Pond
The Pond
Nature Gardens
NHM's botanical wonderland features a diversity of plants that are magnets for birds, butterflies, lizards, squirrels—and humans!
Ten years ago, on June 9, 2013, we opened the Nature Gardens to the public. We bulldozed an asphalt parking lot and planted 600 species of native and nonnative plants in order to create this 3.5 acre space, mirroring the SoCal semi-arid Mediterranean climate. It was an inspired collaboration between NHM scientists and landscape architects, Mia Lehrer and Associates, who designed the Nature Gardens landscape, and a spectacular way to celebrate the Museum’s 100th birthday.
“The Nature Gardens were built as an invitation to local wildlife, through carefully selected plantings, to populate a new green space where visitors and scientists can study and experience our urban ecosystem and learn about the amazing biodiversity that surrounds us,” says Daniel Feldman, Senior Manager of Horticulture who oversees the Nature Gardens.
Encountering wildlife at the Nature Gardens can plant a seed in people. We may never discover what it grows into, but the inspiration folks take home with them has an impact on their lives and our shared home.
Discover Nature's Colorwheel
Take a turn around the gardens spaces and experience a rainbow of blooms.
Succulent aloes and perennial yarrow are colorful partners.
The dainty, pendant clusters of Marina madrone attract bees and hummingbirds.
Phacelia campanularia (California bluebell) has beautiful purple-blue flowers with purple pollen that you can see the bees carry after visiting these flowers.
Clarkia amoena are commonly known as "farewell-to-spring" as they are often the last remaining wildflower in bloom. They are also a favorite food of the larvae of various Sphinx moth species!
The jewel-like flowers of California lilacs add beauty to dry gardens and support many kinds of beneficial insects.
Butterflies visit the stunning purple flowers of Queen’s wreath, an evergreen vine from Mexico and Central America.
Before you can eat these blueberries, wait until they turn deep blue.
The tiny fruits of manzanitas (Spanish for little apples) are a valuable food source for birds and mammals.
Our pollinator meadow of California native plants is bursting with blossoms!
Create your own water-wise garden with tips from NHM horticulturists.
