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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 were recently ranked “The Most Beautiful Garden in the World” by Tripadvisor! 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!

Visit us Tuesday through Sunday, 9AM to 4PM.

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 OAK-TOBER Fest

Sunday, October 27th | 10am-2pm

Join us for a community day at the Garden! Learn about the intricate relationship between plants and people at this drop-in event.

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Membership

Support the Garden you love with your Membership dues

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Donate

Invest in a legacy of climate-resiliency, education, and conservation

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Events

Join us for our fun events and help us fundraise for the Garden

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A community-supported Garden

Voted “Best Tourist Attraction” by Diablo Magazine editors and readers in Best of the East Bay, 2022 & 2023

Plan Your Visit

 

The Garden’s mission is to preserve, promote, and enhance Ruth Bancroft’s world-class collection of water-conserving plants displayed in her exceptionally designed garden for the education, inspiration, and enjoyment of the public.

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.

Donate to our Golden Barrel Fund

Please consider making a gift, in any amount, to support the Garden you love!

Donate Today

 

Your gift helps us nurture the Garden’s astounding and varied collection of plants from all around the world, gathered here for your knowledge and enjoyment, and keeps the Garden open to the community year round.

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.

The Nursery

Voted Best Plant Nurseryby Diablo Magazine editors and readers, 2020, 2021 & 2022 and Runner Up in 2023

 

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 our dry-summer 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.

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 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 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.

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 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 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

 

Become a Member

FEATURED EVENTS

Morning Yoga at the Garden

Wednesday, October 2, 2024 @ 9:30 am - 10:30 am

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Workshop – Whimsical Owl Door Hanger

Saturday, October 12, 2024 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

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Morning Yoga at the Garden

Wednesday, October 16, 2024 @ 9:30 am - 10:30 am

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Sound Bath (October)

Wednesday, October 23, 2024 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

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OAK-TOBER Fest (free with Garden Admission)

Sunday, October 27, 2024 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

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Follow our Curator’s musings on tumblr here

What's In Bloom - June 2024

What’s In Bloom

June 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.

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Latest Plant Highlight: Agave microceps

Agave microceps was first described from plants growing in the south-central part of Sinaloa, on the west coast of Mexico. At this locality, the population is only about 1600 feet (500 m) above sea level, growing on rocky low hills not far inland from the Gulf of California.