Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden

   Susanna Bixby Bryant started this garden of native California plants on her family’s homestead in 1927. The remote location of the ranch hindered visitation by the public and researchers so in 1951 a decision was made to move the garden to Claremont California. The main purpose of the garden is to preserve plants from all of California’s ecosystems, especially the rare and endangered ones. The garden’s collection of native plants numbers over 20,000 different kinds.

    The garden has three sections - the largest at 35 acres features southern California plant communities that are dry and hot; the Alluvial Garden has palm trees, oaks, wildflowers and cacti; and  Indian Hill Mesa, the most cultivated, has display gardens and a children’s area. Pick up a map at the entrance booth because it’s easy to get confused by the intertwining paths.

                                                                                                                                                                              

      

   The garden is fairly accessible. The asphalt paths are cracked and crumbling in places but they are still usable. The sand paths are hard packed and smooth. The narrow gravel trails are rough. Follow the signs for a long ADA compliant ramp to the mesa.

    RVs will fit in the lot if backed up over the landscaping or parked lengthwise across the spaces. Garden  34.11044, -117.71558