University of California Botanical Garden

200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley

Garden size: 14 acres of California natives

Showcase feature: The admission charge will be waived for Tour participants; just show your guide at the kiosk for free entry! Growing in the California area are more than 1,200 species of natives, including many of the state's endemic and/or rare plants. The Garden recreates many of California's most beautiful and interesting plant communities; special community displays include an alpine fell field, vernal pool, pygmy forest, redwood forest, chapparral, and a unique garden of the plants adapted to serpentine soils. Outstanding collections include over 100 kinds of manzanitas, nearly 80 kinds of California lilacs, and nearly 100 kinds of native bulbs (including Fritillaria, Calochortus, Lilium, Erythronium, and Brodiaea). The collection also features many annual wildflowers, from the abundant California poppy to a very rare vine hill clarkia (Clarkia imbricata).

Other garden attractions:

The Garden's California native area contains two beds dedicated to the flora of the Berkeley Hills, including oaks native to the Garden. These shady beds surround the hilly oak knoll, and contain more than a dozen species of natives.

Gardening for wildlife: California pipevine swallowtail butterflies, many native snakes and lizards, and a variety native birds call the Garden home.

Garden Walks:
12:30 "A children's tour of California Indians and Plants." Through traditional Native American games, acorn grinding, music making, and other activities, children can investigate how California Indians used plants around them for food, medicine, clothing, culture and shelter.
3:00 “Waterwise natives for your garden” Horticulturist Ken Bates will lead this guided tour.

Plants sold: On May 5th and 6th, the Garden will sell a special selection of California natives.

Directions: From I-80, take the University Ave. exit and turn east, toward the hills. Continue until University dead-ends at Oxford Street. Turn left onto Oxford and travel to the second light. Turn right on Hearst Ave. and continue to the second light. Turn right on Gayley Rd. and travel to the first stop sign. Turn left onto Stadium Rimway and continue to the first stop sign. Turn left onto Centennial Dr. The Garden entrance is 3/4 mile up Centennial Drive on the right.

Parking: Parking is past the Garden on the left (across the street from the Garden). Bring dollar bills or quarters! Parking is $0.75 for first half hour, $1.50 for one hour and $0.50 for each half-hour thereafter.

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