Great Escape: Ruth Bancroft Garden a Must Visit for All East Bay Residents

Covering three acres in Walnut Creek, the Ruth Bancroft Garden houses an oasis of succulents on a desert landscape. It is unlike any garden you have ever seen. What you encounter looks like a terrestrial coral reef, full of strong, hardy plants which densely cover the soil. Larger cacti, appearing in all shapes, sizes, and lethality, reach out of this armored terrain.

The garden, started by Ruth Bancroft in 1972, is home to plant and tree species originally from Europe, Africa, Arabia, both Americas, Mexico, Australia and the Mediterranean.

Meandering through the grounds is a level gravel path which gives access to all the features that the garden has to offer. Plant life spills out all around, everything free, nothing enclosed with borders or planter boxes. This helps create an organic aura.

There are also a few greenhouses which are home to potted succulents for sale at reasonable prices.  

Aside from the flora, the garden often displays sculptures and other creative works by local artists. Currently running is a program called Sculpture in the Garden which is coming to an end this weekend. If you can’t make it for the final day of the event, don’t worry — similar programs run throughout the year.

While enjoying the serene environment the heat could be the one downfall of the experience, but there are plenty of shady seats resting under natural tree umbrellas.

In fact, everything about the garden helps add to a peaceful, comfortable experience. The staff are friendly and enthused to answer any questions you may have. And, while docent-led tours are available on certain days, a self-guided tour lets you leisurely navigate the path at your own pace. Just pick up a tour book at the front entrance and you will have detailed information of the garden's plants and history.

Admission costs $10, with a discount given for students and seniors, and no charge for children under 12. Memberships are also available starting at $35 and offer unlimited access for the year.

For those interested in learning the actual gardening process, there is a workshop program, and volunteer opportunities. More information can be found at the Ruth Bancroft Garden web site.

If you don't know much about desert flora, do yourself a favor and visit Ruth Bancroft Garden; succulents are unique, strange and beautiful. You will likely want to plant some in your own garden after the experience.

At a Glance:

Ruth Bancroft Gardens
Address: 1552 Bancroft Rd., Walnut Creek
Hours: Open daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Best time to visit: Anytime, really — the garden will be spectacular regardless of the weather
Cost: $10
Great for: A memorable experience
Could be better if: You bring a camera