Garden of D’Lights is back!
For questions about Garden of D’Lights, please email us at lights@ruthbancroftgarden.org or give us a call on the hotline: 925-542-9444. Someone will be available to answer your questions Monday – Saturday, 9AM-5PM. Thank you for your patience and support!
A community-supported Garden
Voted “Best Tourist Attraction” by Diablo Magazine editors and readers in Best of the East Bay, 2022 & 2023
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.
Your Donations at Work
Now through December 31st, the impact of your donation is doubled! Thanks to a generous foundation, all donations up to $50,000 will be matched. Donate to our Annual Fund today and make a meaningful difference.
Every year from November 1st through December 31st, our organization raises money for the Annual Fund. We use this fund to:
- Educate about climate-resiliency—Your $250 donation admits 30 schoolchildren for free or a partial student scholarship for our dry garden certificate program.
- Create an accessible and beautiful space—Your $500 donation provides free access to 50 low-income visitors or free youth admission during a community event.
- Preserve Ruth’s Garden for generations to come—Your $2,500 donation funds new plants for a Garden bed renovation or two student internships building the next generation of horticulturalists.
Garden of D’Lights
November 24th through January 6th
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 or call our hotline: 925-542-9444 with any questions, comments or concerns.
Check out our event page for more info!
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 Nursery” by 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 fosters 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
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
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!
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
(Lecture) Meet the Protea Family- Selections, Care & Maintenance
Saturday, December 16, 2023 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
(Webinar) Dry Garden Botany- Arecaceae (Palms) & Cycads
Wednesday, December 14, 2022 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
What’s In Bloom
December 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: Banksia heliantha
Banksia is a genus in the Proteaceae (the Protea Family), and most of them are shrubs, like the Banksia heliantha.
