Botanical Gardens
"If you can believe it, we have over 83,000 living plants here. The botanical gardens serve as the entry way to the Huntington, connecting all three of the collections; the art collections, the library collections, and the plant collections."
Themed Gardens
Botanical Living Collections
In addition to 130 acres of themed gardens, The Huntington has significant holdings of botanical living collections including orchids, cycads, and bonsai, examples of which may be found throughout the grounds. These core collections are being preserved, expanded, studied, and promoted for public appreciation, and support many areas of botanical research including conservation and cryopreservation. The collections also serve as the foundation of The Huntington's educational programming, including botanical lectures, gardening workshops and demonstrations, and plant sales.
Core Collection Highlights
New Exhibition Will Explore Art Education in Early Modern China
A new exhibition opening in October will provide visitors with the opportunity to gain insight into early art education in China through painting manuals originally published in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Five Must-See Trees at The Huntington
The Huntington’s plant collections include roughly 800 tree species that range from iconic California natives to representatives of habitats from around the world. Some are uncommon in garden settings, while others may be popular in cultivation but are outstanding individual specimens. Each has an intriguing natural and cultural history, and all are part of The Huntington’s living botanical legacy. Here are five must-see trees to appreciate during your next visit to The Huntington.
Inscribing Chinese Gardens: The Origins of Shutiaoshi 书条石 (Calligraphy Stone Slabs)
Dr. Lei Xue, Oregon State University, discusses shutiaoshi, stone slabs with engraved calligraphy that are commonly found in Chinese gardens. These stones were once made to produce compendia of ink rubbings, known as fatie, which served as copybooks for calligraphers.
Botanical Conservation & Research
In addition to 130 acres of themed gardens, The Huntington has significant holdings of botanical living collections including orchids, camellias, cycads, and bonsai, examples of which may be found throughout the grounds. These core collections are being preserved, expanded, studied, and promoted for public appreciation, and support many areas of botanical research including conservation and cryopreservation.
Exotic Plant Depository Aids in Research and Identification
The Huntington Botanical Gardens Herbarium (HNT) was founded in the 1960's by Myron Kimnach, director of the botanical gardens from 1962 to 1986. It is a depository of mostly exotic plant specimens used in research and teaching. The purpose of these specimens is to serve as documentation for research projects, and as resources for plant identification.
The 320-Year-Old Japanese Heritage Shōya House Will Open In Fall 2023
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens will open a major new feature in its renowned Japanese Garden in the fall of 2023, when the reconstruction of a 320-year-old magistrate’s (shōya) house from Marugame, Japan, will be complete. Named the Japanese Heritage Shōya House, the 3,000-square-foot residence was built around 1700 and served as the center of village life.
Protecting Our Ancient Coast Live Oak
The Huntington's Chinese Garden was completed in 2020. Although not modeled on any specific garden it follows centuries-old guidelines from Suzhou, China. Part of those traditions include preserving what's already on a chosen site. It's as important as creating new landscapes, compositions, and views. Accordingly, our Chinese Garden is distinctive for its old Coast Live Oaks native to California.