Garden Members get free admission to the Garden, 20% off in our retail Nursery every time they shop, reciprocal admission to other gardens, and more! Memberships start at just $50 a year and can be bought online or at the Kiosk at the Garden!
If you have any Membership related questions, please reach out to our team at membership@ruthbancroftgarden.org
FEATURED EVENTS
What’s In Bloom
December 2024
Preview the plants blooming in the Garden right now. Discover which ones are available in the Nursery. Print this guide at home or pick one up at the Garden when you visit.
Latest Plant Highlight: Aloe tongaensis (Aloidendron tongaense)
The area where Aloe tongaensis occurs, in southern Mozambique and northeastern South Africa, is warm and tropical, so plants in habitat do not experience freezing temperatures. In cultivation, it can tolerate brief overnight lows a little below freezing, but not sustained freezes.
