Ganna Walska Lotusland on Postcard

"A truly unique botanical garden founded by singer turned botanical gardener Ganna Walska. She bought the property in 1941 and over the years transformed it with the help of several world-renowned landscape designers. Today, the garden continues her work by preserving her singular designs and continually expanding the stunning collections of exotic plants from all over the world. As it’s located in a private residential neighborhood, book in advance and reserve to join a docent-led tour. Photos: Bill Dewey "

The Santa Barbara Guide

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Sullivan Israel

Google

Lotusland is truly incredible. 37 acres of meticulously kept gardens, from an expansive Japanese garden replete with waterfalls, a huge koi pond, and a pagoda, to the jaw-dropping cactus gardens which contain 50-ft tall saguaro cacti, Lotusland cannot disappoint. These gardens truly are some of the best in the world. It is impossible to see all the wonders in just one visit. I hope to go again soon!

Maree Rikys

Google

We were very fortunate to have a tour of this wonderful garden, with the interesting history of Ganna Walska included. It is a beautiful garden, very different from New Zealand gardens because of the climate. Lots of cacti and succulents, but also formal garden sections. Unfortunately the Japanese garden was closed for renovation, and we were too early in the season to see the lotus flowers. Definitely would like to revisit!

Chuck Tipton

Google

Incredibly beautiful botanical gardens, exquisite grounds and setting. Come in the morning and take your time, or afternoon and stay until closing if time allows. Bring a picnic! Wonderful, magical place. Ponds, cactus, tropical, you name it, you'll see it. What a history! A truly lovely place.

Phoebe Linden

Google

Is there a more beautiful garden anywhere? That's up for debate! Lotusland is a treasure. Madam Ganna Walska's vision, passion and determination helped create this horticultural masterpiece and the current gardeners, staff and hundreds of volunteers keep it all alive and thriving. Membership includes all kinds of wonderful perks. The new expanded Japanese garden is worth a trip! From gigantic trees to baby ladybugs, butterfly gardens to koi ponds, Lotusland is a world unto itself.

Christopher Grant

Google

Certainly worth the money the people that run this place are top notch 100% the best the gardens are spectacular. The beauty is unparalleled you won’t be disappointed and you need to see this place at least once in your life it’s worth it. I guarantee it but don’t take my word for it. You must see it for yourself. Use the website to find out how to schedule your visit, you will be amazed, and I bet even a little changed from seeing what they have in store.

Louise Taft

Google

Extremely beautiful and historic gardens on the estate. Little pocket universes of plantings from spectacular cactus to prehistoric Jurassic ferns. Newly restored meditative Japanese garden, pools surrounded by gigantic clam half shells and gleaming opalescent abalone shells. A remarkable place to visit.

David Hollander

Google

This is one of the most spectacular gardens in the world. Because of restrictions imposed by neighbors (in one of the world's wealthiest neighborhoods), only a few people can visit at a time. Do what it takes to be one of those few people.

Brenda Hatcher

Google

Left a piece my heart here but gained so much that I will carry with me forever. Docent was a sweetheart and very knowlegeable. Recommend membership for locals. IN LOVE!! 💗

Sullivan Israel

Google

Lotusland is truly incredible. 37 acres of meticulously kept gardens, from an expansive Japanese garden replete with waterfalls, a huge koi pond, and a pagoda, to the jaw-dropping cactus gardens which contain 50-ft tall saguaro cacti, Lotusland cannot disappoint. These gardens truly are some of the best in the world. It is impossible to see all the wonders in just one visit. I hope to go again soon!

Maree Rikys

Google

We were very fortunate to have a tour of this wonderful garden, with the interesting history of Ganna Walska included. It is a beautiful garden, very different from New Zealand gardens because of the climate. Lots of cacti and succulents, but also formal garden sections. Unfortunately the Japanese garden was closed for renovation, and we were too early in the season to see the lotus flowers. Definitely would like to revisit!

Chuck Tipton

Google

Incredibly beautiful botanical gardens, exquisite grounds and setting. Come in the morning and take your time, or afternoon and stay until closing if time allows. Bring a picnic! Wonderful, magical place. Ponds, cactus, tropical, you name it, you'll see it. What a history! A truly lovely place.

Phoebe Linden

Google

Is there a more beautiful garden anywhere? That's up for debate! Lotusland is a treasure. Madam Ganna Walska's vision, passion and determination helped create this horticultural masterpiece and the current gardeners, staff and hundreds of volunteers keep it all alive and thriving. Membership includes all kinds of wonderful perks. The new expanded Japanese garden is worth a trip! From gigantic trees to baby ladybugs, butterfly gardens to koi ponds, Lotusland is a world unto itself.

Christopher Grant

Google

Certainly worth the money the people that run this place are top notch 100% the best the gardens are spectacular. The beauty is unparalleled you won’t be disappointed and you need to see this place at least once in your life it’s worth it. I guarantee it but don’t take my word for it. You must see it for yourself. Use the website to find out how to schedule your visit, you will be amazed, and I bet even a little changed from seeing what they have in store.

Louise Taft

Google

Extremely beautiful and historic gardens on the estate. Little pocket universes of plantings from spectacular cactus to prehistoric Jurassic ferns. Newly restored meditative Japanese garden, pools surrounded by gigantic clam half shells and gleaming opalescent abalone shells. A remarkable place to visit.

David Hollander

Google

This is one of the most spectacular gardens in the world. Because of restrictions imposed by neighbors (in one of the world's wealthiest neighborhoods), only a few people can visit at a time. Do what it takes to be one of those few people.

Brenda Hatcher

Google

Left a piece my heart here but gained so much that I will carry with me forever. Docent was a sweetheart and very knowlegeable. Recommend membership for locals. IN LOVE!! 💗

Ganna Walska Lotusland

Ganna Walska Lotusland

Photos

Highlights

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