Program areas at SBBG
The horticulture program curates, installs, and maintains the Garden's living collection, which encompasses 78 acres of native plants drawn from California's floristic province, as well as historic landmarks and features dating back to 1806. The program ensures guests experience seasonal wildflower displays, ecosystem-themed sections from desert to redwood groves, and gardens that celebrate California's taxonomic diversity, from rare species to iconic fixtures such as the golden poppy. Newer Garden exhibits explore "planting with purpose" themes such as water conservation, attracting wildlife, and home demonstration gardening. Program staff also manage two plant nurseries - one open to the public, and one supporting conservation and the regeneration of the living collection.
The education program at the Garden supports the mission of conserving California's native plants by providing meaningful experiences in nature. The Garden grounds offer a unique outdoor classroom whose diverse collections provide a backdrop for programs. By engaging our community with onsite interpretation of our living collections and a wide variety of public programs on and off site, we facilitate connections to the natural world and foster love for native plants. Transformative youth programs include school tours, summer programs for students ages five to 10, and ongoing opportunities through our 4.5 acre children's Garden, "the backcountry". These programs are designed to align with the California common core state standards, California environmental education initiative & next-generation science standards.
With native plants and habitats at its core, the conservation and research program focuses on solutions to today's complex conservation challenges - from genes to ecosystems. With a team of scientists, technicians, partners, and budding conservation leaders, the program works collaboratively to understand, protect, and restore California's diverse Botanic ecosystems. In response, the team produces essential plant inventories and research, safeguards endangered plant species, and works to restore entire food webs, while securing and maintaining collections that inform and support recovery.
Garden shop: to support Garden education, community programs, exhibits and displays by selling books, maps, Garden publications, educational tools and related products, thereby generating appreciation and knowledge of the plant and natural sciences.