Business Details
Explore Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery
The Ruth Bancroft Garden is a non-profit, member-supported organization dedicated to preserving and promoting a world-class collection of water-conserving plants. Established over six decades ago, our 3.5-acre botanical garden showcases Ruth Bancroft's visionary design with climate-resilient species, including agaves, aloes, cacti, and California native plants. As a leader in drought-tolerant horticulture, we offer educational programs for all ages, from children's workshops to adult classes, fostering appreciation for sustainable gardening. Our retail nursery provides climate-appropriate plants suited to the East Bay microclimate, while our landscape design services help homeowners create beautiful, waterwise outdoor spaces.Recognized as Diablo Magazine's Best Wedding Venue and Top Landscape Design Service, we combine horticultural expertise with event hosting, including the acclaimed Garden of DLights holiday display. Through community engagement, conservation efforts, and partnerships like The Garden Conservancy, we maintain Ruth's legacy while advancing climate-resilient practices for future generations.
Services
Botanical Garden
Plant Nursery
Landscape Design
Private Rentals
Educational Programs
Highlights and features
- Voted Best Wedding Venue by Diablo Magazine for six consecutive years
- Largest Proteaceae selection in Northern California
- Expert landscape designers specializing in waterwise gardens
- Award-winning educational programs for all ages
- Preserving Ruth Bancroft's iconic dry garden legacy
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization
What people say
Enchanting wedding venue
Expert landscape designers
Exceptional plant selection
Award-winning nursery
Beautifully maintained gardens
Services
Plant Nursery
Our retail nursery offers climate-resilient plants suited to the East Bay microclimate. Specializing in California natives, succulents, cacti, and Proteaceae species like proteas and grevilleas. Plants range from 2 to 15 gallons, with expert staff available to guide selections. Proceeds support garden conservation efforts while helping homeowners create sustainable landscapes.
Landscape Design
Professional design services transform outdoor spaces into waterwise gardens using climate-appropriate plants. Services include hourly consultations, full custom plans, and firescaping solutions. Our certified designers combine beauty with resilience, offering site analysis, plant selection, and implementation guidance tailored to individual microclimates and preferences.
Private Rentals
Host weddings, corporate events, or celebrations in our 3.5-acre botanical garden. Offering indoor and outdoor spaces with capacity up to 150 guests. Packages include exclusive after-hours access, catering kitchen, and Wi-Fi. Recognized as Diablo Magazine's Best Wedding Venue for six consecutive years with dedicated event coordination support.
Educational Programs
Adult workshops and children's programs promote climate-resilient gardening practices. Features include Garden Buds sessions for toddlers, field trips for school groups, and lectures on drought-tolerant horticulture. Educational resources emphasize biodiversity, pollinator habitats, and sustainable landscape maintenance techniques.
Photography Sessions
Professional photo opportunities in our botanical garden after regular hours. Packages include 2-hour sessions with access to diverse plant collections and architectural features. Restrictions ensure visitor experience remains undisturbed, with specific policies on equipment placement and seasonal availability for optimal floral backdrops.
People
Roger Ravenstad
Executive Director
38-year government and consulting leader specializing in sustainable public spaces. Licensed landscape architect with expertise in urban forestry and park systems. Former Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal, combining ecological knowledge with community engagement to enhance quality of life through horticulture.
Brian Kemble
Curator
Horticultural expert since 1980 with extensive fieldwork in Mexico, Madagascar, and Africa. Hybridized multiple succulent species and contributes to botanical literature through his 'On the Dry Side' column. Holds philosophy degree but developed deep expertise in arid climate plant cultivation.
Kate Nitsch
Design Services Manager
Landscape architect with 15+ years Bay Area experience. Combines biology and museum studies backgrounds to create resilient gardens. Former Filoli Gardens horticulture manager, emphasizing beauty and ecological function in waterwise designs while mentoring future horticultural professionals.
Questions
What are the Garden's operating hours?
Open Wednesday-Sunday 9AM-4PM with last entry at 3:15PM.
Can I host a wedding at the Garden?
Yes, we offer private rentals for weddings and events with packages accommodating 31-150 guests.
Does the Nursery sell plants year-round?
Yes, climate-appropriate plants are available during open hours Tuesday-Sunday.
Are photography sessions permitted?
Professional sessions available after hours with advance booking and specific policies.
Is the Garden accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, compact gravel paths accommodate wheelchairs with thick tires. Two loaner wheelchairs available.
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