Welcome

Gardens for Ventura County - to inspire, to inform and to matter. Please join us by making a contribution or volunteering your time to make the gardens a reality. We need your help.

OUR MISSION
To create and maintain public gardens for the preservation, education, cultural contribution and enhancement of the entire community.

OUR PLAN
Create a botanical garden with an ecological emphasis on the Ventura Coast.
Encourage partnerships with other botanical, horticultural, educational, cultural organizations.
Build a volunteer core of community members.
Promote education regarding the environment, ecology, organic methods and horticulture.
Secure our site, solicit funds and apply for grants to carry out our vision.

OUR PROGRESS
Over five years ago we began working toward the ideal of a world-class botanical garden to showcase the grandeur of nature along the Ventura Coast. Grant Park presented the perfect site, with its breathtaking 360-degree view that encompasses the spectacular coastline, the mountains, and lush agricultural greenery. We engaged the eminent landscape architecture firm, Mia Lehrer + Associates, to develop our Vision Plan, and in February of 2011 we signed a lease/option with the City of Ventura for the 107 acres at Grant Park. 

The Ventura Botanical Gardens is in the process of developing a comprehensive site compilation of existing conditions and a baseline environmental assessment. We have more than 850 Charter Members and a growing number of members who support the Gardens on an annual basis. In addition to dues, we are funded through a variety of contributions including proceeds from events including the Annual Spring Garden Tour and the Polo, Picnic & Paradise event at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club. We have been fortunate to have corporate sponsorships as we move closer to our goals. If you would like to make a donation and be a part of Ventura’s history, you will also be leaving a lasting legacy. For Donations, click here. 

As we continue to build the gardens, the rustic location is open from dawn until dusk for hiking, running, picnicking or enjoying the vistas of the Ventura County coastline, the Channel Islands, and the Pacific Ocean. Unmarked site entrances include Summit Drive, Ferro Drive, and Brakey Road. 

We have a wonderful roster of members including Master Gardeners, landscape architects, real estate experts, botanists, horticulturists, business and community leaders and neighbors from all walks of life. We hope that you’ll join us. For Membership, click here.

Please visit us again to follow our progress.  For a more complete look at our plans, this link will take you to our Vision Plan. (PDF)