Gardens in South Bay
The Bamboo Garden was established in 1989 and contains over 70 varieties of bamboos and covers an area of two acres. Signs identify each of the bamboos from around the world and free plant maps are available. In various locations there are benches where one can sit and relax. Located in the east section of the garden is the Azumaya or meditation pavilion.
The Gardens are located high above Milpitas in the East Bay hills. They have more than 170 peony varieties and over 160 Tall Bearded Iris varieties currently under cultivation.
Overfelt Gardens is a 33 acre park that includes picnic areas, benches for viewing wildlife, restrooms, a fountain, a fragrance garden, one lake and two ponds, and a California Native Plant and Wildlife Sanctuary. The southeast section of the park includes the Chinese Cultural Garden, commemorating Sun Yat Sen, Chiang Kai shek, Confucius, and Chinese culture in general, including a large black stone, mined and shipped from the Republic of China.
The Garden is a nonprofit community horticulture foundation. There are docent led tours for groups of 8 or more with advance notice.
This is the oldest Asian and Japanese estate in the Western Hemisphere and was established in 1915. It covers 18 acres of green hills overlooking Silicon Valley with a Koi pond, lily pond, Zen garden, Moon bridge, tea garden, Wisteria arbor, water fall, Carmellia garden, bamboo garden, many different lanterns and carved stones and picnic area. Restrooms, cold drinks and tea are available.
Please click on GET FULL REVIEW to view photos and learn more about the Bay Area Older Adults Hakone Japanese Garden trip attended by BAO members.
The Heritage Rose Botannical Garden is a unique collection of 3,700 antique and modern roses. Established in 1995 through an extensive community effort, the garden contains more varieties than any other rose garden in the western hemisphere. Docent led tours for prescheduled groups can be arranged.
The Friendship Garden is a six acre garden patterned after Japans famous Korakuen Garden in Okayama (one of San Joses sister cities). The three main ponds were stocked with koi sent from Okayama in 1966. The ponds are at different elevations in the park, and are interconnected by streams.
Overfelt Gardens is a 33 acre park that includes picnic areas, benches for viewing wildlife, restrooms, a fountain, a fragrance garden, one lake and two ponds, and a California Native Plant and Wildlife Sanctuary. The southeast section of the park includes the Chinese Cultural Garden. The lake and ponds are habitat for birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and fish.
Created on-site at Stanford by artists from Papua New Guinea, the garden contains wood and stone carvings of people, animals, and magical beings that illustrate clan stories and creation myths. They have free docent-led tours the third Sunday of each month at 2 PM rain or shine.
The house was built in 1867 and restored in 1991. It is an example of Victorian Italianate architecture on the west coast. Guests are invited to stroll through the English gardens surrounding the House.
Behind the museum is about two blocks square of gardens that include roses and other flowers as well as fountains and sculptures.
The Garden was designed for Jane and Leland Stanford by landscape architect Rudolf Ulrich between 1881 and 1883. Selections from the Cacti family include columnar, barrel and monstrose forms. Selections of succulents include Aloes, Crassulas and rosette forming Agaves.
This 5.5 acre Rose Garden has large beds of about 190 varieties of mostly modern roses. It was established in the mid 1930s. Enjoy colorful, showy blooms throughout the April to November season. A favorite time to visit though is early May when the acres of fragrant, majestic roses are at their most beautiful stage.
Villa Montalvo Arboretum is 137 acres located behind the Montalvo Art Center in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. It is managed by Santa Clara County Parks who maintains the woodland hiking trails and gardens.