I love the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. It is a wonderful community asset, consisting of 127 acres of natural landscapes, gardens and historic structures. The Arboretum’s mission is to cultivate natural, horticultural, and historic resources for learning, enjoyment, and inspiration.

History

In 1875, Elias Jackson “Lucky” Baldwin purchased Rancho Santa Anita and began constructing and renovating on the property. In 1880, Baldwin imported peafowl from India…beautiful peacocks can still be seen roaming the grounds today. After building the Coach Barn, Queen Anne’s Cottage, and deepening the lake basin, Lucky Baldwin passed away at his adobe home in 1909. In 1947, the state of California and the county of Los Angeles jointly purchased the property around the Baldwin historic site. And on January 9, 1955, the Arboretum formally opened to the public for the first time.

Gardens & Horticulture

Home to plant collections from around the world (including endangered and rare species), you’ll find nearly 30 unique gardens, ponds and groves covering the grounds. The Rose Garden features elegant pergolas and arbors, and the Aquatic Garden flows with gentle pools and a picture worthy waterfall. Herb gardens showcase shrubs and herbs sourced for medicine, spices and textiles. Creative ideas for plants and landscapes for Southern California are on display here, as well as unique varieties from the far ends of the earth, including those indigenous to Africa, Australia and Madagascar.

Historic Structures

The Arboretum is home to four prominent historic structures, including the original Reid-Baldwin Adobe (currently under renovation). The Adobe was constructed in 1840 and belonged to Don Perfecto Hugo Reid, the first private owner of the 13,319 acre Rancho Santa Anita.

The Santa Anita Depot, which was moved here from its original location less than a mile north of the arboretum, offers tours Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays.

The Queen Anne Cottage only opens its doors for interior tours a few days a year, but the exterior and surrounding grounds make it worth a visit.

Farm and blacksmith tools are always on display for all guests to enjoy inside the historic Coach Barn, where Lucky Baldwin housed his private carriages. You’ll even find a matching dog house that the ranch bull mastiffs called home.

Activities & Events

The beautiful gardens and historic structures are not the only reason to visit. Whether you want to try your hand at oil painting or goat yoga in the garden, the Arboretum offers something for everyone. From tai chi and forest bathing, to family night hikes and nature camp for the kids, every month there are a wide range of activities happening here. The Arboretum Library is also not to be missed if your interested in exploring a comprehensive collection of resources on gardening, botany, California native plant life, and environmental issues. December also welcomes the Moonlight Forest, a wonderful and multi cultural lighting display. See more details about this here and make sure to use code MoonlightForestFan for a 10 discount at arboretum.org.