Exploring the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is on a mission “To conserve native plants and habitats for the health and well-being of people and our planet.” They believe that “native plants are one of the most direct solutions to our biodiversity and climate change crisis,” standing as a testament to the timeless beauty of nature and the enduring spirit of conservation. Established in 1926, this horticultural haven has grown from a small collection of native plants to a sprawling 78-acre garden, captivating visitors and locals alike with its diverse flora and serene ambiance.

The history of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is rooted in the vision of a group of forward-thinking individuals who recognized the importance of preserving California’s native plant species. Through the Garden, its visionaries have facilitated the protection, study, and sharing of native plants to help heal our planet. Ecologist Dr. Frederic Clements is often cited as the Garden’s founding visionary, although it was Ervanna Bissell, the Garden’s first associate director, who established its mission to conserve and grow native plant communities.

This approach sets it apart from the majority of botanic gardens, which often extract exotic plants from other parts of the world. Today’s resulting sanctuary not only showcases the region’s unique plant life but also serves as a center for education and research. Thanks to the generosity of philanthropists Anna Dorinda Blaksley Bliss and her daughter Mildred Barnes Bliss, the Garden was able to preserve this sacred space and opened its doors to the public on March 16th, 1926. In the decades that followed, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden has expanded its collections, developed new research initiatives, and established itself as a leader in the field of native plant conservation.

Today, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden remains an oasis of tranquility and a haven for plant enthusiasts, researchers, and nature lovers alike. Much of the grounds were designed by Beatrix Farrand, the first female landscape architect in the United States of America. The Garden’s carefully curated Living Collection boasts 974 species of unique native species, subspecies, and cultivars. From vibrant wildflowers that paint the landscape with bursts of color to majestic coastal redwoods that whisper tales of ancient times, the Garden offers a captivating tapestry of California’s natural heritage.

Several supporting entities bolster the conservation efforts and expand educational resources through the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. The Garden’s Tissue Bank contains 11,405 DNA samples representing 120 plant families and 465 genera, which, in turn, allows the organization to help better identify and protect rare plants. The Conservation Seed Bank safeguards 2.9 million seeds, facilitating the protection of 305 rare species from the threat of extinction. Currently, 211,000 unique specimens of plants, lichen, and fungus are contained in the Clifton Smith Herbarium.

The majestic Pritzlaff Conservation Center & Gallery, which stands at the Garden’s highest point, showcases rotating exhibits that focus on the intersection of art and science as well as pieces from the Garden’s permanent collection and Artist Residency Program. The current “At the Edge” exhibit may be viewed until the end of July. “This exhibit is a wonderful look at a side of the Garden many don’t yet realize exists,” says Kevin Spracher, the Garden’s Interpretation and Exhibitions Curator. “It showcases two incredible conservation projects on the Channel Islands led by our team, which is just a fraction of the work we’re doing to conserve native plants and habitats here in Santa Barbara and across California. We hope they inspire everyone who visits.”

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden continues to play a vital role in environmental conservation and education. Its Nursery Garden, for example, has sold over 22,000 native plants, which continue to provide vital habitat across the state of California. Through its research programs, it advances the understanding of native plants, their ecosystems, and their ecological significance. The Garden also hosts educational programs, workshops, and events, inspiring visitors of all ages to develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world and become stewards of the environment.

There are 11 distinct California ecosystems for visitors to experience on the garden’s grounds: Desert, Meadow, Redwoods, Manzanitas, Canyon, Backcountry, Island View, Home Demonstration, Wooded Dell, Pollinator Garden, and Arroyo. The newest garden, now celebrating its first anniversary, is Backcountry. It’s designed for kids to explore nature in an unstructured way and encourages visitors to go off the designated trails. Scattered throughout are five “Casitas,” which simultaneously act as “nature playhouses” and sculptural works of art—although some of the designs changed from conception to execution, all were selected through a submission competition and will remain on display in the Backcountry for a two-year installation period.

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is unique in that it focuses entirely on plants native to California—it even has redwood trees and rare plants found on the Channel Islands, which are visible on clear days. As the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden enters its next century, it stands as a living testament to the tireless efforts of those who have sought to preserve and celebrate California’s native flora. It invites visitors to embark on a journey of discovery, where the beauty of nature intertwines with the wonders of scientific inquiry, fostering a profound connection between humans and the natural world.

Photographers Ellie Koleen, Bill Zeldis & Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Ellie Koleen

Photographer

Ellie is a lifestyle, wedding, and brand photographer based in Fresno, California. An artist behind the lens, her trademark airy, light-filled style and masterful camera angles make her work easily recognizable. She uses her love for all things design related as inspiration for her work. The Fresno Bee named Ellie Best Photographer for the People’s Choice Awards in 2018 and 2019.