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!
Ruth Bancroft Garden Gala – Celebrating the Lush Dry Garden
May 17th at 5pm
Experience the magic of the Ruth Bancroft Garden at our annual Garden Gala! This special evening will showcase Ruth’s iconic low-water plant collection during its most vibrant season. Enjoy live music from The Gold Souls, savor gourmet food from Elisa’s Catering, sip signature cocktails, and bid on rare, curated plants and spectacular guided adventures. Your support makes a difference!
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
(Tour) Ruth Bancroft’s Private Iris Collection
Friday, April 25, 2025 @ 9:15 am - 9:45 am
Garden Gala: Celebrating the Lush Dry Garden
Saturday, May 17, 2025 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
What’s In Bloom
April 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: Kalanchoe tomentosa
Kalanchoe tomentosa is frequently grown as a potted plant, but it can be planted out where winters are mild. It can endure only brief dips below freezing, so it is not suitable outdoors where cold spells in winter exceed this.
