Gardens | The Huntington

Encompassing about 120 acres, the botanical gardens feature 16 stunning themed gardens. In 1903 Henry E. Huntington (1850–1927) purchased the San Marino Ranch, a working ranch about 12 miles from downtown Los Angeles with citrus groves, nut and fruit orchards, alfalfa crops, a small herd of cows, and poultry. His superintendent, William Hertrich (1878–1966), was instrumental in developing the various plant collections that comprise the foundation of The Huntington’s botanical gardens. The property—originally nearly 600 acres—today covers 207 acres, 120 of which are open to visitors and include some 15,000 different varieties of plants.

‘Huntington’s 100th’ Rose
A special variety of rose, ‘Huntington’s 100th’, provides a quintessential touch to The Huntington’s Centennial. The pastel yellow and orchid pink floribunda was hybridized by Tom Carruth, The Huntington’s E. L. and Ruth B. Shannon Curator of the Rose Collections, and is on display in the historic Rose Garden, as well as in a dedicated garden just north of the Virginia Steele Scott Galleries of American Art. The hybrid’s abundant blooms emit an intense fragrance of lemon blossom with a hint of baby powder. If you missed the rose lecture and sale on Jan. 9, the next opportunity will be at the Spring Plant Sale, April 24-26. You can also find ‘Huntington’s 100th’ at local nurseries, sometimes under the synonym, Life of the Party; they are the same rose.

Collections, Research, and Programming

In addition to 120 acres of themed gardens, The Huntington has significant holdings of botanical living collections including  orchids, camellias, cycads, and bonsai, examples of which may be found throughout the grounds. These core collections are being preserved, expanded, studied, and promoted for public appreciation, and support many areas of botanical research including conservation and cryopreservation. The collections also serve as the foundation of The Huntington’s educational programming, including botanical lectures, gardening workshops and demonstrations, and plant sales. 

What’s Blooming

There’s always something blooming at The Huntington! Check out what’s in bloom now, then visit the blooming calendar to see what’s blooming the rest of the year. 

Australian Garden

Camellia Garden

Conservatory

Herb Garden

Jungle Garden

Lily Ponds

Palm Garden

Ranch Garden

Shakespeare Garden

Subtropical Garden

Garden Sculptures and Fountains
 

Garden Sculptures & Fountains

Mausoleum

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