Ganna Walska Lotusland

Lotusland is a globally reknowned (and locally treasured) 37-acre estate and botanic garden situated in the foothills of Montecito, California. It is home to more than 3,000 different plants from around the world. The estate gardens were created by Madame Ganna Walska, who owned the property from 1941 until her death in 1984. The fascinating life and career of Madame Ganna Walska culminated with 43 years of designing unusual display gardens with exotic plants. In her writings she described herself as “an enemy of the average” – truly a woman of unique accomplishments, philosophies and imagination. Lotusland is home to several extraordinary collections including rare cycads, cacti, palms and euphorbias. Additional gardens feature ferns, aloes, lotuses, water lilies, bromeliads and cactus garden with more than 300 species.
Lotusland’s philosophies addresses the ecology of the garden, employing management practices that promote the health of the individual plants and the garden as a whole.
Because Lotusland is a public garden operating in a private, residential neighborhood, advance reservations are required. Tours are offered at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday between February 15 and November 15. Admission fee is charged. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 805-969-9990