Sonoma Botanical Garden

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Sonoma Botanical Garden A woodland experience where East meets West. Be inspired and refreshed by the beauty and importance of Asian and California native plants.

Enjoy a self-guided leisurely walk, reconnect with nature in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains, or find the perfect the perfect w**e country picnic spot. Rooted in a commitment to nature conservation, the Garden highlights two global biodiversity hotspots: temperate East Asia and California. The result - a distinctive experience underscoring our connection to plants and animals where you can find conservation of biodiversity in action. Always in Season, for Everyone. Whether winter vistas, spring blooms, shady summer oases, or fall colors and textures, the Garden always offers delights for the senses. A different experience - every season, every time, for everyone.

Last week, we were delighted to welcome Tony Kirkham, internationally renowned horticulturist and longtime collaborator....
10/09/2026

Last week, we were delighted to welcome Tony Kirkham, internationally renowned horticulturist and longtime collaborator. Former Head of Arboretum, Gardens & Horticulture Services at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Tony has participated in numerous Sonoma Botanical Garden expeditions across Asia, contributing to the depth and distinction of our living collection. 🌿

We honored Tony as our Special Guest at this year’s Garden Gala, where he shared his insights on the Garden’s collection of rare and endangered plants from East Asia and reflected on the importance of protecting these extraordinary plants for future generations.

Thank you, Tony!

📸 Daniel Perales

🏮✨ Winter Wonder Lantern Walks are coming to the Garden!Experience the beauty and quiet magic of the season after dark a...
10/08/2026

🏮✨ Winter Wonder Lantern Walks are coming to the Garden!

Experience the beauty and quiet magic of the season after dark as you stroll through the Garden with a glowing lantern. Discover softly shadowed pathways, towering trees, and the peaceful stillness of the winter landscape beneath the night sky.

Enjoy hot cocoa, spiced c***r, and cookies before setting out on your guided lantern walk. 🌙

📅 December 10–13 | 5:00–6:30 p.m.
🌲 $20 members | $30 non-members | $10 youth ages 17 and under
🫶 Proceeds from this seasonal fundraiser support the Garden’s collections, programs, and conservation efforts.
🌿 Advance registration required. Register here: https://sonomabg.org/visit/maple-magic-winter-wonder/ -walks

📸 Daniel Perales

Let's learn about the Polyspora axillaris, or the Fried Egg Tree! 🍳This evergreen can grow as a large shrub or small tre...
10/07/2026

Let's learn about the Polyspora axillaris, or the Fried Egg Tree! 🍳

This evergreen can grow as a large shrub or small tree to 25 feet tall. The leaves are glossy, leathery, and around three inches long. They can be attractive shrubs throughout the year, but in fall to early winter, they produce disproportionately large flowers. These white-petaled flowers are often five inches across, with bright white petals and a large, rounded cluster of bright yellow stamens in the center, very much giving the impression of an egg fried sunny side up. As the flowering season progresses, they fall off the plant, still looking fresh, as if someone has dropped a platter of fried eggs on the ground.

These are often confused with camellias, which they are related to and share the same family, Theaceae. One definitive difference is a characteristic that most people never see. The mature seeds of Polyspora species have thin membranous wings, while the seeds of Camellia species are typically rounder, and wings are never present.

This species is native to Southern China, Taiwan, and Vietnam where it is often seen growing on slopes in mixed forests and scrubland. The specimens at the Garden represent genetics from Taiwan.

Enjoy the cooler weather and join us for a guided tour led by a volunteer guide this Sunday, October 11! 🌿Immerse yourse...
10/07/2026

Enjoy the cooler weather and join us for a guided tour led by a volunteer guide this Sunday, October 11! 🌿

Immerse yourself in both the Asian and California native sections of the Garden. This is a drop-in program; there is no need to register.

📅 Sunday, October 11, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
☀️ Free for members and included with Garden admission for non-members. 🫶 Please check in at the Garden’s Welcome Center.

📸 Daniel Perales

🎨 Artists in the Garden: Realm of InspirationJoin us for a Botanical Briefing, a presentation with local art historian C...
10/02/2026

🎨 Artists in the Garden: Realm of Inspiration

Join us for a Botanical Briefing, a presentation with local art historian Craig Griffeath exploring how gardens have shaped the story of art.

From the gardens of ancient Egypt and Pompeii to Monet and Pissarro, the American Garden Movement, Victory Gardens, and the modern garden retreats of Frida Kahlo and Peggy Guggenheim, discover how the social role of gardens has evolved through the centuries.

📅 Saturday, October 24 | 12–1 p.m.
🌿 $10 members | $20 non-members. Includes Garden admission.
👉 Advance registration required: https://sonomabotanicalgarden.ticketing.veevartapp.com/tickets/view/list/botanical-briefing-artists-in-the-garden-1200-noon-100-pm

🌿 Garden Closure: Saturday, October 3The Garden will be closed on Saturday, October 3, for the Garden’s annual fundraise...
09/30/2026

🌿 Garden Closure: Saturday, October 3

The Garden will be closed on Saturday, October 3, for the Garden’s annual fundraiser, Garden Gala.

Proceeds from the Gala support the Garden’s extraordinary collection and vibrant programs.

Thank you for your understanding! We look forward to welcoming you back to the Garden on Sunday, October 4, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

A hint of fall is beginning to appear at the Garden. 🍁📸 Daniel Perales
09/28/2026

A hint of fall is beginning to appear at the Garden. 🍁

📸 Daniel Perales

Still looking for your next opportunity? 🌿We’re continuing to hire for three positions at Sonoma Botanical Garden:• Gard...
09/26/2026

Still looking for your next opportunity? 🌿

We’re continuing to hire for three positions at Sonoma Botanical Garden:

• Gardener I, Full-time
• Gardener I – Native Plants Specialist, Full-time
• Facilities Specialist, Part-time

If you’re interested in working in a beautiful garden setting and being part of a team dedicated to plants, conservation, and connecting people with the Garden, we’d love to hear from you.

Explore the positions and learn how to apply at sonomabg.org/about/careers.

🌱 Help us grow! The Garden is building its volunteer team—and a green thumb is not required!🌷 Volunteers make the Garden...
09/23/2026

🌱 Help us grow! The Garden is building its volunteer team—and a green thumb is not required!

🌷 Volunteers make the Garden bloom. If you’re interested in getting involved, complete a volunteer application today: sonomabg.org/volunteer

📅 Save the date! Learn more about volunteer opportunities and meet our team at one of our upcoming Volunteer Orientation sessions: October 16 or October 17. New applicants will receive orientation details by email after submitting their application.

📸 Daniel Perales

Address

12841 Sonoma Highway
Glen Ellen, CA
95442

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 12pm - 4pm
Saturday 12pm - 4pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm

Telephone

+17079963166

Website

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