Garden List

African Garden
Along a sandstone ridge discover unusual plants from showy tulip trees to water smart succulents and cycads.

Australian Garden
Explore fascinating plants from “Down Under” including kangaroo paws, bottle trees, firewheel trees, and many of our most useful low water landscape plants.

Bamboo Garden
Experience the exotic drama of the nation’s largest collection of bamboo. Marvel at the giant timber bamboo. Watch the turtles sun themselves on among the waterlilies in the Bamboo Pond.

California Gardenscapes
Discover the beauty and water smart value of our California native plants for local gardens and landscapes.

Cork Oak Grove
Discover a shady grove of cork oak trees and the seasonal blooms of daffodils, cyclamen, and iris. Enjoy fragrant water smart plants like lavender, rosemary, and rock rose.

Desert Garden – New World
Discover cacti, Agaves, succulents, and other fascinating low water plants from the Americas.

Desert Garden – Old World
Showy Aloes, Euphorbias, dragon trees, and other unique succulents from Africa and Asia grow on a hillside overlooking the ocean.

Dickinson Family Education Conservatory
A community hub for learning, growing, meeting & celebrating together! Come explore the 8,000 square foot glass building that houses rare and unusual tropical plants and its adjacent amphitheater.

Dragon Tree Grove
Explore the dragon trees and other unusual, water smart plants from the Canary Islands, such as the Cinerarias.

Hamilton Children’s Garden
The largest children’s garden on the west coast, this is SDBG’s flagship learning and play area for kids. Here children and adults can climb Toni’s Tree House in a jungle canopy, explore the Incredible Edibles section, play in the Mountain Stream, make music, draw pictures on a giant chalkboard, and so much more.

Herb Garden
See a selection of medicinal and culinary herbs from around the world located around a giant Mysore fig.

Incredible Edibles
In this section of Hamilton Children’s Garden, kids can learn about fruits and vegetables.

Junior Quail Trail Children’s Area
Explore and play outdoors in this immersive children’s garden using interactive elements to blend physical challenges with observations of the natural world.

Lawn Garden
Located in the center of the Garden, this beautiful, large lawn is framed by natural borders of flowing plants and mature trees and features the Victorian gazebo.

Lawn House Garden
A multi-level, gated, cobblestone garden adjacent to the Tropical Rainforest. The lush backdrop soothing waterfall sounds create a unique setting for private events.

Mexican Garden
Learn about the rich botanical heritage of Mexico including Agaves, Salvias, and cycads. Enjoy the festive dancing topiaries and succulent mariachi players.

Native Plants & Native People Trail
See a Kumeyaay homesite and learn about native plants used traditionally in a Kumeyaay village, the area’s earliest inhabitants. Wander a nature trail to a quiet pond.

New Zealand Garden
View some of our most popular and useful garden plants that come from this spectacular island nation.

Overlook Tower
Stunning ocean views await you at the top of the Overlook Tower, situated among habitat native to Southern California. A free telescope brings the crystal blue waters of the Pacific Ocean even closer!

Palm Canyon
Discover dozens of graceful palms from around the world.

Pollinator Garden
Discover flowers and plants that attract butterflies and birds.

Rainforest
Explore the lush tropical and temperate rainforest with a spectacular waterfall and waterfall view deck. Stroll shady paths along streams and pools.

Seeds of Wonder Children’s Garden
Families connect with nature in this interactive garden designed for preschool age children featuring a dinosaur garden, playhouse, topiary, and a miniature railroad.

South African Garden
Enjoy the colorful flora, especially the botanical treasures of the southwest Cape region, a Mediterranean-type climate like ours.

South American Garden
Wander hillside paths to see water smart plants including palms, cacti, and bromeliads from dry regions of South America.

Subtropical Fruit Garden
Discover the wide selection of fruits that can be grown in our area.

Undersea Succulent Garden
This unique garden of water-smart succulents simulates a tropical coral reef, overflowing with marine life.

Walled Garden
An intimate, secluded location enclosed within an original adobe and tile wall and surrounded by trees, lush ferns, and cycads.  Adjacent to the historic Larabee House, this garden has incredible sunset views.