humboldt botanical garden of eureka ca

This botanical garden is fairly new but is very professionally done. Be sure to check hours. The woodland garden is especially nice.

We were impressed because it is a garden in process-- run by volunteers who love it. Much has already been done. Walking through, you can share in their dream of a world class botanical garden. It was designed by an accomplished architect who clearly knew how to handle the rolling property. The magnolias, camellias and daffodils were in full bloom in mid-February, evidently a bit early. The native plant garden is skillfully laid out and aesthetic, as well as informative. Other environments include a temperate garden, heather garden, the reclaiming of a natural riparian/stream area, a demo funneling rain water through channels which end in a unique fountain, a terraced garden, along with less developed areas with lovely walking trails. They sell plants from starts in their greenhouse and host various classes and events. We walked the half mile to the modern/ancient labyrinth, appreciating the centering atmosphere. In a month or so even more plants will be blooming. Good walking shoes are helpful and there are plenty of strategically placed benches. We had allotted two hours and left reluctantly after three and many photos later. What a treat.

The gardens are a bit hard to find, and you have to read the signs carefully to figure out where to park. But once there it's a real treat and well worth the effort as well as the $5 admission (free for members of most botanical gardens around the US). There are a series of subject-organized gardens, all well cared for. Label copy is spotty, but you can just wander and enjoy. There are plenty of benches for resting or just sitting and taking it in. But the best part is to walk the 3/4 mile path to its end, past the various gardens, to the Santino "All Happy Now" earth sculpture. This marvel is a mound supporting a rising labyrinth arranged as 2 non-intersecting helixes that take you from the base to the peak of the mound in about 1/4 mile of walking. 2 people can start at the 2 different entrances and reach the top without ever crossing each other's path - a pattern known as a Fermat Spiral. A lot of fun for any age.

When we first drove up we weren't sure about the Botanical gardens, it looks fairly small and disappointing. We were so glad we ended up going in, there is much more to see beyond the parking lot and if you're up for it hike up one of the trails and you'll be rewarded with some beautiful views, well.. if it isn't too foggy.

The botanical garden displays native and exotic plants adapted to the local climate. There is a wonderful trail which winds thru so you can explore the various areas.

The Humboldt Botanical Gardens are a great way to spend some time...bring a picnic. Fantastic gardens...each very different. Great trails. Surprising views of Southern Humboldt, the Bay, the Ocean and pastures.

We traveled south of Eureka to the Botanical Gardens at the local college. It was early spring but there were several plants blooming. They have a nice collection of different varieties of Rhododendron of all color, creamy pale yellow, pinks, reds... The trails are well maintained and there was a crew of several workers doing more work. It is about 3/4 mile to the end of the trail but it takes you through woodlands and many different area. It will be spectacular in a few weeks. It is worth the hour you spend there.

This is a beautiful garden spread over many acres. You can stroll through the gardens which are full of native plants and trees, and then hike some of the numerous trails. Some of the trails will give you a spectacular view of the bay and surrounding lands. This is a very well managed and maintained area. Don't miss this one!

レッドウッドの森を抜けてたどり着いた海沿いのこじんまりした公園はとにかく心地よい開放感でした。地元の人々も家族連れで良く訪れるようで、あまりにも有名な国立公園が数多あるので、ほとんど知られていませんが、レッドウッドハイウエーを走った後は是非訪問なさると良いでしょう。