The 5 Best Botanical Gardens Near Danville
The world of plants is mesmerizing. From flowers that self-pollinate, fruits that burst open to disperse seeds, to leaves that close at a touch. There is an almost unimaginable amount of variety, and the adaptations, the sheer efficiency of it all makes me marvel.
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a botanist. Life led me to be a writer instead, but my love for plants has stayed. Here’s a list of some of the best botanical gardens near Danville CA – based on the plants, the sights, and the premises in general. A day out exploring them is a good day, trust me!
It’s a small place, but their collection of cacti and succulents is lovely. Succulents come in many interesting shapes and sizes, with some of them being absolutely mind-blowing. And the flowers! People often don’t realize that cacti and succulents bear flowers just like any other plant. When a cactus is in bloom, it’s a fascinating sight. The best thing about the garden is, you can get a list of all the plants that are in bloom there if you visit their website.
This is a botanical garden and event venue rolled into one. So you have beautiful flowers, interesting plant varieties and stunning wildlife (birds, butterflies, and other small insects), all set in a picturesque location. I’d call it more of a ‘general’ garden than a botanical one, but they have a science classroom where you can learn about plants and nature in general, plus educational events and youth programs. They’re open every day between 9 AM and 4 PM – yes, even during winter!
Located in Lafayette CA, LCG is more of a vegetable garden than a botanical garden. Meaning it doesn’t have interesting plants as such unless you find tomatoes and lettuce interesting. Visiting them is an educational experience, however, because you learn about sustainable gardening and water conservation practices – both of which are great for the environment. The garden opens on March 16, when the weather is pleasant and the plants are back in action. During the growing season, they also give twice-weekly tours – don’t miss those!
The area was originally wasteland used for overflow parking. Over the course of 12 years, the place was turned into a haven for plants and wildlife. They have a wonderful water conservation system in place – which helps local wildlife and the environment. They have a large variety of plants dotted around the place and roaming around exploring it is fun for children and adults alike. Just remember to not go on a particularly hot day!
This park’s in Oakland, so a bit far for most, but it has a major perk – you can take your dog with you! They need to be kept on a leash, but they’re unequivocally allowed. It’s a park rather than a ‘proper’ botanical garden, so you can roam around and have a leisurely walk (with your pup) while you observe the flora and fauna. Take some water with you, and consider bringing a magnifying glass as well. If your dog’s coming along, don’t forget to bring plastic baggies!
Bonus mention: The Pacific Orchid Exposition in San Francisco
It’s 26 miles away from Danville, but they have a truly fantastic exhibition ongoing, with intriguing (and gorgeous!) orchid varieties on display. Tickets are available at a 47% discount on Groupon! The dates are 22-24 Feb.
We hope you liked this list! Most gardens are home to an array of insects, birds, and reptiles. Young children have a lot of fun watching them and get to learn about nature. However, avoid touching creatures that can bite, sting or pinch you – because some of them may be venomous. Stay tuned for more such posts, and to find out the best (of everything!) in Danville CA.
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