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.
Garden & Nursery are OPEN
(updated as of 9am PST, Saturday October 3, 2020)
Please be advised of the following:
- General Heat & Smoke Advisory – Due to the fires we are monitoring air quality closely for the safety of our guests and employees and may close or reduce hours accordingly. Please consult the latest forecasts and guidance regarding outdoor activities when planning your visit and check back here for updates regarding any temporary closings that might occur due to excessive heat or unhealthy air quality.
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All visiting adults and children 3 and over will be required to wear masks in the Garden and Nursery per County regulations.
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Adults are encouraged to come alone or with 1 other person. Families of adults with children, up to 5 people maximum, will be allowed as long as they all reside in the same household.
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We’re limiting the number of visitors so the parking lot may be full and you may be asked to return later
- Entry and exit areas to both the Garden and Nursery have been modified so please follow signs upon arrival
- No food or picnics are allowed in the Garden at this time.
CLICK HERE here for more details regarding our reopening plans, new visitation rules and processes.
FEATURED EVENTS
(Webinar) Basic Design Principles- Gardening with Ethnobotanical Plants
Saturday, October 17, 2020 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
(Webinar) Photography With Any Kind Of Camera
Saturday, October 24, 2020 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 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.
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!
What’s In Bloom
October 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 Garden when you visit.
Latest Plant Highlight: Trithrinax campestris
At the Ruth Bancroft Garden we grow Trithrinax campestris, a palm native to northern Argentina and Uruguay. This species is known as the caranday palm, or alternatively as the blue needle palm, with the latter name referring to its sharp-tipped leaves.
