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Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
Rating Details »
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
8 reviews for Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
Honestly, this place is great to come if you just want to have a relaxing walk through nature. The gardens are well kept but not so much that it seems artificial or forced. I always feel a sense of tranquility when I come here.
RSABG is conveniently located, too, and has a large enough parking lot that you don't really have to worry about getting a parking space like I've sometimes encountered at places like the Huntington. It also doesn't have any admission fee, but operates on donations, so if you're short on money, you can still enjoy the beauty.
Their plant sales are also extensive and fun, focusing on native plants. Their plants are of high quality and their prices very reasonable. Plus, you're supporting the gardens!
A+
I'm a hard core native plant enthusiast because I'm not a good gardener. I'll put a plant in the ground, water it for a week and then forget it. California native plants are the only plants that can survive this treatment, so I love them. Rancho Santa Ana garden is lovely but HOT. If a plant can survive here, it can survive in your garden,
it might sound gay that i'm reviewing this place...I went here just for one reason so that i can play around with my camera.. thinking that flowers would be in bloom at that time.. but i ended up taking pictures of cactus and grass not much flowers for most of them are dried already it was a bummer... saw some turtles and some bobcats (i tried to chase it but it was a stupid idea)
the place closes pretty early... i might come back next time when most of the plants are in bloom.....
Most people who love visiting botanic gardens will easily overlook this place since its all the way far inland in Claremont. Its the ugly duckling compared to Descanso and The Huntington Library. That's a shame because this is one of the best places to discover and appreciate what California originally looked like before suburbia took over.
The beauty of this place is more understated and sublime, since the foliage is no where near as lush or eye catching as the plants you'll see at Huntington Library (see my review) and Descanso Gardens (see my review).
This place probably has the most extensive collection of California natives and the wildlife certainly appreciate it. While walking through this very large place (I got fatigued), I spotted California quail, and a nest of a great horned owl. I'm pretty sure there are snakes and coyotes present as well because of the abundant wildlife. I was half expecting a cougar in the bushes. Keep to the cement pathways and you will be safe.
If you visit, you must be in decent shape for walking/hiking. Bring plenty of water and try and visit during the mornings. Because of its far inland location, the weather here can get pretty warm and uncomfortable for distance walking.
RSA also holds plant sales like its counterparts in Descanso and the Huntington. This year, their spring plant sale is on the weekend of March 31st. If you are looking for a CA native to plant in your garden, then this is a great sale to go to.
Finding the entrance is a little bit tricky since you have to first drive up a narrow road. Once you get there, there is plenty of parking.
Peacocks! As I entered the Arboretum & Botanic Gardens in Claremont, I was greeted by these fantastic creatures. This outing was a highlight of my recent February trip to Los Angeles. Admission is reasonable (I believe $5 for regular admission, with a discount for students/senior citizens/children). The grounds are absolutely beautiful. It features small formal gardens, a section of Australian flora, and another area of tropical flora.
For those interested in the historical, there are exhibits to explore - the original honeymoon cottage constructed at the purchase of the land, a "natural" Native American hut, and a fully furnished house, complete with human figures (which was unfortunately closed at the time of my visit). I was, however, able to enjoy a restful nap outdoors, and a subsequent visit to the gift shop. My companion bought a beautiful plant for only $6, and the purchase was aided by a helpful attendant.
The real gem of these gardens, to this librarian, was discovering a botanic library on the grounds. The library is in the process of becoming open-stack, and the literature and geologic collection are of interest to any active mind. The society also sponsors a number of classes for those of any skill level.
A new find which could quickly turn to an old friend.
I've only come to the garden at night, due to their early closing hours of 5PM except on Thursdays during the summer, when they open 7-9 for a show. We showed up past 8 so we didn't have to pay and we didn't watch the show anyway; we just walked around the darkened gardens. It was a nice experience, like something out of Great Gatsby, with the far-off music trickling through the garden and the cool night air. I recommend you check it out at night to avoid the extreme heat of Claremont.
Robert is right, no one knows about this place. The only reason why I know is because my parents worked nearby and I went to Claremont HS which was a block away. I never really appreciated flora until I came here seeking solace during my angst-laden teen years. The Garden is deceptively large and I simply couldn't believe the variety and multitude of vegetation. Being in the inland valley, it's surprising to see such an oasis of color and life in what is essentially an irrigated desert. This was definitely one of my fondest memories of the Claremont years.
This is an excellent location for viewing native flora and fauna. Red-Shouldered and Cooper's Hawks soar overhead, while California and Spotted Towhees, Western Scrub-jays, Plain Titmice, and Anna's Hummingbirds gambol on the ground or in the trees. Wild rabbits and squirrels the size of cats can be found in the brush. I have seen coyotes here twice -- with the rabbits and squirrels they probably have a pretty easy time of things. The plant life is amazing, with Joshua trees, cacti of all stripes (including purple cacti!), succulents, oaks and palms in abundance, and depending on the time of year, many lovely blooming flowers. For an Oregonian used to parks around every corner and nature at every turn, this garden is an oasis in a desert of suburbia. It's a wonderful way to spend a morning or an afternoon, and it's large enough that you can easily spend three or four hours just walking around and taking everything in. It's a wonderful garden, without that artificial feel -- check it out!
