A member supported Garden
Voted “Best Tourist Attraction” by Diablo Magazine editors and readers, 2022 & 2023
We are a world-renowned 3.5 acre botanical garden and retail Nursery housing a collection of climate-resilient plants from around the world. We offer a variety of classes, workshops, and events that encourage you to connect meaningfully with the beauty of this place. Come explore Ruth’s Garden today! Garden Members receive exclusive benefits, unlimited free visits to the Garden, and so much more.
Garden of D’Lights
November 24th through January 6th
Tickets go on sale October 23rd
Garden of D’Lights is our flagship fundraising event of the year! We look forward to welcoming everyone to this years event. Please email lights@ruthbancroftgarden.org with any questions, comments or concerns.
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 become more educated 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.
Nursery
We sell succulents, cacti, and many other varieties of climate-resilient plants, ranging in size from 2” to 15-gallon. Our selection includes Agaves, Aloes, Sedums, Aeoniums, Echeverias, Cacti and many more that are suited to this Mediterranean micro-climate. We also stock a wide range of other waterwise plants, including the largest selection of Proteaceae in Northern California. These include Protea, Leucospermum, Leucadendron, Grevillea, and Banksia.
Voted “Best Plant Nursery” by Diablo Magazine editors and readers, 2020, 2021 & 2022 and Runner Up in 2023
Education
Unlock the wonders of the Garden with our diverse educational offerings at the Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery. We host webinars, classes, and workshops with lecturers that our Education Department specially curates. From dry garden landscaping webinars to climate-appropriate plants education, delve into a world of knowledge and exploration. Become a member and enjoy discounted tickets, 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 fosters curiosity, learning, and unforgettable memories.
Private Rentals
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 gardens 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.
Voted “Best Wedding Venue in the East Bay” by Diablo Magazine editors and readers, 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023
Landscape Design Services
Want a waterwise garden but not sure where to start? We offer landscape design services in the Bay Area ranging from a little advice to a complete plan for a whole new garden! 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!
Have just a few plant questions? Drop in on Wednesdays from 9:30AM-12:30PM and chat with one of our Landscape Designers at Designer in the Nursery!
Voted “Best Landscape Design Services” by Diablo Magazine editors and readers, 2023
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
We are proud partners of the Bloom! California Campaign
This initiative aims to encourage people to plant California native plants in their Gardens. Doing so provides a habitat for local wildlife including hummingbirds, bees and butterflies! We have many California native plants in the Garden today, and have a selection available for sale in our retail Nursery.
FEATURED EVENTS
(Tour & Lecture) Palms for the Dry Garden
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 @ 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
(Workshop) Intro to Pine Needle Basketry
Saturday, October 28, 2023 @ 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
What’s In Bloom
September 2023
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: Orbea variegata
Stapeliads are well known for their remarkable five-pointed flowers, and these are often referred to as “carrion flowers” because many of them employ foul odors to attract the flies that pollinate them, including the Orbea variegata.
