Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Sanctuary for Nature, Education & Events in Walnut Creek
Established in 1972, we are a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the community through environmental stewardship, educational programs, and cultural events. Our 6.5-acre public garden in Walnut Creek, CA, features diverse landscapes including the Cowden Rose Garden, a children's garden, and a certified wildlife habitat. We offer youth and adult education classes, horticultural programs, and event venues while maintaining a commitment to sustainability through our Certified Green Business status.Our operations are supported by memberships, donations, and community volunteers. With over five decades of service, we continue to provide free public access to gardens and educational resources while fostering community engagement through volunteer programs and partnerships.
Services
Public Garden Access
Youth Education Programs
Event Venue Rental
Nursery Plant Sales
Adult Flower Classes
Photography Permits
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of experience in horticultural education and garden stewardship
- Our certified green business practices ensure environmentally responsible operations
- We provide free public access to six acres of beautifully maintained gardens
- Our team includes experienced horticulturalists and certified education staff
- We combine natural beauty with flexible event spaces for weddings and gatherings
Associations and certifications
- Certified Wildlife Habitat
- Certified Green Business
Services
Public Garden Access
Our six-acre garden offers free public access to diverse landscapes including the Cowden Rose Garden, waterfall garden, and native plant collections. Visitors enjoy walking paths, seasonal blooms, and wildlife habitats while experiencing our commitment to environmental stewardship. The gardens serve as both recreational space and living classroom for nature appreciation.
Youth Education Programs
We provide hands-on environmental education for children through classroom programs and outdoor exploration. Students learn about plant biology, water conservation, and ecosystem dynamics through guided activities aligned with science standards. Our natural science instructors facilitate interactive learning experiences in garden habitats and demonstration areas.
Event Venue Rental
Our gardens offer multiple indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations. The venue accommodates up to 150 guests with rustic-chic settings among floral displays and natural landscapes. Rental packages include tables, chairs, and event coordination for ceremonies, receptions, and special gatherings throughout the year.
Nursery Plant Sales
Our on-site nursery propagates and sells regionally appropriate plants including water-wise species and organic edibles. Seasonal plant sales feature unique cultivars grown by staff and volunteers. The nursery supports garden maintenance while providing community members with quality plants for home landscapes and gardening education opportunities.
Adult Flower Classes
We offer floral design classes led by professional instructors in our dedicated flower school. Participants learn arrangement techniques using fresh blooms from our gardens. The courses combine creative expression with horticultural education, emphasizing seasonal materials and sustainable floral practices in a supportive learning environment.
Questions
Can I host a wedding at the gardens?
Yes, we offer multiple indoor and outdoor wedding venues with capacity for up to 150 guests and event planning support.
Are there educational programs for children?
We provide youth education programs focusing on environmental science, plant biology, and nature conservation for school groups and families.
Do you sell plants to the public?
Yes, our nursery offers seasonal plant sales featuring water-wise species, native plants, and unique cultivars grown on-site.
How can I support the gardens?
Support through memberships, donations, volunteer work, or event participation helps maintain our free public gardens and programs.
Can I photograph in the gardens?
Photography permits are available for $75-$150, with sessions allowed Monday-Friday during regular garden hours.
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