The Importance of Botanical Gardens

The American Public Gardens Association defines a public garden as “an institution that maintains collections of plants for the purposes of public education and enjoyment, in addition to research, conservation, and higher learning. It must be open to the public and the garden’s resources and accommodations must be made to all visitors.”  During the COVID-19 pandemic, public gardens became very popular destinations, serving as places of hope and healing for a weary public. Even with the pandemic over, public gardens continue to be attractions for those seeking places for relaxation and respite. 

The Los Angeles area is home to numerous high quality gardens. In this article, Michael Juliano of TimeOut highlights the following facilities that are worth visiting:

Japanese and botanical gardens

• The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
• Descanso Gardens
• Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
• Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden
• South Coast Botanic Garden
• The Japanese Garden
• Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
• James Irvine Japanese Garden

Mansion and institution gardens

• Getty Center
• Exposition Park Rose Garden
• Getty Villa
• Virginia Robinson Gardens
• Greystone Mansion

Urban and hidden gardens

• Amir's Garden
• Arlington Garden
• Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine
• Blue Ribbon Garden at the Walt Disney Concert Hall
• Los Angeles River Center and Gardens
• Garden of Oz

For more information about any of the above gardens, please read the source article.