U.C. Botanical Garden at Berkeley

The San Francisco Bay Area is fortunate to have several botanical gardens available, each with its own specialization. Typically plants are grouped, categorized, and marked with signs that identify the genus and species. Botanical gardens often offer classes, host plant sales, and rely on volunteer services.

Succulent collection at U.C. Botanical Garden at Berkeley.

The University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley includes specimens from all over the world, with a concentration of plants from Mediterranean climates (California, Chile, Australia, Mediterranean basin, and South Africa). It also includes specialty gardens for old roses, herbs, Chinese healing herbs, cycads, and palms. Green houses display carnivorous plants, succulents, ferns, orchids, and other tender plants.

New World desert collection.

Botanical gardens provide a great way to view a living specimen of a plant, and see an established plant throughout the seasons. This is a useful resource to learn more about a plant before adding it to your landscape. On my excursion to U.C. Botanical Garden at Berkeley, I was especially drawn to Arid House for the succulents, new world desert plants, and the Asian collection. To plan your visit: http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu/.

Monkey Puzzle tree.