UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden
UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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A fascinating collection of plants from several Mediterranean ecoregions of the world: Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and coastal California. There is also an aroma garden, a succulent garden, a Pelargonium area, a California native garden, and a butterfly garden. Next to the gardens there is also a major conifer collection. One of the most interesting features is a group of geodesic domes containing three "future gardens", with plant groupings repeating inside and out that are treated with varying watering regimes. The three experimental gardens are meant to represent possible future climatic conditions: extremely wet, extremely dry, and extremely oscillating. The plantings have been left mostly alone to observe which species survive, which die away, and which thrive. The plantings are repeated inside the domes and outside. Those inside are kept in a slightly warmer environment to stimulate warming temperatures. It's a very thoughtful experiment that has been underway for some decades. Anyway, lots to see at any time of year. As a naturalistic garden, this place draws an abundance of wildlife, such as hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, squirrels, lizards, hawks, and more.
Vanessa GooldVanessa Goold
00
Quiet, secluded spot to enjoy unusual plants. Have never been to a botanical garden with an ocean view. Great info on the plaques. Didn't understand the significance of the geographic regions highlighted until I saw the map showing that they are all the same distance from the equator as California. The Future Garden area is a great use of geodesic domes. The location and seclusion made it feel as if we had arrived in an alternate future. Loved the succulent and scent gardens and works have loved to see these as expanded areas. Learned a lot in the California welcome garden. Would love to have seen a return to parking and starting from that area. Fascinating stop!
Anne Margaret WhiteAnne Margaret White
00
Nearby Attractions Of UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden
University Terrace Park
CASFS Farm And Garden

University Terrace Park
4.6
(100)Click for details

CASFS Farm And Garden
5.0
(9)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Oakes Cafe

Oakes Cafe
4.2
(27)$
Click for details
Basic Info
Address
Arboretum Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95064
Map
Phone
(831) 502-2998
Call
Website
arboretum.ucsc.edu
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(437 reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
relaxation
family friendly
Description
The Arboretum & Botanic Garden at the University of California, Santa Cruz, is located on the campus of the University of California, Santa Cruz, in the United States.
attractions: University Terrace Park, CASFS Farm And Garden, restaurants: Oakes Cafe

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