Local Non-Profit, East Bay Dry Garden and Plant Nursery
Outdoor botanical garden and retail nursery in Walnut Creek, California. We specialize in climate-adaptive plants that are well-suited to the East Bay microclimate. 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!
Call for Artists: Sculpture in the Garden
Be part of the 31st annual Sculpture Show
Sculpture in the Garden is an annual art exhibit and sale that marries stunning sculptural art with the natural botanical beauty of the Ruth Bancroft Garden.
Apply by March 21 to be considered!
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. We invite you to come spend the day wandering through the meandering paths and exploring the thousands of different plant 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 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 nature with our educational offerings at the Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery. We host a variety of classes and workshops. 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 in 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 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 garden creates 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!
FEATURED EVENTS
(Member Event) Gardens for the Future: Climate Resilience at the Ruth Bancroft Garden
Thursday, April 3, 2025 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Sketching Botanical Vignettes (Workshop)
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
What’s In Bloom
March 2025
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: Lachenalia aloides
Lachenalia is a genus of bulbs, currently placed in the subfamily Scilloideae within the Asparagus family, but formerly in the family Hyacinthaceae. Of the 133 species recognized in the 2012 monograph of the genus, the great majority come from the winter-rainfall region in western South Africa, though a few come from farther east, or northward into Namibia.
