Visit Sonoma Botanical Garden

Located in the quaint town of Glen Ellen, the Sonoma Botanical Garden offers tours of its large, impressive collection of Asian plants and California native varieties. Discover waterfalls, ponds, and photo-worthy views of Sonoma Valley in the garden’s 25 acres, nestled in oak and chaparral.

Take in the beauty of flowering Asian trees and shrubs, many of which are rare and endangered. Most of the extraordinary Asian collection here was grown from seeds collected in the wild during expeditions to China, Japan, Tibet, Yunnan, India, and Nepal, as well as regions of North America. 

Sonoma Botanical Garden dates to 1968, when Jane Davenport Jansen purchased 61 coastal acres for vineyards. The property was pocked with old rock quarries, which filled with water during winter rains, creating a stream with ponds and waterfalls. In 1987, Jansen started a garden on 20 hillside acres, originally named Quarryhill. That year, representatives made their first seed-collecting expedition to Asia, and in 1988, a nursery was established. 

Many varieties preserved at the Garden are threatened by extinction due to habitat loss, typically from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and/or resource consumption. The fact that these plants thrive at the Sonoma Botanical Garden and their seeds are saved helps their survival chances. 

One example is the maple tree, Acer pentaphyllum, which botanists believe will soon be extinct in China, but the garden has nurtured several hundred of these plants from seeds. Another endangered plant is Rosa rugosa, a rose that’s nearly extinct in the wilds of China, but is now thriving here. The ultimate goal is to produce and then provide these rare seeds to China to help with reforestation efforts. 

The Garden is also home to a comprehensive collection of wild Asian roses, oaks, maples, magnolias, lilies, and dogwoods, in addition to many species of Rhododendrons, which are native to both Asia and California. 

Both self-guided and docent-led tours are available. For a soulful journey thorough the garden, check out this special itinerary. Groups and classrooms are welcome with advance reservations. A gift shop at the entrance features a variety of unique items for botanical lovers.

Visitors are welcome to picnic at Sonoma Botanical Gardens in the designated areas. Get the makings for a delicious picnic at the Glen Ellen Village Market or at Oak Hill Farm of Sonoma, which sells seasonal, fresh-picked produce and local treats from its Red Barn Store.

Explore numerous Glen Ellen wine tasting opportunities in the inviting tasting rooms and impressive wineries that flourish in this famous region.

Find memorable Glen Ellen lodging at Jack London Lodge on the tree-lined Sonoma Creek, in the historic and stylish Gaige House + Ryokan, and in boutique hotels, bed and breakfast inns, and vacation rentals throughout the area.

For more ideas, check out 24 Hours in Glen Ellen and 5 Fun Things to do in Glen Ellen.

Together, we can protect and preserve the beauty and natural resources of Sonoma County for generations to come. Check out our page on Sustainable Travel, and look over the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.