-- By Rich Priebe --

Winter - or what passes for winter in southern California - is a great time to visit Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens (RSABG). Located Claremont, CA, it showcases 82 acres of California native plants.

Whereas many of our yards may be in respite, patiently awaiting spring's wake up call - much of this garden is already in bloom. Visitors will be pleasantly surprised to see the beauty of native plants, many that require little maintenance. 

Witness Western Redbud's violet-red

Ceanothus / California Lilac shine in the winter sun.

The creamy white blooms of the Manzanita cover much of the garden.

Island Bush Poppies display vibrant splashes of yellow.

The garden provides other types of interests as well. Sculptures are placed throughout to compliment the landscape and surrounding foliage.

“Intersections II” in a field of Deer Grass

RSABG's own sculpture… a 250 year old Coast Live Oak

Meandering paths and plenty of benches offer visitors a pleasant way to spend part of a day.

With the on going drought, and rising water costs, southern Californians should visit this garden to see water-wise options for their yards. Visitors can visit the Grow Native Nursery on site to ask questions and purchase natives for their home landscape.

Location:

1500 North   College Ave, Claremont, CA 91711

Hours:

Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. (Closed January 1, July 4, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day)

Admission:

Adults: $8, Seniors: $6, Students: $6, Children (3-12): $4, Children under 3: free, Members: Free

Grow Native Nursery:

Open Wednesday- Sunday (October-May)

Website: www.rsabg.org