History

The Ventura Botanical Gardens is in the process of becoming the treasure a small group of Ventura residents first dreamed of late in 2005. They came together to formulate plans for a world-class botanical garden showcasing and preserving native plants and providing educational, recreational and cultural enhancement for the Ventura coastal community.

Grant Park, set in the foothills above Ventura’s City Hall, presented the perfect site, with its breathtaking 360-degree view encompassing the coastline, mountains and lush agricultural greenery. The eminent landscape architectural firm of Mia Lehrer + Associates was engaged to develop our Vision Plan, and in 2011 signed a lease/option with the City of Ventura for 107 of the 109 acres of parkland. In 2015, the 40-year lease was signed to create a public/private partnership with the City of Ventura.

Field studies were completed compiling existing site conditions and a baseline environmental assessment was created. The restoration of California native plant species and acquisition of new plant specimens began. The first construction, a trail that would someday be the primary walkway through the gardens, was completed in 2012. The walkway begins behind City Hall and climbs gently for nearly a mile, providing a number of viewpoints with spectacular vistas of the city, the sea, and the Channel Islands beyond. In January of 2014, the planting of the Chilean Garden began. When complete, it will be the largest Chilean Garden in the world outside of Chile. The new Cape of South Africa/Fynbos Garden began with a dry creek bed, additional walkways, and plantings of protea and ericas. Artistic benches and sculptures enhance the gardens along with new educational signage. Additional signage, benches, stonework, and stairs are in the works.

In 2018, the Merewether Welcome Center was completed. It includes the Courtyard Gift Shop, an informational kiosk, and much-needed restrooms. In 2019, the Miriam Schwab Entrance Plaza opened, and in 2020, our new nursery was completed. In 2023,  development of the Dessication Garden above Rotary Plaza began.