Local Resources

Demonstration Gardens

Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden

City block bounded by Arrellaga, Santa Barbara Garden and Micheltorena Streets, Santa Barbara

A 4.6-acre informal park emphasizing exotic flora. The planting areas are separated according to cultural conditions, ranging from boggy to arid, with a special section on low-water using plants. Plant directory is near center of the park, above the pond. Low-water using demonstration portion is southern half of garden with a interpretive sign, brochure, and plant list in the south, west corner of the garden. Open 8 am to sunset every day. Self-guided tours only.

Carpinteria Valley Water District Sustainable Garden

1301 Santa Ynez Ave, Carpinteria

Over 120 different plants on display. Brochures and plant lists are available on-site. Self guided Tours only. The Carpinteria Beautiful chose the garden for the "Lookin' Good" award. Self-guided tours only. For information, call (805) 684-2816.

Chia Nursery

6380 Via Real (down Lomita Lane - watch for sign), Carpinteria

A diverse display, including unusual low-water using plants, in front of a retail nursery. Open Monday-Saturday 8:00 am to 4:30 PM. For more information, call (805) 684-3382.

City of Lompoc Drought Tolerant Garden

1801 West Central Avenue, Lompoc

The 1/4-mile garden path features native California plants, mulch, granite pathways, and is irrigated with reclaimed water. Open sunrise to sunset every day. Call (805) 736-5083 to arrange group tours.

Firescape

2411 Stanwood Drive/Route 192 (corner of Mission Ridge Road), Santa Barbara

Located across the street from Fire Station #7, this 1.7-acre labeled model garden demonstrates how risks of wildfire can be reduced through appropriate planting of low-water using plants, irrigation, and management. Open 8 am to sunset every day. For information, call (805) 564-5703.

Goleta Water District Water-Wise Garden

4699 Hollister Avenue (corner of Puente Street), Goleta

Features many native California plants and other non-native low-water using plants. Open 8a.m. to sunset every day. To arrange a tour, call (805) 964-6761.

Manzanita Nursery's Griffin Demonstration Garden

880 Chalk Hill Road, Solvang

Features rich hues and contrasting textures of water-wise, low maintenance plants at a retail nursery. Open Fridays and Saturdays 9:00 am- 5:00 pm and by appointment during the week. For more information, call 805 688-9692.

Montecito Water District Water Wise Demonstration Garden

583 San Ysidro Road (above East Valley Road), Montecito

A labeled low-water using garden featuring a variety of Mediterranean plants. Open 8 am to sunset every day. For information, call (805) 969-2271.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

12212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara

A 65-acre garden of native plants of California, representing a variety of plant communities and important botanical and horticultural collections. The Home Demonstration Garden at the Botanic Garden is a working model of year-round water efficient landscaping for residential settings. The Garden is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm and on weekends from 9:00 am - 5:00 PM. For more information go to: Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. To arrange a tour, call (805) 682-4726.

Santa Barbara City College Garden/Chumash Point Ethnobotanic Preserve

721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara

The Lifescape Garden features a variety of low-water using and edible plants, as well as composting systems and efficient irrigation. Chumash Point emphasizes native plants from the range of the Chumash Indians. These plants have medicinal, nutritional and spiritual importance to the Chumash. Open sunrise to sunset every day. To arrange a tour, call (805) 965-0581.

Santa Maria Valley Sustainable Garden

624 W. Foster Road, Santa Maria

Demonstrates resource efficient landscaping, featuring low water using plants, efficient irrigation, lawn alternatives, composting, and use of paved areas. Self-guided tours only. Open 8:00 am to sunset. For information, call (805) 568-3546.

Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District ID#1 - Demonstration Garden

3622 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez

The District's Demonstration Garden, "Parson's Garden" (named after the late Bob Parsons who was the District Secretary to the Board for many years) includes a wide variety of drought-tolerant plants and shrubs native to the area. Pathways consist of fine crushed granite and all plants are watered using a drip system. Open from sunrise to sunset. For information, call (805) 688-6015.