A landmark garden.

Western Hills Garden, a unique three-acre property in Occidental, California, delivers a sensory explosion of textures, colors, shapes, and sounds. It’s a stunning example of cultivated biodiversity, home to rare and important plant species, many that are nearly extinct in nature.

The garden includes five ponds, 34 bridges, a magnificent folly inspired by the British garden designer Penelope Hobhouse, rare conifers, a camellia forest, endangered Chinese maples, dozens of fern varieties, and perennial shrubs as far as the eye can see. Two garden cats named Spot and Squeaky Panchito roam the property. Abundant frogs share their songs, and river otters make the occasional appearance.

For the first time in its 60+ year history, Western Hills is currently operated as a fiscally-sponsored nonprofit botanical garden. We are part of the American Public Garden Association and the Artist Communities Alliance, and we exist to connect people of all ages to nature.

Come for a day visit, take a class or workshop, enjoy a guided tour, write, read, draw, picnic. Discover the magic of this place.